Masters Capstone Unit: Theological Synthesis (XT9900C)

Postgraduate, 48.0 points

Content

The aim of this capstone unit is to assist students to demonstrate a sensitivity for, and a familiarity with, the overall structure of Catholic teaching, by producing a written synthesis of Catholic theology. Students will draw on previous studies in these areas of systematic theology: Revelation, Ecclesiology, the Theology of God, Christology, Trinity, Grace and Original Sin, Eucharist and the other Sacraments, Eschatology, Mariology and Christian Moral Response. The synthesis will demonstrate the interrelationship of these topics, their rational support, their foundation in the scriptures, and, as appropriate, their relevance to the culture and pastoral challenges of today's world.

Unit code: XT9900C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 48.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Capstone

Unit discipline: Capstone Other T

Delivery Mode: Supervised

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the major themes of the Catholic faith as transmitted through scripture, tradition and the magisterium.

2.

Elaborate on the connections among these themes, thereby displaying an understanding of the hierarchy of truths within the unity of the Catholic faith.
3.

Apply a sound awareness of the Catholic faith to concrete cultural and pastoral realities.
4.

Critically engage in informed theological reflection on issues arising from the synthesis in an oral examination.
5.

Demonstrate significant skills in critical thinking, and the sound interpretation of both primary and secondary sources.

Unit sequence

May only be undertaken within the final two semesters of the Master of Theology (Coursework) or Master of Theological Studies

Pedagogy

This Capstone Unit encourages students to construct an integrated and mission-oriented account of the Church’s faith. In regular consultation with a Supervisor, they take responsibility for producing an integrative essay, sensitive to the insights and challenges of the secular world.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Edwards, Denis. How God Acts: Creation, Redemption and Special Divine Action. Hindmarsh: ATF Theology, 2010.
  • Farris, Joshua R. and Charles Taliaferro, eds. The Ashgate Research Companion to Theological Anthropology. London: Routledge, 2017.
  • Fiorenza, Francis S., and John P. Galvin, eds. Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2011.
  • Hauke, Manfred. Introduction to Mariology. Translated by Richard Chonak. Washington D.C: The Catholic University of America Press, 2021.
  • Irwin, Kevin W. Models of the Eucharist. New York: Paulist Press, 2005.
  • Johnson, Elizabeth A. Consider Jesus: Waves of Renewal in Christology. New York: Crossroad, 1991.
  • Lane, Dermot A. Keeping Hope Alive: Stirrings in Christian Theology. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 1996.
  • Mansini, Guy. Ecclesiology. Washington D.C: The Catholic University of America Press, 2021.
  • O' Collins, Gerald, and Mario Farrugia. Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
  • Schneiders, Sandra. The Revelatory Text : Interpreting the New Testament As Sacred Scripture. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay (a written synthesis (14,000 words inc. footnotes)

 14000 80.0
Oral Examination

Oral examination of 30 minutes duration with two examiners

2000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 19 Jul, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-07-19 13:51:33 +1000