Catholic Correspondence Courses

Overview

The Broken Bay Institute (BBI) administers adult faith education courses commonly known as Catholic Correspondence Courses (CCC). The aim of these courses is to assist participants to come to a deeper faith by reflecting seriously on the relevant issues of Christian life today.

Program Structure

Students may choose to do as many or as few courses as they wish. Each course is an independent unit, although it is recommended to do an introductory unit in a subject area before embarking on more detailed work.

To complete a course a student must submit all written work required. Each unit must be completed within six months of enrolling in that unit. A student may enrol in a course at any time during the year.

A transcript of results is made available at the conclusion of each subject. A Certificate of Attainment will be presented at the completion of five course units.

Fees

An initial entry fee of $50 applies at the time of application. Thereafter the fee for each unit is $200 in Australia (a discount Of $50 is offered to BBI students, Broken Bay Parishioners, and Seniors).

Enrolment

Enrolment in Catholic Correspondence Courses (CCC) is possible at any time during the year. Interested students can make enquiries by contacting the Registry: 61 2 9847 0030 or email: registry@bbi.catholic.edu.au

1. Courses Available (* Indicates an Introductory unit)

Biblical Studies

BRD106	Introduction to the Old Testament *
BRD126	The Psalms
BRD131	The Prophets
BRD108	Introduction to the New Testament *
BRD153	The Gospel of Mark
BRD164	Letters of Paul
BRD168	The Teaching of St John

Christian Ethics

ERD101	Moral Decision Making *
ERD145	Christian Social Ethics

Church History

HRD111	The History of the Early Church *
HRD150	The Reformation

Liturgy

LRD100

Introduction to Liturgy *

Christian Spirituality

SRD100	Christian Spirituality *
SRD115	The Rosary
SRD110	Prayer and Prayerfulness
SRD151	John Cassian
SRD152	The Cloud of Unknowing
SRD156	The Confessions of Augustine
SRD157	Teresa of Avila
SRD158	John of the Cross – The Spiritual Canticle
SRD159	Julian of Norwich

Theology

TRD101	Revelation and Faith *
TRD109	Introduction to Philosophy
TRD123	The Sacramental Life
TRD131	Jesus Christ, Center of Faith
TRD133	Trinity, Mystery of God
TRD137	Made in the Image and Likeness of God
TRD141	Mary, Disciple and First Believer
TRD161	Contemporary Theologies

2. Organisation of Courses

Students may choose to do as many or as few courses as they wish. Each course is an independent unit, although it is recommended that students do an introductory unit (*) in a subject area before embarking on more detailed work.

Each course unit contains a set of teaching notes and a copy of all the readings essential to the topic. Additional readings may be suggested. Students can access these from the Information Resource Centre at the Broken Bay Institute. Simply phone the Librarian and, subject to availability, books will be posted to you.

To complete a course successfully a student must submit all written work required and be guided by the advice of the tutor. For those returning to study after some years, a Study Guide is available on request. Each unit must be completed within six months of enrolling in that unit.

A transcript of results is made available at the conclusion of each subject. A Certificate of Attainment will be presented upon completion of five course units.

3. Fees

Entry Fee $ 50
Post/Handling Fee $ 50 (annual)
Course Unit Fee $200
$150 (BBI Academic Students, Diocese of Broken Bay parishioners)

4. Enrolment

Enrolment in Catholic Correspondence Courses (CCC) is possible at any time during the year. Interested students can make enquiries by contacting the Registrar’s office.

Phone: 61 2 9847 0030
Fax: 61 2 9847 0031
Email: registry@bbi.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.bbi.catholic.edu.au

5. Study Pathways

Students who enjoy the experience of studying at CCC level may wish to explore the next option of undertaking a BBI Certificate of Theology. This non-award course is for students who would like a more formal introduction to theology and biblical studies. It consists of four course units (at the Bachelor level) from which students may transfer into the Diploma of Theology or the Bachelor of Theology degree.

6. Unit Descriptions

BRD106 - Introduction to the Old Testament *

Course Author: Antoinette Collins

An overview of the books of the Old Testament: the Pentateuch to Joshua and Judges – pre-history, patriarchs and matriarchs, Exodus; conquest or claiming the land; Kings and Prophets – their crises and relationship, their message and meaning, the early and later prophets; other writings – the stories, history and spirituality of a people.

