Catholic Social Teaching

This pastoral theology course serves as an introduction to Catholic Social Teaching and to practical methods for participating in social ministry in the Church today. Through participation in the course, students will be able to identify basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching drawn from Scripture and magisterial documents, apply these principles to activity for justice in their parish and local communities, and differentiate between social justice and charitable works.

Course Content

Unit 1

• Introduction to Social Ministry and Catholic Social Teaching

Unit 2

• Putting the Teaching to Practice: The Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Unit 3

• Social Analysis: Putting Catholic Social Teaching to Work

Unit 4

• Political Responsibility: Faithful Citizenship

Unit 5

• Addressing Global Poverty

Course Format

• Six weeks in duration, with one week for orientation.
• Typically 15-20 students in each course.
• Lectures delivered by video player.
• Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration of topic, internet links provided for all readings.
• Written assignments (150-200 words) required.
• Facilitator moderated Zoom sessions with students in course.

Required Texts

• All course materials are available online in the course.

Participation Requirements

• View or read the lecture for each unit.
• Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussion.
• Participate in the class discussion using the Forums area: post at least 2 comments, questions, or responses per unit.
• Respond to the assignment in each unit.
• Participate in at least 3 scheduled Zoom sessions throughout the course.
• Complete the course evaluation.

Time Expectations

4 to 6 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.

Course Certificate

A certificate of completion awarding 30 contact hours will be sent upon completion of all course requirements.