Overview

In this unit students explore the origins of religions and the role of religions in the development of society, identifying the nature and purpose of religion over time for the individual who is searching for meaning, and for society which is shaped by religious structures, beliefs and ethics. They investigate the contribution of religion generally to the development of human society. 

Students examine how religions are shaped by 9 Aspects and how individuals, groups and new ideas have affected and continue to affect religious traditions.

The unit provides an opportunity for students to understand the relationships that exist between individuals, groups, new ideas and religious traditions in the Australian society in which they live. They will participate in an excursion that visits a range of other faith traditions.

Unit Prerequisites

No prerequisites for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are three areas of study:

1. The nature and purpose of religion
2. Religion through the ages
3. Religion in Australia

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• Research
• Essay
• Visual &/or Oral Presentation
• Media Analysis
• Examination

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Overview

In this unit students study in detail various methods of ethical decision-making in at least two religious traditions and their related philosophical traditions. They explore ethical issues in societies where multiple worldviews coexist, in the light of these investigations.

Students are introduced to the nature of ethical decision-making in societies where multiple worldviews coexist. Ethical decision-making involves the selection of methods which have guiding concepts, principles and theories. Students explore concepts that underpin ethical decision-making and influences on practical moral judgment.

Students examine religious ethical perspectives and other influences on moral judgments of at least two religious traditions in societies where multiple worldviews coexist. They also explore the philosophical traditions which have contributed to each religion’s understanding of ethics.

Focusing on two or more ethical issues, students apply this knowledge to an examination of debates about ethical issues conducted in the public arena of societies in which multiple religious and non-religious worldviews coexist.

Unit Prerequisites

No prerequisites for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are three areas of study:

1. Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Judgement
2. Religion and Ethics
3. Ethical Issues in Society

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment can be used in this unit:

• Reports
• Debates
• Role-plays
• Identification exercises
• Analytical exercises
• Essay
• Written exercises
• Annotated charts
• Examination

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Overview

In this unit students study the purposes of religion generally and then consider the religious beliefs developed by one or more than one religious tradition or denomination in response to the big questions of life. Students study how particular beliefs within one or more than one religious tradition or denomination may be expressed through the other aspects of religion, and explore how this is intended to foster meaning for adherents. Students then consider the interaction between significant life experience and religion.

This unit also focuses on the interaction over time of religious traditions and the societies of which they are a part. For a large part of human history religion has been a truth narrative, offering a means for finding answers to the big questions of life. Religious traditions are in a dynamic process of engagement and negotiation with members individually and collectively, as well as with other key institutions in wider society associated with power, authority and credibility. Religious traditions are living institutions that participate in and contribute to wider societies – both positively and negatively. They stimulate and support society, acting as levers for change themselves and embracing or resisting forces for change within society.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

• Responding to the search for meaning
• Expressing meaning
• Significant life experience, religious belief and faith
• Challenge and response
• Interaction of religion and society

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• A report
• An essay
• A case study
• Analytical exercises
• Structured questions
• Extended responses

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Overview

In this unit students examine the place of texts and their literary forms within a religious tradition. Story-telling is one of the major literary forms in religious traditions; other forms include law, prophecy, sacred songs, reflection and instruction. Students explore the importance of texts at the source of a tradition and how their meaning for the earlier and continuing tradition might be found and described. The process of searching for and giving expression to the meaning of text is called exegesis. This unit introduces students to basic methods of exegesis to bring about a deeper awareness of how texts came about, and the meaning of texts to the religious tradition. This unit also explores how texts have been used by people both within and beyond the religious tradition to bring meaning to issues or ideas in a new cultural setting. This unit requires the study of texts in a variety of literary forms.

