Foundations of Religious Education (DR8603Y)

Postgraduate, 16.0 points

Content

This unit examines foundational issues concerning the nature, purpose, context and practice of religious education in the Catholic Christian tradition. The focus is on Catholic schooling in Australia and is informed by church documents, clarification of current terminology used in regard to religious education, and an explanation of the sources of revelation. Participants are introduced to the history of Catholic schooling in Australia and to the work of contemporary theorists of religious education. While emphasising the importance of Catholic identity and the roles of prayer, ritual, liturgy and social justice in the maintenance of that identity, there is also an exploration of the possibilities of enrichment through interfaith dialogue.

Unit code: DR8603Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 16.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Religious Education

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate an understanding of the nuances of meaning in the term “religious education” and of the critical role played by context in the delivery of religious education
2.

Identify and explain the roles of Scripture, Tradition and experience in the processes of religious education
3.

Demonstrate knowledge of the social, political and religious context that gave rise to Catholic schools and of their evolution to the present
4.

Recognise, explain and assess the possibilities of some contemporary approaches to “religious education”

5.

Identify the roles of prayer, ritual, liturgy and social justice in the maintenance of Catholic identity and mission and the possibilities of enrichment through interfaith dialogue

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: 1st year of GCTRE

Pedagogy

Intensive: Face to face Two sessions of two days

Indicative Bibliography

  • Archdiocesan and Diocesan Religious Education texts* (Melbourne, Ballarat, Sale).
  • Benjamin, Anne, and Dan Riley, eds. Catholic Schools: Hope in Uncertain Times. Mulgrave, VIC: John Garratt Publishing, 2008.
  • D’Orsa, Jim and Therese. Catholic Curriculum: A Mission to the Heart of Young People. Mulgrave, Vic: Vaughan Publishing, 2012.
  • Green, Michael. Now With Enthusiasm: Charism, God’s Mission and Catholic School’s Today. BBI – The Australian Institute of Theological Education Mission and Education Series. Mulgrave: Vaughan Publishing, 2018.
  • Groome, Thomas H. Faith for the Heart: A “Catholic” Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 2019.
  • Groome, Thomas H. Will there be Faith? A New Vision for Educating and Growing Disciples. New York, NY: HarperOne, 2011.
  • Maher, Anthony, and Bob Stanley. Educating Hearts: Seven Characteristics of a Good School*. Strathfield: St Pauls Publications, 2013.
  • National Catholic Education Commission. Framing Paper: Religious Education in Catholic Schools. Sydney: NCEC, 2018.
  • Pollefeyt, Didier, and Jan Bouwens. Identity in Dialogue: Assessing and Enhancing Catholic School Identity: Research Methodology and Research Results in Catholic Schools in Victoria, Australia. Zürich: LIT Verlag, 2014.
  • Ryan, Maurice. A Common Search: The History and Forms of Religious Education in Catholic Schools. Hamilton, QLD: Lumino Press, 2007.
  • Taylor, Tony. Class Wars: Money, Schools and Power in Modern Australia. Melbourne: Monash University Publishing, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay 2000 50.0
Essay 2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 4 Sep, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000