YARRA THEOLOGICAL UNION
98 Albion Road (POB 79)
Box Hill, Vic. 3128
www.ytu.edu.au
YTU is a College of MCD University of Divinity
CRICOS Provider Code 01037A
Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education
This specialisation of the MCD Graduate Certificate is designed for those seeking accreditation to
teach religious education in Catholic schools and parishes. It introduces students to contemporary
scholarship in scripture, theology and religious education, so as to assist them in the planning,
implementation and evaluation of programs of religious education.
MODE OF OFFERING
Each unit will be taught over four six-hour teaching sessions. Delivery of the unit will be oriented to
the theory and praxis of religious education, but grounded in God’s revelation in scripture and tradition
as most fully revealed in Jesus the Christ. Lectures will include opportunities for dialogue, reflection
and interaction, so as to facilitate exploration of issues and sponsor personal growth and faith
development.
ENROLMENT
Whether you are sponsored by the Catholic Education Office (Melbourne or Ballarat) your enrolment
is made by completing the application form which you have found on this website and returning it to:
The Postgraduate Coordinator, Yarra Theological Union, POB 79, Box Hill, Vic. 3128. Students will
then be informed by MCD University of Divinity of their successful enrolment.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Four ten-point units of study together with an integrative unit valued at five points.
(DR8601Y Box Hill - 2014); (DR8611Y Sunbury - 2014); (DR8621 Mildura - 2014) Introduction to
Scripture for Religious Educators
This unit introduces teachers to the Scriptures by focussing on particular sections of the First (Old)
and Second (New) Testaments and the manner in which these are interpreted within the Catholic
Christian tradition. It provides an overview of: the nature of the Scriptures within a Catholic
understanding of Divine revelation, principles and methods of biblical interpretation, the significance of
the exodus and Sinai covenant for the Hebrew people, the social, political and religious context of first
century CE Judaism, and the formation of the Gospels. Passages will be chosen from Genesis 1-11,
Exodus 1-14, Gospel of Mark, Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.
(DR8602Y – Box Hill 2014); (DR8612Y Sunbury - 2014); (DR8622 Mildura - 2014) Jesus Christ
Today: In Church, Mission & Sacraments
This unit seeks to present with ecumenical sensitivity a general introduction to the origin,
development, and nature of the Church of Jesus Christ as the community of his followers. From an
understanding of sacraments as signs of the loving presence and self-giving of God, it also sketches
the origin, development, and purpose of the Church’s ritual sacraments in making and sustaining the
Church. The unit presents the Church itself as the sign and instrument of Jesus Christ today, for the
coming of the reign of God on earth. Its consistent focus is on the whole Church as the Spirit-filled
People of God and Body of Christ, and on the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life, sacraments,
mission and ministries of the Church.
DR8603Y – Box Hill 2014 Foundations of Religious Education
This unit examines foundational issues concerning the nature, purpose, context and practice of
religious education in the Catholic Christian tradition. The focus is on Catholic schooling in Australia
and is informed by church documents, clarification of current terminology used in regard to religious
education, and an explanation of the sources of revelation. Participants are introduced to the history
of Catholic schooling in Australia and to the work of contemporary theorists of religious education.
While emphasising the importance of Catholic identity and the roles of prayer, ritual, liturgy and social
justice in the maintenance of that identity, there is also an exploration of the possibilities of enrichment
through interfaith dialogue.
DR8604Y (Box Hill – 2014) Making Our (Christian) Choices in Life: A Valued Added Approach
This unit has a threefold purpose. Drawing upon revelation, scripture and Catholic theological
tradition, the unit aims to provide a framework for understanding the nature and place of moral
decision making in Christian living. It will explore methods and strategies for teaching Christian
morality in Catholic schools, and provide opportunities for teachers to integrate their study of the
scriptures, tradition and the sacraments into their own faith and professional development.
Areas to be studied include the meaning of Christian morality, sources of moral knowledge, human
freedom, sin and redemption, conscience formation, meaning and function of Church authority, and a
strategy for making moral decisions in accordance with Church teaching and tradition
DR8605Y (Box Hill – 2014) Integrative Study
This unit is taken concurrently with the other units in the GCTRE program. It provides the student with
an opportunity for personal appropriation, synthesis and integration of content, skills and formative
experiences provided in these units.
