Religious Education

Unit overview and content

This unit is an advanced study into the relationship between religion and young people in Australia. It begins by exploring empirical research studies of youth and religion internationally, and turns to focus on studies in the Australian context. The unit enables students to develop a critical understanding of how various religious organisations such as churches and educational institutions, approach the intellectual and spiritual development of young people.

Learning Outcomes

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

• utilise general sociological theory in analysing data related to religion and young people
• demonstrate an advanced understanding of, and capacity to critically evaluate, sociological theory related to religion and young people in the Australian context, and explore implications of this, and
• identify practical issues and problems associated with the findings conveyed through objective 1 and 2, and synthesise their skills and knowledge in religious education and theology to propose creative responses to these.

Assumed Knowledge 

D8120 and D8121

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.

Lecturer

Dr Tracy McEwan

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.