Core Curriculum

From the commencement of undergraduate teaching at the University in 1994, the Trustees of the University established that, as a matter of on-going policy, all students would be required to enrol in a ‘core curriculum’ comprising three specifically designed units in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics.  These core units have several functions:

  • They help to create and sustain the ‘context of Catholic faith and values’ which is central to the Objects of the University as defined in its enabling Act of Parliament.
  • They provide a liberal education base for the wide range of professional courses undertaken by most undergraduate students prior to entry to their chosen vocation.
  • They encourage a ‘coming together’ of students from many religious traditions (and none at all) and provide a setting in which important social and moral issues can be freely discussed and debated.
  • They complement the ‘service learning’ and social justice education units which many students undertake as part of their courses.

The Core Curriculum is a distinguishing characteristic of a Notre Dame undergraduate education.  The University gives priority to ensuring that these units are excellent in curriculum design, teaching quality, and classroom experience.

Core Unit Descriptions

Introduction to Theology

This unit introduces students to the study of Theology through an investigation of major biblical narratives from the Judeo-Christian tradition, significant moments in Christian history and the continuing influence of the Catholic Church today. This unit articulates the experience of God within human experience by exploring the broader questions of origin, meaning and value and how those questions can be addressed in a distinctively Christian manner. Key theological themes considered include: the nature of God, creation, evil, covenant, sin, suffering, martyrdom, resurrection and the Church. Engaging in a dialogue involving both faith and reason enables students to realise the impact of Christianity on every sphere of life from morality to politics, from literature to law, from science to business, and raises consciousness to an awareness of the Gospel which can inform their chosen future professional fields.

Introduction to Philosophy

This unit addresses some of the central questions of Philosophy which is literally, ‘love of wisdom’. A careful study of Philosophy also teaches us how to argue and to understand the nature of reasoning. Through the study of a range of issues such as reason, logic, knowledge, and justice, students reflect on the different areas of Philosophy. These areas include: epistemology, metaphysics, philosophical anthropology, aesthetics and the history of philosophy. Students increase their cultural literacy by exploring how these issues have influenced Western culture. The study of Philosophy exposes students to different styles of thinking requiring them to develop skills in critically evaluating different arguments.

Introduction to Ethics

Ethics is a key area of philosophical enquiry. It is concerned with three interrelated issues: what we value as ‘good’ and ‘bad’, what we regard as virtue or character, and what we define by rule as ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. The unit introduces the themes and methods of Ethics as an academic discipline with an emphasis on thinking through the arguments offered on ‘how we should live’ with the view to making judgements. Specific areas of Ethics, including business and health care ethics are given particular attention.

Spirituality and the Challenges of Reconciliation (Broome Campus Only)

This unit is based on the principles of Catholic social teachings and focuses on the need to develop a spirituality that will enable people of different cultures and histories to live in harmony. The unit proposes that the spirituality for the third millennium is a spirituality of reconciliation. The unit will provide the opportunity to study the meaning of reconciliation theologically; to look at the situations nationally and globally where reconciliation is needed; and to reflect on the skills and strategies used by churches, organisations and individuals to bring about reconciliation in various conflict situations around the world. Special emphasis will be placed on the Australian scene.

Aboriginal People (Broome Campus Only)

This unit aims to promote, from a largely historical perspective, an understanding of the relationships of Aboriginal people with other members of the Australian community. It focuses on patterns of positive interaction, conflict and alienation between settler and Aboriginal communities. The unit provides the opportunity to explore Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal perspectives on government policies from 1827 to the present. The focus on issues of Aboriginality, power and control will also link a number of contemporary West Australian issues to this history. The unit is consistently directed towards a critical understanding of the interaction between Aboriginal and mainstream Australian values and activities in historical and contemporary contexts.

The University of Notre Dame Australia encourages students to engage in cross-campus enrolment. If studying on the Broome Campus for a semester (or longer), students from Fremantle or Sydney campuses are permitted to substitute Introduction to Ethics or Introduction to Philosophy for Aboriginal Studies or Spirituality and Challenges of Reconciliation. There is no substitution for Introduction to Theology permitted on any campus.

This page is also downloadable as a PDF file – pdf Core Curriculum

FURTHER INFORMATION

  • The information contained in this publication is designed as a basic course description.  If you would like further information regarding the courses, or information pertaining to admissions, fees or the University itself, please consult the University Prospectus.

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