2014 DATES
Units to be offered in 2014 for Commencing and Continuing Students
Students commencing in 2014 will undertake:
Introduction to Scripture for Religious Educators
Jesus Christ Today: In Church, Mission, and Sacraments
and in 2015
Foundations of Religious Education
Making our (Christian) Choices in Life: A Value Added Approach
Integrative Exercise (part of each of the above units)
Students continuing in 2014 will complete the two units they did not take in 2013.
CONTINUING STUDIES
1]
Graduate Diploma in Theology:
On successful completion of the GCTRE, a student may apply for the Graduate Diploma in Theology,
which requires a further 45 points of study. There are two models for the acquisition of these points,
and the choice depends on whether or not one wishes to proceed to the MA (Theol) or MPhil.
a)
b)
2]
a)
Model 1(coursework): The 45 points consists of three fifteen-point units of study. Generally,
these are foundational units.
Model 2 (research component): If a student wishes to proceed to the MPhil by research it is
important that they demonstrate research capability. The 45 points for the Graduate Diploma in
Theology consists of one foundational unit and a supervised 12,000 word research essay on an
approved topic.
Masters programs:
Model 1(coursework): Master of Arts (Theology)
b)
Option A: 4 coursework units and a research essay of 12,000 words.
Option B: 6 coursework units
Model 2 (research): Master of Philosophy
Option C: 1 coursework unit on research methodology and a 40,000 word thesis
Option D: 3 coursework units (including a unit on research methodology) and a thesis of 25,000
words.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact:
Rev.Associate Professor Michael A. Kelly, CSsR, Postgraduate Coordinator at YTU. Telephone: 9890
3771 ext 4; Email: m.kelly@ytu.edu.au
OR: Ms Janette Bredenoord the Registrar on 9890 3771 ext 1; registrar@ytu.edu.au
DR8601Y
INTRODUCTION TO SCRIPTURE
FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATORS
DR8601Y Box Hill; DR8611 Sunbury; DR8621Y Mildura
Course: GCTRE
(Min. No. 8)
Unit Value: 10 points
CONTENT
This unit introduces teachers to the Scriptures by focussing on particular sections of the First (Old)
and Second (New) Testaments and the manner in which these are interpreted within the Catholic
Christian tradition. It provides an overview of: the nature of the Scriptures within a Catholic
understanding of Divine revelation, principles and methods of biblical interpretation, the significance of
the exodus and Sinai covenant for the Hebrew people, the social, political and religious context of first
century CE Judaism, and the formation of the Gospels. Passages will be chosen from Genesis 1-11,
Exodus 1-14, Gospel of Mark, Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.
PREREQUISITES
Undergraduate degree or equivalent
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. demonstrate an appreciation of the role of Scripture as witness to God’s revelation in the world
2. demonstrate an understanding that Scripture was written, and is read, in particular social, political
and religious contexts
3. demonstrate an understanding that different ‘portraits’ of Jesus are presented in the Gospels
4. identify methods of interpretation and engage in basic literary analysis of texts
5. apply learnings to support a position on the appropriate uses of scripture in religious education.
ASSESSMENT
2000 word structured analysis of Gen 1-2 (50%); 2000 word essay on Gospel of Mark (50%)
BIBLIOGRAPHY * = set texts recommended for purchase
Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament. An introduction. New York: Paulist, 1984.
Byrne, Brendan. A Costly Freedom: A Theological Reading of Mark’s Gospel. Strathfield, NSW: St
Pauls, 2008.
Coogan, Michael D. The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary Introduction to the Hebrew
Scriptures. New York/Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006.
Ehrman, Bart D. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings. 3rd ed.
New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.
Flanagan, Patrick J. The Gospel of Mark Made Easy. Fairfield, VIC: Fairfield Press, 1996.
Goosen, Gideon, and Margaret Tomlinson. Studying the Gospels: An Introduction. Newtown, NSW:
E.J. Dwyer, 1994.
Green, Joel B., Scot McKnight, and I. Howard Marshall, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels.
Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992.
* Ryan, Maurice, ed. Reading the Bible. Tuggerah, NSW: Social Science Press, 2003.
Stead, Barbara. A Time of Jubilee: Using Luke’s Gospel with Children. Northcote, VIC: Des Books,
1994.
