Human Sexuality (DT9020C)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit explores human sexuality within the Catholic theological tradition as an integral, relational dimension of the human person which is at the core of all Christian vocations. The unit examines biblical foundations, patristic and medieval insights, and developments in modern magisterial teaching, including the theology of Pope John Paul II and recent papal documents. Key topics include marriage and family, consecrated life, sexuality and virtue, same-sex attraction and discipleship, safeguarding, domestic violence, and sexuality education, integrating doctrinal, ethical, and pastoral perspectives.

Unit code: DT9020C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Moral Theology

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse key developments in Christian and Catholic teaching on human sexuality from biblical to contemporary sources.
2.

Critically elaborate on a theological anthropology of sexuality as relational, embodied, and vocational.
3.

Critically evaluate Catholic teachings on marriage, family, and celibacy in contemporary contexts.
4.

Critically apply Church teaching pastorally to complex issues related to sexuality, gender, abuse, and accompaniment in contemporary settings.

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Boswell, John. Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality. University of Chicago Press, 2015.
  • Cahill, Lisa Sowle. Sex, Gender, and Christian Ethics. Cambridge University Press, 2013.
  • Francis. Amoris Laetitia. Apostolic Exhortation. Vatican City, 2016.
  • Lee, Patrick, and Robert P. George. Body-Self Dualism in Contemporary Ethics and Politics. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
  • Rubio, Julie Hanlon. Marriage and Family: A Christian Theological Foundation. Georgetown University Press, 2023.
  • Salzman, Todd A., and Michael G. Lawler. Sexuality: A Catholic Perspective. Georgetown University Press, 2012.
  • Spong, John Shelby. Living in Sin? A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality. HarperOne, 2017.
  • Thatcher, Adrian, ed. The Oxford Handbook of Theology, Sexuality, and Gender. Oxford University Press, 2015.
  • Wojtyła, Karol. Love and Responsibility. Ignatius Press, 2013.
  • West, Christopher. Theology of the Body for Beginners. Rev. ed. Pauline Books & Media, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Seminar or Tutorial

1500-word equivalent seminar presentation + 5 minute oral defence

 1500 20.0
Essay

A 3000-word essay.

To include an annotated bibliography and reflection on research and use of AI tools if any.

 3000 40.0
Critical Review

A 3000-word critical review.

To critically review three different Catholic sexuality education programs and evaluate them in light of what is learned in class.

 3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 18 Sep, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-09-18 08:29:18 +1000