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    Overview

    An examination of public theology’s contribution to social justice, through case studies of contemporary public issues, such as poverty, family violence, human trafficking, and environmental stewardship.

    What is 'social justice' and how is this term understood within the Christian theological tradition? How does Christian theology understand and respond to the concerns of the 'Other'? This paper employs the metaphor of hospitality to offer a critical and constructive theological ethic which responds to local, national and global justice issues. Topics addressed include: antisemitism and Islamophobia; racism and civil rights; global refugees and asylum-seekers; human-trafficking and slavery; the criminal justice system.

    About this paper

    Paper title Public Theology and Social Justice
    Subject Christian Thought and History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Semester 1 (Distance learning)
    Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $981.75
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 200-level CHTH or CHTX paper
    Restriction
    CHTH 420
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Theology
    Eligibility
    Any student can study Theology, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
    Contact

    Dr Andrew Shepherd - andrew.shepherd@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Dr Andrew Shepherd

    Paper Structure
    Assessment:
    • Two essays (2,000 words) - 30% each
    • One essay (3,000 words) - 40%
    Teaching Arrangements

    Thirteen 2-hour videoconferences throughout the semester.

    Textbooks

    No textbook required.

    Course outline

    View the latest course outline here

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Research, Self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper at 300-level will be able to

    • Offer a theological account of the concept of 'social justice'
    • Demonstrate an understanding of a selection of justice issues within contemporary society
    • Describe how a theological ethic of hospitality frames contemporary justice issues
    • Describe how a theological ethic of hospitality may shape the actions of the Church in response to a contemporary justice issue
    • Outline how the principles of a theological ethic of hospitality may be applied to public policy in response to a contemporary justice issue

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught through Distance Learning
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-14:50 9-13, 15-22
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