Lecturer:
ROSE MARIE PROSSER
DR8602Y
JESUS CHRIST TODAY: IN CHURCH, MISSION AND
SACRAMENTS
DR8602Y Box Hill; DR8612Y Sunbury; DR8622Y Mildura
Course: GCTRE
(Min. No. 8)
Unit Value: 10 points
CONTENT
This unit seeks to present with ecumenical sensitivity a general introduction to the origin,
development, and nature of the Church of Jesus Christ as the community of his followers. From an
understanding of sacraments as signs of the loving presence and self-giving of God, it also sketches
the origin, development, and purpose of the Church’s ritual sacraments in making and sustaining the
Church. The unit presents the Church itself as the sign and instrument of Jesus Christ today, for the
coming of the reign of God on earth. Its consistent focus is on the whole Church as the Spirit-filled
People of God and Body of Christ, and on the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life, sacraments,
mission and ministries of the Church.
PREREQUISITES
Undergraduate degree or equivalent
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. trace the origin of the Church from the person of Jesus Christ and his early disciples
2. describe how the mission of the Church in the world today continues the mission of Jesus Christ
3. identify particular human experiences as possible signs and paths to the mystery of God
4. outline how the early Christians understood themselves as communities of Christ and their
sacraments as celebrating their shared commitment to Christ
5. explain how the Church’s ritual sacraments originate in both the Christ-event and the Church’s
response
6. describe the role of the Holy Spirit as the life and soul of the Church, its mission, its ministries, and
its sacraments.
ASSESSMENT
Section A: 2000 word essay (50%); Section B: 2000 word essay (50%)
BIBLIOGRAPHY * = set texts recommended for purchase
Bausch, William. A New Look at the Sacraments. West Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1977,
1983.
Cooke, Bernard. Sacraments and Sacramentality. Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, 1983.
*DeGidio, Sandra. Sacraments Alive: Their History, Celebration, and Significance. Mystic, CT:
Twenty-Third Publications, 1991.
Dulles, Avery. Models of the Church. 2nd ed. Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 1988.
Fuellenbach, John. Church: Community for the Kingdom. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2002.
Guzie, Tad. The Book of Sacramental Basics. New York/Ramsey, NJ: Paulist Press, 1981.
Hughes, Kathleen. A Mystagogy of Sacrament: Saying Amen. Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training
Publications, 1999.
*Martos, Joseph. Doors to the Sacred: A Historical Introduction to Sacraments in the Catholic Church.
Tarrytown, NY: Triumph Books, 1981, 1982, 1991, 2001.
Lecturer:
ROBYN REYNOLDS OLSH
DR8603Y
FOUNDATIONS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
DR8603Y Box Hill; DR8623Y Mildura
Course: GCTRE
(Min. No. 8)
Unit Value: 10 points
CONTENT
This unit examines foundational issues concerning the nature, purpose, context and practice of
religious education in the Catholic Christian tradition. The focus is on Catholic schooling in Australia
and is informed by church documents, clarification of current terminology used in regard to religious
education, and an explanation of the sources of revelation. Participants are introduced to the history
of Catholic schooling in Australia and to the work of contemporary theorists of religious education.
While emphasising the importance of Catholic identity and the roles of prayer, ritual, liturgy and social
justice in the maintenance of that identity, there is also an exploration of the possibilities of enrichment
through interfaith dialogue.
PREREQUISITES
Normally, first year of GCTRE sequence
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. articulate an understanding of the nuances of meaning in the term “religious education” and of the
critical role played by context in the delivery of religious education
2. identify and explain the roles of scripture, tradition and experience in the processes of religious
education
3. demonstrate knowledge of the social, political and religious context that gave rise to Catholic
schools and of their evolution to the present
4. recognise, explain and assess the possibilities of some contemporary approaches to “religious
education”.
ASSESSMENT
2000 word essay 50%; A unit of work (2000 words) 50%
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Archdiocesan Texts: Box Hill: To Know, Worship and Love: Mildura: Awakenings
Benjamin, Anne, and Dan Riley, eds. Catholic Schools: Hope in Uncertain Times. Mulgrave, VIC:
John Garratt Publishing, 2008.
Congregation for Catholic Education. The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium.
Boston, MA: Pauline Books and Media, 1998.
D’Orsa, Jim and Therese. A Mission to the Heart of Young People: Catholic Curriculum. Mulgrave,
Vic: Vaughan Publishing, 2012.
Groome, Thomas H. Christian Religious Education: Sharing Our Vision and Story. Blackburn, VIC:
Dove Communications, 1980.
———. Thomas H. Will there be Faith? A New Vision for Educating and Growing Disciples. New York,
NY: Harper One, 2011.
