Social Doctrine of the Church Online Course

The course is organized in twelve modules, each designed to cover a fundamental aspect of the Social Doctrine of the Church. The modules will be developed over 12 weeks, with a time load of approximately 5-6 hours per week.

Module 1: Introduction to the Social Doctrine of the Church

Objective: To present an overview of the DSI, its importance and relevance for Christian and social life.

Contents:

• Definition and purpose of ISD
• Brief history of DSI
• The DSI and its relation to the mission of the Church

Module 2: Biblical Foundations of ISD

Objective: To explore the biblical and theological bases of the DSI.

Contents:

• Creation and human dignity
• Preferential option for the poor
• Justice and peace in the Bible
• The Kingdom of God and its social implication

Modules 3-5: History and Key Documents of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Objective: To study the most important documents that have shaped the ISD.

Contents:

• Rerum Novarum (Leo XIII)
• Quadragesimo Anno (Pius XI)
• Mater et Magistra (John XXIII)
• Pacem in Terris (John XXIII)
• Populorum Progressio (Paul VI)
• Laborem Exercens (John Paul II)
• Centesimus Annus (John Paul II)
• Caritas in Veritate (Benedict XVI)
• Laudato Si’ (Francis)

Module 6: Ethics and Social Doctrine of the Church

Objective: To study the ethical foundations that have shaped the ISD.

Contents:

• Bioethics and family ethics
• Social justice
• Ecology and care of creation
• Economic ethics

Modules 7-9: Basic Principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Objective: To know and deepen in the fundamental principles that sustain the DSI.

Contents:

• Dignity of the human person
• Common good
• Solidarity
• Subsidiarity
• Participation
• Universal destination of assets

Module 10: The Social Doctrine of the Church and Human Rights

Objective: To analyze the relationship between ISD and human rights.

Contents:

• ISD and the promotion of human rights
• Human dignity and fundamental rights
• The role of the Church in the defense of human rights

Modules 11-12: Practical Applications of the Social Doctrine of the Church: Value and relevance for the mission of the Church

Objective: To promote the practical application of the ISD in different contexts.

Contents:

• The DSI in the social pastoral
• Community and sustainable development projects
• The DSI and the family
• Education and formation in DSI