Content

This unit introduces students to the meaning, purpose, methods and content of theology in the Catholic tradition. It examines those elements which together constitute a balanced and comprehensive engagement in the search for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith. The unit will consider several theological themes. Particular attention will be given to the Second Vatican Council's understanding of revelation, faith, scripture, tradition, and the teaching office of the Church. The unit offers students the opportunity to reflect theologically on the Christian faith and to apply the theological reflection to the Church's mission in the Australian multi-religious and non-religious context. (This unit may be offered in blended mode.)

Unit code: CT1100C

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the purpose and practice of theology in the Catholic tradition..

2.

Explain key theological themes within the Catholic faith tradition.

3.

Identify and give an informed account of some key topics of Catholic theology, as presented by the Second Vatican Council, showing awareness of historical and systematic development, and relevance to the Australian Church context.

4.

Apply learning to produce a written presentation of a theological topic, demonstrating critical understanding and application of knowledge, accurate use of appropriate sources, and sound academic writing skills.

Pedagogy

The pedagogical approaches in this unit include a variety of approaches – interactive-mode lectures, peer discussion, exploratory workshops, and electronic resources for further study.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bevans, Stephan B. An Introduction to Theology in Global Perspective. Theology in Global Perspective. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2009.
  • Gaillardetz, Richard A. By What Authority? A Primer on Scripture, the Magisterium, and the Sense of the Faithful Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2003.
  • International Theological Commission, “Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria.” Origins 41, no. 40 (15 March 2012): 641–661.
  • Johnson, Luke T. The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters. New York: Doubleday, 2003.
  • Lennan, Richard, ed. An Introduction to Catholic Theology. New York: Paulist, 1998.
  • Nichols, Aidan. The Shape of Catholic Theology: An Introduction to its Sources, Principles, and History. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1991.
  • O’Collins, Gerald. Rethinking Fundamental Theology: Towards a New Fundamental Theology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
  • Rausch, Thomas P. Systematic Theology: A Roman Catholic Approach. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016.
  • Schneiders, Sandra M. The Revelatory Text: Interpreting the New Testament as Sacred Scripture. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1999.
  • Wicks, Jared. Doing Theology. New York: Paulist, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Document Study 1000 20.0
Essay 2000 50.0
Written Examination

1-hour written examination

1000 30.0

Variant 2

Document Study - First Document Study

Document Study (1000 words)

1000 25.0
Document Study - Second Document Study

Document Study (1000 words)

1000 25.0
Essay - Essay

Essay (2000 words)

2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Jul, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-07-19 13:44:39 +1000