Theological Studies

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.

Lecturer

Dr Charles Waddell

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.