Contents of the Programme
Contents of the Programme
Module 1. Science and Religion. (MAER 0120)(20 credits)
This opening module will look at creation and science in a way that will give the student an ever deepening appreciation of the wonder and complexity of our universe. It will deal with themes like: the nature of science, creation and cosmic evolution, the origin and evolution of life. It will discuss the implications of these themes for Christian faith. It also includes an empirical dimension whereby the students begin to identify and study life forms with the aid of the microscope.
Presenter: John Feehan
John is a senior lecturer in the School of Biology at University College Dublin. A geologist and biologist by training, he has been described as Ireland's leading researcher into landscape history and meaning.
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Module 2. The Ecological State of our Planet and Country.
(MAER0220) (20 credits)
This module will look at some of the most pressing ecological challenges globally and nationally. The themes will include, among others, global warming, the threats to water, land and biodiversity, and the waste crisis.
Presenter: Sean McDonagh
Sean is a Columban missionary priest who spent over 20 years on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. He is also an anthropologist and has written extensively on issues like environment, development and religion.
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Module 3. The New Cosmology as a basis for Ecological Thinking and Action. (MAER 0320) (20 credits)
This module will offer an introduction to the story of the universe as a new transforming context of our lives. This new story, which in a special way is associated with the writings of Thomas Berry is grounded in the scientific discoveries of the past 400 years and the wisdom of many religious traditions.
Presenter: Margaret Twomey
Margaret is a Mercy Sister from Co. Cork. She is working full-time at Pairc a Tobair, - an earth community established by the Sisters of Mercy, Southern Province where the focus is on learning to live in a compassionate harmony with all of creation. She has completed her MA in Theology in 2006.
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Module 4. Ecology and the Bible. (MAER 0420) (20 credits)
Many people think that the Biblical tradition is excessively human centered and, therefore, has little to offer in terms of developing a new relationship between humans and the rest of creation. This module will look at the Biblical tradition both in the Old Testament and New Testament to see what this tradition has to offer in terms of developing a new respect for the earth.
Presenter: Sean Freyne
Sean is a biblical scholar who has taught scripture in Ireland, the United States and Australia for the past 35 years. At present, he is retired Professor of Theology at Trinity College, Dublin. He is also a well-respected commentator on contemporary religious questions.
Module 6. Ecology and Ethics. (MAER 0620) (20 credits)
This module will examine the adequacy of various Western ethical traditions in dealing with the contemporary ecological crisis. It will also explore how to develop a more adequate moral framework for dealing with ecological issues.
Presenter: Eamonn Sheridan
Eamonn is a Columban missionary priest who has worked for almost 20 years in Taiwan. He is a moral theologian with direct experience of many contemporary moral challenges.
Module 7. Ecology and Economics. (MAER 0720) (credits)
This module will look at the complex relationship between an economic and ecological understanding of the world. It will examine the terrible toll that the current economic system has taken on the life systems of the planet and it explore how economic affairs might be organized in a different, less destructive way.
Presenter: Richard Douthwaite
Richard has worked as a journalist before studying economics at the University of Essex and the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. His book, The Growth Illusion: How Economic Growth Enriched the Few, Impoverished the Many and Endangered the Planet, was published in 1992 and was re-issued in an extended and up-dated second edition in 1999.
Module 8. Ecofeminism (MAER 0820) (credits 20)
Many contemporary writers on ecology see a parallel between the way Western society treat women and nature. This is often used as a justification for the domination of women. The course will analyze and attempt to overcome the classical dualisms between nature and reason which is at the heart of the Western philosophical tradition. It will attempt to replace it with a healthier, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be human in the contemporary world.
Presenter: Gail Grossman-Freyne
Gail works in practice as a psychotherapist and mediator. She has a particular interest in feminist theology and also in developing a feminist model for couple therapy.
Module 9. The Burren Study Week. (MAER 0920) (20 credits)
The Burren is famous for its rich biodiversity, geology and archaeology. This week in the Burren with John Feehan provides the students with first-hand experience of the flora and fauna of this extraordinary place. It also introduces them to the various human communities which have lived in the Burren and how the natural world shaped their religious experience and celebrations.
Module 10. Ecology and Theology (MAER 1020) (20 credits)
This module will investigate how the ecological crisis is viewed from a Christian/Theological perspective using the insights of Bernard Lonergan SJ.
Presenter: Brendan Lovett
Brendan Lovett is a Columban priest, who has worked most of his life in the Philippines. He studied theology in Germany and is an expert on Bernard Lonergan.
Modules
Each module envisages 20 hours contact with the presenter. Each of these modules consists of 20 credits. To complete Part One of the course, students will have to attend six of the modules. As well as attending the modules, the student will also be expected to complete a 5,000 word essay from the six chosen modules. Having successfully completed the 6 modules (Part One) totalling 120 credits, a 20,000 word dissertation (60 credits) on a topic relating to the course will also be required to obtain the MA. Before commencement of the dissertation, the academic course director, Fr Sean McDonagh must be consulted. This is to ensure that a suitable topic is chosen.
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