Course overview
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the active process of 'doing theology' in the Catholic tradition, in educational settings, through the critical examination of core theological topics, bringing together contemporary human experience, questions and challenges into personal and communal dialogue with this Catholic tradition. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of the nature, history and expressions of Catholic theology, especially in its post-Vatican II contemporary contexts. Theological anthropology highlights contemporary understandings of the human person as created in the image of God and radically open to personal and communal relationship with the God of Jesus Christ. Images and concepts of God are explored and critiqued. The context, mission and message of Jesus are examined, prior to consideration of the community of the Church: its origins in First Century Judaism, its rapid early growth and its contemporary expressions and challenges. The course also considers the vital implications of these elements of theology for contemporary Catholic school settings including Religious Education programs.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse key themes of contemporary theology and explain current Catholic perspectives on revelation, faith and culture.
- Engage in theological reflection, analysis and dialogue through the articulation of questions, discussion and personal interaction with the Catholic theological tradition.
- Analyse the development of Christian beliefs about God in their historical contexts and explain the limitations of human language and concepts in theological discourse.
- Utilise skills of Biblical interpretation that are consistent with Catholic Church teaching.
- Apply theological perspectives to the content and pedagogy of Religious Education in Catholic schools.
- Apply theological perspectives to a range of critical educational challenges facing Catholic schools (for example: ecological conversion, social justice, consumerism, catechesis).
- Evaluate the significance of the 'good news of God's salvation' for our contemporary cultures and especially for the identity and mission of Catholic school communities.