Studies in Catholic Thought I

Board Endorsed Course. This is a Non- ATAR course

Exclusions:     Studies of Religion I; Studies of Religion II; Studies in Catholic Thought II

Unit Value:  1 Unit                                 

Length:  2 year

Course description

Studies in Catholic Thought will invite students to explore the theology, scripture and philosophy that underpin the understanding of the human person within the Catholic tradition and the Christian life of virtue that follows. The course seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church and the Catholic ascetic tradition with a view to enabling students to be immersed in the wider Catholic tradition. At the same time, Studies in Catholic Thought will develop students’ ability to use inquiry skills and reason through engagement with Catholic teachings and literature. Students will come to know how faith and reason fit together in the Catholic Tradition.

What students learn

Preliminary Course

Unit 1 - Who is a Human Person?

In this unit students break open the Catholic Church’s understanding of what it is to be human through an exploration of Scriptural texts and the work of early philosophers. Students also develop an understanding of the links between early Greek thought and the Christian notion of being human, both in the person of Jesus Christ and the writings of St Paul and the New Testament.

Unit 2 - The Trinitarian God and Humanity

In this unit students begin to explore the emerging understanding of the nature of the Trinitarian God and the nature of Jesus as being both human and divine that took place in response to the heresies in the early Church.

Unit 3 - The Re-imagining of Creation

In this unit students begin to explore how the Catholic understanding of the human person has shaped an understanding of the universe, creation, the human relationship with God, self and others, and how this led to early scientific thought.

HSC Course

Unit 1 - Virtue, Vice, Salvation

In this unit students investigate the challenge of evil and suffering in the world. Students consider where God is in both ‘the good’ and ‘the evil’. Students also explore the works of St Paul and other theologians and encyclicals, which developed a Christian framework for understanding what is the good, how to be good and the gift of grace.

Unit 2 - The Good Works

In this unit students engage with the ethical principles that underpin the Catholic tradition and inform the Catholic decision making process, and look to the understanding of the redemptive power of faith in Christ.

Unit 3 - The Common Good

Students explore the understanding of the gospel demands of Christian living, and develop an understanding of the moral life as a part of the life of Catholics. Students will engage in understanding the Catholic approach to issues facing the human person, human society and the environment in a secular world, and how the Church informs and supports ethical endeavours.

Should I do this course?

This course is suited to students who are interested in learning more deeply about the Catholic tradition and the Christian life of virtue. It is also for students who would like to investigate the philosophical reasonings that underpin Catholic doctrine and tradition.  For students who would prefer to explore religion from an objective perspective (as opposed to a personal perspective) and who would like the course to count towards an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), consider opting for Studies of Religion I (see additional information in this booklet).

Assessment