Content

This unit elaborates an understanding of the origin, existence and destiny of the human person, according to a range of scriptural, patristic, philosophical and theological perspectives of the Christian tradition. Within the Christological hermeneutic of the Second Vatican Council’s Gaudium et spes, the unit will explore the biblical understanding of humanity’s creation in the image of God and recreation in the communion of the Trinity through the paschal mystery of Christ. This will include an outline of the historical elaboration of the language and meaning of grace and sin in the context of God’s relationship with humanity. Finally, the significance of Mary in the Catholic tradition will be examined, as one who is perceived, in the light of Christ, as an exemplar of graced human existence and destiny.

Unit code: CT3220C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify fundamental themes of Genesis 1–11 and show how they contribute to a Christian anthropology.

2.

Explain and critically assess the contribution to a Christian anthropology of some key concepts from the philosophical tradition relating to the human person.

3.

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theological topics of grace and original sin, with critical awareness of key factors and select thinkers in the historical development of these topics in Catholic and Protestant traditions.

4.

Explain and critically evaluate the role and significance of key Marian teachings in a Christian understanding of human life in Christ.

5.

Produce a written presentation of a theological topic, demonstrating critical understanding and application of advanced knowledge, accurate use of appropriate sources and research skills and sound academic writing skills.

Unit sequence

CT1100C, CT1110C, CT2201C and CT2202C, or equivalent

Pedagogy

Option A: Learners will engage with weekly lecture input, directed reading activities, facilitated peer discussions, electronic resources, and formative feedback, to achieve the learning outcomes.

Option B: Learners will engage in intensive mode with lecture input (36 hours), directed reading activities, facilitated peer discussions, electronic resources, and formative feedback, to achieve the learning outcomes.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC). Mary: Grace and Hope in Christ. Harrisburg: Morehouse, 2005.
  • Boss, Sarah J., ed. Mary: The Complete Resource. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007.
  • Duffy, Stephen J. The Dynamics of Grace: Perspectives in Theological Anthropology. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1993.
  • ———. The Graced Horizon: Nature and Grace in Modern Catholic Thought. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1992.
  • Harrison, Nonna Verna. God’s Many-Splendored Image: Theological Anthropology for Christian Formation. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2010.
  • International Theological Commission. Communion and Stewardship: Human Persons Created in the Image of God. 2004.
  • Ormerod, Neil. Creation, Grace and Redemption. Maryknoll: Orbis, 2007.
  • Ross, Susan A. Anthropology: Seeking Light and Beauty. Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2012.
  • Sachs, John R. The Christian Vision of Humanity: Basic Christian Anthropology. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1991.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

Report

500 10.0
Essay

Essay

1000 20.0
Essay

Essay

1000 20.0
Report

Report

500 10.0
Essay

Essay

2000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 13 Jun, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-06-13 16:41:07 +1000