Governance & Canon Law

Curriculum Objectives

This unit will provide detailed analysis of the organisational structure of Church, with reference to relevant codes of canon law. Initial attention is given to the obligations and rights of all the Christian faithful as described by canon law. An understanding of the theological and canonical characteristics of the diocese, as an organisational unit of the Catholic Church, is developed. The concept of a public juridic person is studied, in relation to a wide range of Church organisations. Students are given the opportunity to analyse a specific Church organisation through this framework, including:

• Dioceses, diocesan agencies and parishes
• Religious Institutes
• Associations of the Faithful
• Ministerial Juridic Persons and other ecclesial organisations

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit, students will:

• demonstrate specialised knowledge of the relationship between theology and ecclesial structures
• demonstrate specialised knowledge of the relationship between theology and canon law in regard to ecclesial structures, and
• demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of ecclesial structures relevant to a diocese including its juridical personality.

Assumed Knowledge 

P8160 & P8169

Study hours    

10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of

• At least one hour per week for online lectures
• At least three hours per week of reading.
• At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.

Teaching methods

Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.

Indicative Assessment

At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.