Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE HPA2820

 
TITLE The Church's International Relations

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 2

 
DEPARTMENT Church History, Patrology and Palaeochristian Archaeology

 
DESCRIPTION Objective:

The main objective of the study is the Church's relation to the world of politics on the international level. In order to be able to understand the aspect of the Church's mission, this the Church's involvement in international relations, through the Holy See's diplomatic activity, would be considered.

A brief look at what international relations to-day involves is a necessary background to the Holy See's activity. The Church's legal instruments used in its dealing in international relations are also studied: the development from Concordats to Agreements. The Church's principles, which govern its international relations, are analysed: human rights and the dignity of the human person; solidarity; subsidiarity; religious freedom, peace. The Church's relation with the UN and its position regarding certain global issues during the World Conferences of Vienna, Cairo, Beijing, Rio and Johannesburg is studied. Regional issues, viz. the Church and European integration as well as the Holy See's Middle East policy, are also dealt with.


Reading List:

  • CIPROTTI Pio, The Holy See: Its Function, Form and Status in International Law, in Concilium, 8/6 (October 1970) 63-73.

  • ROUXEL Jean-Yves, Le Saint-Siege Sur La Scene International, Paris 1998.

  • RIEDMATTEN H., The Part Played by the Holy See in International Organizations, in Concilium vol.8/6 (October 1970) 74-93.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment See note below Yes 100%
Note: Assessment due will vary according to the study-unit availability.

 
LECTURER/S Nicholas Joseph Doublet

 

 
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Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit