Students study the nature of ethics and moral decision-making in a pluralist society, the nature of rights and responsibilities, the role of conscience and intuition, the role of authority in ethics, the moral values upheld in two religious traditions as well as a study of particular contemporary ethical questions. This leads to reflection on what ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, 'good' and 'bad' mean when applied to human decisions. The course offers essential skills that help the student to negotiate the complex ethical worlds of our pluralist society.
In this unit students study a variety of contemporary and less recent films including international and Australian examples. In this study student are expected to demonstrate the ability to identify religious themes evident in films chosen for study, to analyse the development of the themes throughout the film and to reflect on the impact of the portrayal of religious themes for contemporary Christian living. This leads to an appreciation of the significance of film for the development of spiritual and moral values.
Learning Outcomes 1. Research, describe and analyse a range of scriptural perspectives on the identity and mission of Jesus of Nazareth. 2. Access and utilise source materials to show developments in Christology, the Christian 3. community's understanding of the historical Jesus and the Christ of Faith. 4. Express personal understandings, beliefs and questions about Jesus Christ. 5. Communicate understandings and responses in a variety of ways, using appropriate religious
Activities
1. Identify religious themes evident in films chosen for study 2. Analyse the development of the themes throughout the film 3. Reflect on the impact of the portrayal of religious themes for contemporary Christian living.
In this unit students study through experience the various forms of prayer and mediation of the Christian tradition. In this study student are expected to demonstrate the ability to maintain a journal of prayer experiences and a collection of prayer texts and ideas as well as to lead a time of prayer with members of the class. This leads to an appreciation of the significance of a personal prayer life.
Learning Outcomes
1. Appreciate that there are many and varied forms of spirituality and that they are expressions of 2. the human quest to encounter the mystery of God who is both within and beyond oneself. 3. Recognise the value and use of the Scriptures in spiritual exercises i.e., prayer, reflection and meditation. 4. Explore key figures and broad developments in the history of Christian spirituality. 5. Describe and analyse various styles of Christian spirituality. 6. Prepare for and participate in retreat experiences with understanding and appreciation of their nature and purpose.
Activities
1. Maintain a journal of prayer experiences 2. Maintain a collection of prayer texts and ideas 3. Lead a time of prayer with members of the class
In this unit students study various ways in which art has been used to represent spiritual aspects human life with a view to creating their own works of religious art. In this study students are expected to demonstrate the ability to maintain a folio of all class activity, to reflect on the spiritual dimension of key human experiences and to produce artwork that expresses religious themes as well as to express personal spirituality discovered through art work. This leads to a awareness of the human need to express personal faith.
Learning Outcomes
1. Investigate the ways in which religion and religious ideas are presented in various art forms. Identify the historical and social concerns of the time. 2. Identify the potential for personal religious experience through engaging in, and reflecting on, the arts.
Activities
1. Maintain a folio of all class activity 2. Reflect on the spiritual dimension of key human experiences 3. Produce artwork that expresses religious themes 4. Express personal spirituality discovered through art work
In this unit students study and perform music in a modern, contemporary style, appropriate to the various liturgical forms of the Roman Catholic Church. An understanding of the liturgical documents pertaining to the place, use and selection of music for the use in Catholic ritual, especially for Eucharist, Marriage and Funeral celebrations, forms an integral part of the course. This leads to an appreciation of the importance of ritual in human life and particularly in the life of faith.
Learning Outcomes
Describe and analyse the meaning of vocation in the Christian context.
Activities
1. Identify themes relevant to liturgical expression in Gospel readings 2. Plan liturgical celebrations in the Catholic tradition 3. Participate in the presentation of the music 4. Maintain a resource of music relevant to the celebrations studied.