BRD108 - Introduction to the New Testament *

Course Author: Margaret Beirne

Introduction to the historical, geographical and cultural background of the New Testament; content and context of the New Testament writings; the formation of the Gospels; the life, background and theology of Paul as revealed in his letters.

BRD126 - The Psalms

Course Author: Antoinette Collins
Prerequisite: BRD106

Introduction to the Psalms: the prayer of a people; hymns of praise – a holistic approach; psalms of lament – individual and communal; liturgical and historical psalms – the psalms and liturgy; wisdom psalms – the listening heart; royal psalms – authority in the psalms.

BRD131 - The Prophets

Course Author: Antoinette Collins
Prerequisite: BRD106

The background to, and the rise of, prophecy: Nathan, Elijah and Elisha; the classical 8th and 7th century prophets: Isaiah, Hosea and Jeremiah; prophets of the exile and beyond – Ezekiel, 2nd and 3rd Isaiah.

BRD153 - The Gospel of Mark

Course Author: David Walker
Prerequisite: BRD108

This unit serves as an introduction to the study of the synoptic gospels, examining their basic features and applying general exegetical principles. The characteristics and message of Mark, its principal theological themes and literary techniques are examined in more detail.

BRD164 - Letters of Paul

Course Author: Jane Dalton
Prerequisite: BRD108

The life and background of Paul; the letters as occasional documents; Christian communities in the first century; the basic features of Paul’s theology as it appears in his letters.

BRD168 - The Teaching of St John

Course Author: Margaret Beirne
Prerequisite: BRD108

Historical, social and religious background of the Johannine community; the unique theological perspective of John; the style and structure of the gospel; the symbolism and imagery of John.

ERD101 - Moral Decision Making *

Course Author: Neil Ormerod

The role of reason in moral decision making; conscience and freedom; the authority of Scripture in setting moral norms and precepts; the role of the Church’s teaching authority.

ERD145 - Christian Social Ethics

Course Author: Neil Brown
Prerequisite: ERD101

The biblical basis of social ethics; the influence of liberation theology on ethical reflection and the issues it raises; Church social teaching; economic justice.

HRD111 - The History of the Early Church *

Course Author: William Wright

Basic features of the early history of the Church; structure, doctrine and spirituality of the later Church; evolution of ministries, from the apostles to Pope Gregory’s “pastoral rule”; Church and society: persecution, toleration and Christendom; tradition, orthodoxy and heresy, especially at Nicaea and Chalcedon; spiritual movements, especially monasticism.

HRD150 - The Reformation

Course Author: Austin Cooper
Prerequisite: HRD111

Historical background to the present situation of a multiplicity of denominations in the Western tradition, hence a deeper appreciation of the complexities of the ecumenical movement; the great figures of the Reformation era – Luther, Calvin, Zwingli; emergence of nation states especially England; the response and renewal of the Catholic Church.

LRD100 - Introduction to Liturgy *

Course Author: Gerard Moore

The liturgical assembly; meaning of ‘liturgy’; historical development of the
Roman liturgy; key liturgical documents of Vatican II; the Mass: structure and parts; time, seasons, feasts; language; body; music; liturgy with children; Sunday worship without a priest; planning Sunday liturgy.

SRD100 - Christian Spirituality *

Course Author: David Walker

Basic features of Christian spirituality; the theological foundations of spirituality; a study of the Christian virtues; the life of prayer.

SRD115 - The Rosary

Course Author: Matthew Del Nevo
Prerequisite: SRD100

An inspirational examination of this traditional and beloved Catholic devotion and its Orthodox antecedents; historical introduction to the importance of Marian devotion and extracts from some the best Christian literature on the Rosary itself.

SRD110 - Prayer and Prayerfulness

Course Author: Matthew Del Nevo
Prerequisite: SRD100

A course of short readings which instructively describe the traditional Catholic understanding of the act of prayer. The readings will help personal prayer and give grounding for further study of the writings of saints and mystics on prayer.