SMCE3004 S26 Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching

• Delivery: Online
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Day of the week: Tuesdays
• Date: Tuesday June 23 – Tuesday July 28, 2026
• Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Online via Zoom
• Cost: $150 (includes HST) **15% discount available to alumni of the University of St. Michael’s College and seniors 65+
• Level of Interfaith Dialogue (for learners taking the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue): Dialogue of Deeds

Course Overview

This foundational course introduces learners to the key principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and their relevance to today’s most pressing moral, social, and ecological challenges. Through guided readings, discussion, and reflection, participants will explore central themes such as human dignity, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, and care for creation. Emphasizing practical application, the course connects Catholic social thought with real-world contexts—from economic justice to environmental stewardship—equipping learners to integrate CST into professional, community, and personal decision-making.

SMCE3004 is an elective course within the Diploma in Interfaith Dialogue. Learners who wish to complete this program can learn more on our website. Enrolment in this course is open to all learners.

Method of Instruction

This online course incorporates a variety of instructional methods, including comparative text analysis, seminar-style discussions, and lectures enriched with multimedia content. Assessment tasks are specifically designed for adult continuing education learners, providing opportunities to demonstrate mastery of key course concepts in a format that aligns with their educational needs and professional goals.

Learning Outcomes

In this course, learners will:

• Critically Reflect on Personal and Social Impacts of Religion
• Apply Interfaith Perspectives to Social Action
• Identify the key principles, encyclicals, and papal teachings that form the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching.
• Recall major historical moments and figures (e.g., Rerum Novarum, Laudato Si’, Fratelli Tutti) that shaped modern CST.
• Describe key scriptural or doctrinal references from Catholicism that support principles of peace, hospitality, or mutual respect.
• Formulate a set of actions that you can pragmatically do in your life to advance interfaith understanding and collaboration.

About the Instructor

Sr. Carla Maria Thomas OP is a Dominican Sister in the Congregation of St. Catherine of Siena of Étrépagny – an apostolic community within the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans). She has a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) and a PhD in Theological Studies from the University of St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto. Sr. Carla works at the intersection of systematic and pastoral theologies, specializing in ecclesiology and Catholic family teaching. Her doctoral research focused on the theological contributions of Pope Francis for renewing the Church’s ministry to families in contexts marked by colonial legacies. Her academic interests include Vatican II, Ecumenism, Decoloniality, and Church Renewal and Reform. She has shared her work at conferences in Canada, the United States and Italy. With an active interest in adult education, Sr. Carla has served as a workshop facilitator and speaker at faith formation seminars for the laity in both Toronto and the Caribbean.

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