Hyde, Brendan, and Richard Rymarz. Religious Education in Catholic Primary Schools:
Contemporary Issues and Perspectives for RE Teachers. Terrigal, NSW: David Barlow, 2009.
Lovat, Terence J. What is This Thing Called Religious Education: A Decade On? Katoomba, NSW:
Social Science Press, 2002.
Ryan, Maurice. A Common Search: The History and Forms of Religious Education in Catholic
Schools. Hamilton, QLD: Lumino Press, 2007.
Synott, John P. Quality Education: Global Perspectives for Australian Schools. Terrigal, NSW: David
Barlow Publishing, 2009.
Lecturer:
MICHAEL A. KELLY CSsR
DR8604Y
MAKING OUR (CHRISTIAN) CHOICES IN LIFE: A VALUE ADDED
APPROACH
DR8604Y Box Hill;
Course: GCTRE
(Min. No. 8)
Unit Value: 10 points
CONTENT
This unit has a threefold purpose. Drawing upon revelation, scripture and Catholic theological
tradition, the unit aims to provide a framework for understanding the nature and place of moral
decision making in Christian living. It will explore methods and strategies for teaching Christian
morality in Catholic schools, and provide opportunities for teachers to integrate their study of the
scriptures, tradition and the sacraments into their own faith and professional development.
Areas to be studied include the meaning of Christian morality, sources of moral knowledge, human
freedom, sin and redemption, conscience formation, meaning and function of Church authority, and a
strategy for making moral decisions in accordance with Church teaching and tradition.
PREREQUISITES
Normally, first year of GCTRE sequence
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. identify the process of moral decision making in regard to current ethical questions
2. articulate the Catholic moral tradition on relevant issues
3. discuss moral issues objectively, critically, and intelligently
4. apply Catholic moral methodology to the making of Christian moral choices
5. critique different perspectives on contemporary moral issues.
ASSESSMENT
1500 word written presentation (30%); 2500 word essay (70%)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Curran, Charles, ed. Conscience: Readings in Moral Theology. No. 14. New York: Paulist Press,
2004.
Gascoigne, Robert. Freedom and Purpose: An Introduction to Christian Ethics. Sydney, NSW: EJ
Dwyer, 1993.
Groome, Thomas. What Makes Us Catholics: Eight Gifts for Life. San Francisco, CA: Harper San
Francisco, 2003.
Gula, Richard. Call To Holines: Moral Discernment. New York: Paulist Press, 2003.
Keenan, James F. Commandments of Compassion. Franklin, WI: Sheed & Ward, 1999.
Kilpatrick, William. Why Johnny Can’t Tell Right from Wrong: And What We Can Do About It. New
York: Simon & Schuster, 1993.
Mordini, Tony. Ethics for Today: Analyzing Values and Beliefs. Melbourne, VIC: John Garratt
Publishing, 2002.
Nichols, Aidan. The Service of Glory: ‘The Catechism of the Catholic Church’ on Worship, Ethics,
Spirituality. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1997.
Nichols, Alan. Street called Choice: Ethical Choices for Ordinary People. Melbourne, VIC: Acorn
Press, 2005.
Pinckaers, Servais. Morality: The Catholic View. South Bend, IN: St. Augustine Press, 2001.
Shelton, Charles. Achieving Moral Health: An Exercise Plan for Your Conscience. New York:
Crossroad Publishing, 2000.
Lecturers:
PHILIP MALONE MSC (Mildura);
BERNARD TEO CSsR (BoxHill)
DR8605Y
INTEGRATIVE EXERCISE
DR8605Y Box Hill
Course: GCTRE
Unscheduled
(Min. No. 8)
Unit value: 5 points
CONTENT
This unit is taken concurrently with the other units in the GCTRE program. It provides the student with
an opportunity for personal appropriation, synthesis and integration of content, skills and formative
experiences provided in these units.
COREQUISITES
DR8601Y, DR8602Y, DR8603Y, DR8604Y or the comparative codes form Sunbury or Mildura.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. articulate the personal and professional learning that has occurred
2. discuss the implications for this learning in their delivery of religious education in a Catholic
school.
ASSESSMENT
Each of the four integrative exercises will require the student to write a 500 word reflection paper
(25% each) which will be graded as Pass/Fail. When the four integrative exercises have been
successfully completed the student will have earned the final five points required for the award of the
Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education.