Theological Studies

Unit overview and content

This course is an advanced study of ecclesiology. Ecclesiology is a sub-discipline of systematic theology which emerged during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Ecclesiology is a systematic study of the nature and mission of the Church. The unit will consider factors which contributed to the development of this discipline and examine key theologians and ecclesiologies. The unit will examine a variety of historical and contemporary theological understandings of the Christian Church, with an emphasis on the ecclesiology of communion emerging from Vatican II.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:

• explain and interpret the theological foundations, nature and mission of the Church, and their application
• synthesise the ways the Church has unfolded from New Testament times to today
• analyse critically the Church’s ecumenical and interfaith relationships and possibilities, and
• reflect on and evaluate the challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary Church, particularly in Australia.

Assumed Knowledge 

T8106 and B8101

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; 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.