Unit Prerequisites

No prerequisites for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are three areas of study:

• The importance of sacred texts to the tradition
• The exegesis of text
• Sacred texts and later traditions

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• Open Book Test
• Research
• Exegesis
• Presentation
• Examination

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Overview

In this unit students study texts as a means of investigating social attitudes on issues such as justice, care for the environment, racism and gender roles. They consider the social context within which the texts were produced, the conditions under which they are currently read, the reasons for reading them, and the kinds of authority attributed to them by traditions and society in general. They also look at the ways in which the texts shape, and are shaped by, the content of the message contained in them.

Students investigate the general background to selected texts, using historical research skills and scholarly works to identify people, places and events relevant to the origins of the texts. They also focus on how religious traditions use their sacred texts when confronted with particular social issues.

Students will also compare religious traditions. Misunderstanding and conflict are sometimes generated by the way different religious traditions view and perceive their relationship with each other. By understanding the content regarding common social issues of the sacred texts of each tradition, students are able to acknowledge their similarities and differences.

Unit Prerequisites

No prerequisites for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are three areas of study:

• Sacred texts in the past
• Sacred texts today
• Comparing religious traditions

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• Summaries
• Textual commentaries
• Essays
• Short reports, including reports based on interviews
• Comparative tables
• Short-answer questions
• Examination

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Overview

Students develop an understanding of how a chosen set text is a response to particular social, cultural, religious, political and historical needs and events. They explore the formation of the text itself, the intended audience of that text, and the message or teaching found within the text. As a means of gaining an understanding of the content and message of a text, students become familiar with the nature of exegetical methods being used today by scholars in the religious tradition of their particular text.

In this unit students also study a significant idea, belief or theme contained in the set text, and consider the interpretation of the text in the light of the idea, belief or theme.

Unit Prerequisites

No prerequisites for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are three areas of study:

• The background of the tradition
• Audience, purposes and literary aspects of the set texts
• Interpreting texts
• Religious themes and their teaching purpose
• Themes in the later tradition and the later use of scripture

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• Summaries
• Textual commentaries
• Essays
• Short reports, including reports based on interviews
• Comparative tables
• Short-answer questions
• Examination

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Overview

In this unit students will develop an understanding of a vision and rationale for youth spirituality and ministry. They will demonstrate an understanding of the core values and beliefs that inspire youth ministry as well as critically reflect on the role of scripture and prayer in developing youth spirituality and ministry.

Students will also develop an understanding of the importance of community in youth spirituality and ministry and critically reflect on the depth of spirituality of youth today and how youth can be drawn into an experience of Christian spirituality.

Unit Prerequisites

Application is required for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are numerous areas of study:

• Vision for youth spirituality and ministry
• The relationship between Christian faith and mission
• Growth in spirituality
• Practical skills to help foster growth in youth ministry

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• Research Journal  20%
• Youth Ministry Assignment  20%
• Seminars  30%
• Exam  30%

Pathways

• Youth Minister
• Leading youth ministry

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Overview

This module explores the role of youth in the New Evangelisation with a practical application through the formation of a Youth Ministry Team within an individual school community. Principles of Evangelisation and youth ministry are examined. A practical component to equip the young person in youth ministry frameworks and practical skills (testimony and drama) will take place in the form of workshops. The module will also allow for personal reflection, sharing and teaching on the call to discipleship.

Unit Prerequisites

Application is required for entry into this subject.

Areas of Study

There are numerous areas of study:

• Vision for youth in the new evangelisation;
• Vision for the Youth Ministry Team;
• The Youth Ministry Team in action; and,
• Finding your identity in Christ.

Unit Assessment

A variety of assessment is used in this unit:

• Research Journal
• Youth Ministry Assignment
• Delivering Youth Ministry Experiences

Pathways

• Youth Minister
• Leading youth ministry

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Overview

During their time at Avila students are called to live a Gospel life as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Students are challenged to reflect on and explore their Christianity, both philosophically and actively, through the classroom program, Reflection Days and community-based projects.

In their last year of formal study students are encouraged to explore their knowledge, understanding and beliefs in a critical manner so that they have a sense of purpose as young Catholic adults.