DT3350 —

Christianity, Economics And Social Transformation (=AS3/4350)

2nd semester Thursday evening Crosslisted as AS3350 (Min. No. 6)

Content

This unit will investigate the ethical basis of economics, major issues in social transformation, and the responses from the churches. It will explore the relationships between religious belief, morality and economics, and the role of values in the social sciences. The unit will also outline alternative policies in global economic development, evaluating them from a moral perspective.

Prerequisites

One unit at level two in Moral Theology

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. analyse critically the key texts in the philosophy of economics and debates in economic development
2. demonstrate an ability to evaluate and critique the economic arguments examined in the course
3. demonstrate understanding of the moral principles involved in economic activity
4. produce in written form a sustained argument about the moral dimensions of an economic issue and its consequences for social and economic policy
5. evaluate the responsibilities of the churches in relation to contemporary economic debates.

Assessment

2500 word essay (40%); 3500 word essay (60%)

Bibliography

Atherton, John. Transfiguring Capitalism: An Enquiry into Religion and Global Change. London: SCM Press, 2008.

Barrera, Albino. Economic Compulsion and Christian Ethics. New York: Cambridge University Press , 2007.

Cavanagh, John, and Jerry Mander, eds. Alternatives to Economic Globalization. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler, 2004.

Coleman, John A., and William F. Ryan, eds. Globalization and Catholic Social Thought: Present Crisis, Future Hope. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2005.

Forrester, Duncan B. Beliefs, Values and Policies: Conviction Politics in a Secular Age. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1989.

Gorringe, Timothy. Fair Shares: Ethics and the Global Economy. London: Thames and Hudson, 1999.

Hollenbach, David. The Global Face of Public Faith: Politics, Human Rights, and Christian Ethics. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2003.

Hornsby-Smith, Michael P. An Introduction to Catholic Social Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006.

Nardoni, Enrique. Rise up, O Judge: A Study of Justice in the Biblical World. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2004.

Preston, Ronald H. Religion and the Ambiguities of Capitalism. Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, 1993.

Sachs, Jeffrey. The End of Poverty: How We Can Make It Happen in Our Lifetime. London: Penguin, 2005.

Stiglitz, Joseph E. Making Globalization Work: The Next Steps to Global Justice. London: Allen Lane, 2006.

Lecturer

Bruce Duncan CSsR