Dec 12, 2024  
2020-2021 Saint Joseph’s College Online Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Saint Joseph’s College Online Catalog [Archived Catalog]

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TH 581 - Catholic Social Teaching


An examination of the historical development and theological foundations of the social teaching of the Catholic Church with a review of the major Church documents that relate to the civil, economic, social, and political challenges of contemporary society.

Course Learning Objectives
  • Define Catholic social thought and its sources within the Roman Catholic tradition
  • Summarize the seven themes within Catholic social thought as described by the USCCB
  • Compare the origins of Catholic social thought within the papal thoughts of Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI
  • Develop an understanding of several prominent papal encyclicals that have contributed to Catholic social teachings
  • Assess contemporary controversial issues that involve Catholic social thought and American culture, such as abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, and immigration, among others
  • Discuss the role and influence of Catholic social thought on public policy issues, such as health care provisions, military interventions, the economy, etc.
  • Discuss the USCCB’s voice in all these matters


Credits: 3

Offered: December and June



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