Content

This tutorial-based capstone unit provides an opportunity for students to integrate the knowledge and skills gained in the course of their theological studies. Regular lectures and tutorials will focus on central themes of Catholic thought, in which theological, scriptural and pastoral perspectives will be drawn together. In keeping with the vision of the Second Vatican Council, the method will be Christ-centred, grounded in the faith and practice of the Church, and attentive to the historical contexts of the tradition. Students will actively contribute to these tutorials, demonstrating creativity and initiative in integrating knowledge and skills in the various disciplines of theology, and recognising the implications for their ministry.

Unit code: XS9902C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 48.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Capstone

Unit discipline: Capstone Other S

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Integrate key aspects of their learning across a number of theological fields in order to address a particular topic or theme.

2.

Identify and critically assess the ways in which the methodologies and concepts in areas such as philosophy, systematic theology, biblical studies, moral theology, church history and pastoral studies contribute to their chosen topic.

3.

Use primary and secondary sources (print & digital) accurately and in keeping with academic practice.

4.

Articulate how their integrated theological understandings are applicable to practical workplace and ministry scenarios.

5.

Engage in a specific topic of research that is culminative, self-directed, peer-engaged and integrative, enabling the construction of an essay which demonstrates high levels of cross-discipline academic practice, integrative insight and pastoral application.

Unit sequence

May only be taken in the final two semesters of the Master of Theological Studies and Master of Theology (Coursework) degrees

Pedagogy

This Capstone Unit encourages students to undertake self-directed, peer-engaged and integrative study. A variety of learning resources – lectures, tutorials, guided reading, regular formative feedback on assessment tasks and supervisory support – will enable students to achieve the learning outcomes of the unit.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Catechism of the Catholic Church. English translation. 2nd ed. 1997.
  • Fiorenza, Francis S. and John P. Galvin, eds. Systematic Theology: Roman Catholic Perspectives. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2011.
  • Hession, Anne, and Patricia Kieran, eds. Exploring Theology: Making Sense of the Catholic Tradition. Dublin: Veritas, 2007.
  • International Theological Commission. Theology Today: Perspectives, Principles and Criteria. Washington, D.C.: The Catholic University of America Press, 2012.
  • Kirchhoffer, David G., Robyn Horner & Patrick McArdle, eds. Being Human: Groundwork for a Theological Anthropology for the 21st Century. Australia: Mosaic Press, 2013.
  • McAlpin, Kathleen. Ministry that Transforms: A Contemplative Process of Theological Reflection. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2009.
  • McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 5th ed. London: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011.
  • O’Collins, Gerald, and Mario Farrugia. Catholicism: The Story of Catholic Christianity. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003.
  • O’Loughlin, Frank. This Time of the Church. Mulgrave, VIC: Garratt Publishing, 2012.
  • Wicks, Jared. Doing Theology. New York: Paulist Press, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

4 x 750-word Tutorial Papers

3000 20.0
Essay

10,000-word Essay

10000 60.0
Oral Examination

30 min Oral Exam

2000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 27 Jul, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000