Canon Law A (DC3001C)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit, together with DC3002C Canon Law B, introduces students to the role and function of law in the life of the Catholic Church. It explores the history and foundations of Canon Law, including an overview of the 1917 Code and the development of the current 1983 Code of Canon Law.

The unit examines the structure and content of the 1983 Code, with particular focus on General Norms, the People of God, and the Sacraments of Initiation. Attention is given to the practical application of these areas in ecclesial contexts. Students will engage with relevant canons and consider their implications for theology, pastoral practice, and local Church legislation, preparing them to apply canonical principles effectively in ministry.

Unit code: DC3001C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Canon Law

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Explain the role and function of Canon Law in the life of the Church, particularly in relation to ecclesiology.
2.

Interpret and apply fundamental canonical principles to pastoral situations.
3.

Analyse key aspects of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, especially in relation to General Norms, the People of God, and the Sacraments of Initiation.
4.

Assess the relevance and application of Canon Law within local Church contexts and pastoral practice.

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: CT1100, CT1110C and CT2201C or equivalents.

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Code of Canon Law: Latin-English Edition. New English Translation. 4th printing. Canon Law Society of America, 2023.
  • Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches: Latin-English Edition. New English Translation. 2nd printing. Canon Law Society of America, 2024.
  • Peters, Edward N., trans. The 1917 Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law: In English Translation with Extensive Scholarly Apparatus. Ignatius Press, 2001.

Commentaries and Secondary Sources

  • Beal, John P., James A. Coriden, and Thomas J. Green, eds. New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Paulist Press, 2000.
  • Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The Canon Law: Letter and Spirit. E. J. Dwyer, 1995.
  • Lucas, Brian, Peter Slack, and William d’Apice. Church Administration Handbook. 3rd ed. St Pauls Publications, 2024.
  • Marzoa, Ángel, Jorge Miras, and Rafael Rodríguez-Ocaña, eds. Exegetical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Wilson & Lafleur, 2004.

Periodicals and Reference Works

  • Roman Replies and CLSA Advisory Opinions. Canon Law Society of America, 1981–.
  • Studia Canonica. Saint Paul University.
  • The Canonist. Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Seminar Paper 800 15.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests - Mid-semester test 1000 20.0
Case Study - Case Study 1400 25.0
Oral Examination - Oral Examination

20-minute oral examination

 1300 40.0

Variant 2

Seminar or Tutorial - Tutorial Presentation 1000 20.0
Seminar or Tutorial - Tutorial Presentation 1000 20.0
Essay - Essay 2000 30.0
Written Examination 1000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 25 Jun, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-06-25 09:15:10 +1000