All Independent Guided Studies and Immersion Experience will be offered in all sessions as required by students.
Units
2025 Availability
T8106
Foundations for Theological StudiesCurriculum Objectives
This unit provides students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for graduate study in Theology. It introduces the student to the disciplines of Biblical Studies and Theology. Students will gain a firm foundation of specialised knowledge in these areas and will be ready for further study in Biblical Studies, Theology, Leadership, or Religious Education.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit, students should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of foundational Catholic theological teachings and their application to current situations
- understand and apply contemporary approaches to interpreting the scriptures
- utilise key theological terms
- appreciate the value of ongoing learning in theology
Assumed Knowledge
Not Applicable
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.
B8101
Introduction to Biblical StudiesCurriculum Objectives
This course unit introduces students to the critical study of the Bible, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts, and theological themes. It provides a foundation for further biblical and theological study.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- analyse the major narratives, themes and structures of the books of the Bible
- assess the significance of the main historical, social and cultural factors that provided the context of the composition of the Bible
- engage critically with significant introductory secondary literature in the study of the Bible
- utilise basic skills in performing historical-critical exegesis of Biblical texts, and
- apply insights from their study to Christian life and ministry within their particular context.
Assumed Knowledge
Not applicable
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.
BBI-TAITE is an associate member of the Catholic Biblical Federation
T8191
Foundations in Catholic Understanding ICurriculum Objectives
This independent directed study critically integrates the theories and concepts introduced in a particular subject in the Cornerstones program. The designated subject is chosen by the student.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a critical understanding of the foundational theological issues for Catholic teachers
- apply critically a range of theological understandings of Catholic practice in the Catholic Schools context
- research and develop student appropriate, critically grounded responses to theological issues raised in the classroom
- appreciate the value of critical theological understanding for fulfilling the mission of Catholic education.
Assumed Knowledge
Nil
Study hours
11 hours per week for 11 week session, comprised of:
- At least one hour per week for online lectures
- At least four hours per week of reading.
- At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.
Teaching methods
Online lectures; 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.
T9251
Readings in Selected TheologiansAbstract
This graduate course unit enables students to appreciate, via a detailed study of the key works of selected theologians, that theology is an evolving and historically embedded discipline.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit students will be able to:
- critically engage with the historical context and methodological approaches of selected theologians
- critically evaluate the primary concerns and specific theological contributions of selected theologians
- critically analyse the writings of at least two theologians to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and substantiate their stances
- interpret and appraise the relevance of selected theologians for Christian life and practice today, and
- synthesis and apply the chief insights of selected theologians in answering contemporary questions in theology
Assumed knowledge or prerequisites
It will be expected that students have successfully completed THEO800 & THEO801 from the BBI Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, unless otherwise approved by the unit coordinator. Students who enter the Master of Theological Studies with the equivalent of prior study in theology or a cognate discipline at the Graduate Certificate level will be understood to have met this requirement.
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- Directed supervision and directed reading
Teaching methods
Online Directed Supervision
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.
T9294
Major Independent Guided Study in Theological Studies (18cps)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to produce an extended piece of individual research at an advanced level on a particular area of study. It may be on a topic that has arisen from a standard unit or on a topic that is not available elsewhere in the curriculum. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilising and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101 & T9210
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; one-to-one supervision.
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.
B9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Biblical Studies)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level on a particular area of Biblical Studies under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilising and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101, and one of B9249 or B9253
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hour per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
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.
T9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Theological Studies)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level in a particular area of Theological Studies, under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilizing and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101 & T9210
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hour per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
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.
L9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Liturgy)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level in a particular area of Liturgy, under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilizing and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing
Assumed Knowledge
T8106, B8101 & T9210
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hour per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
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.
M9293
Minor Independent Guided Study (Mission and Culture)Curriculum Objectives
This graduate course unit provides students with demonstrated initiative and creativity an opportunity to focus at an advanced level in a particular area of Mission and Cultural Studies, under the tutelage and guidance of a specialist in the field. The unit is designed to refine the skills of independent study by allowing the student to define their own study, and to set their own goals by means of an extended guided reading program.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- develop a focused topic for independent scholarly investigation
- conduct independent research, under supervision, in terms of locating, utilising and referencing a wide range of appropriate primary and secondary sources
- analyse and evaluate with critical empathy a range of disparate scholarly positions
- defend an independent perspective on the topic of the investigation, and
- produce a cogent set of researched findings in an extended piece of academic writing
Assumed Knowledge
T8106 and B8101
Study hours
10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:
- At least 10 hours per week of directed study, including reading, research, consultation with tutor and writing up of assessment tasks.
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.
S9276
The Spirituality of Mary MacKillopUnit overview and content
This unit provides students with the opportunity to study the cultural, historical and political context of the life of Mary MacKillop Australia’s’ first Church – recognised Saint. An understanding of culture is intrinsic to any study of persons and eras. Culture dictates who we are and how we behave. This course looks at the background of Mary MacKillop and her ancestors in the Lochaber district of the Inner Hebrides in the west coast of Scotland. One very disruptive event in Scotland’s history was the Highland Clearances which, though devastating at the time, meant that the Colonies of the British Empire were enriched with many Scottish migrants. Mary’s parents were from the MacKillop and MacDonald Clans, the latter was a sept of the former meaning that Mary’s mother’s clan was superior to that of her father. The Highland Clearances meant that Mary MacKillop was born Australian rather than Scottish.
Equally important in human flourishing is the historical, political and cultural context of peoples’ lives. These aspects will be addressed as the context for the social and educational changes Mary MacKillop introduced. No story of Mary MacKilllop would be complete without reference to Fr Julian Tenison Woods, her inspiration and the ‘Father Founder’ of the Institute of St Joseph they founded. Finally, given the sceptical atmosphere of our 21 century world-view the notions of sainthood, miracles and all associated concepts will be discussed with a view to understanding the Spirit that energized Mary MacKillop and ultimately the spirituality which underpinned her educational and social endeavours. Mary is presented within the unit as a model of the spirituality that is fitting for contemporary Australians.
Assumed Knowledge
T8106 and B8101
Study hours
11 hours per week for 11 week session, comprised of
- At least 1 hour per week for online lectures
- At least 4 hours per week of reading.
- At least 6 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.