ACU Core Curriculum

• 10 cp
• Prerequisites: Nil

Thinking deeply about what it is to be a human being is itself a distinctively human activity. This unit introduces you to the nature of mind and its relation to the body; the basis of personal identity and the ’self’; the relationship between rationality and emotion; the meaning and extent of personal freedom; the interpersonal nature of being human; the significance of gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, ability and disability; considerations about the meaning of life; and the implications of human mortality. You will develop an understanding of key philosophical debates in the context of the Catholic intellectual tradition, enabling you to reflect on your beliefs and assumptions and to engage with the views of others. You'll learn how to think deeply, reflect on your experiences, analyse ideas, and clearly express your own views.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

Christianity has helped shape world history, influencing the way that humans understand themselves, relate with each other and act. This unit considers ways in which Christian thought and practice influenced the ethical, political and cultural aspects of human societies through the centuries, including community life, healthcare, education, human rights, politics and science. The unit also explores the Christian history of contemporary ideals and movements, as well as the ways in which Christian ideas have been distorted and betrayed by Christians through violence, prejudice and conquest. This unit gives you a broad understanding of how Christianity has shaped history, with a focus on key case studies. You’ll explore how Christian beliefs, practices and ethics have influenced important areas like healthcare, law and education.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

This unit gives you practical tools to assess information, think clearly and communicate effectively – valuable skills you can use in both your personal and professional life. You will learn to structure arguments clearly for different audiences; to evaluate evidence and testimony; to engage constructively in cases of disagreement; to identify and guard against bias and error; and to present oral and written presentations persuasively. Intellectual virtues like clarity, openness and charity are emphasised. 

You will learn to listen to others, craft arguments and convey views effectively. In today’s social media world, this unit helps you become a thoughtful, creative and responsible communicator – skills you can use in all areas of life.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

“Who am I? What should I do with my life? What really matters? Where have I come from and where am I going? These are questions that “have their common source in the quest for meaning which has always compelled the human heart” (John Paul II, Fides et Ratio, #1). In this unit, exploring such matters means thinking about questions of identity, belonging, purpose, love, suffering, belief, transcendence and much more. Such themes are at the heart of human cultures, philosophy, spirituality and religion, including Christianity. But they have also long been explored through the arts: from painting and sculpture, to literature, music and cinema. Such forms of artistic expression bring us to confront and engage imaginatively with life’s big questions and experiences. It is through the lens provided by great pieces of historic and contemporary art that this unit enables you to explore such questions, opening up ancient philosophical and theological insights in compelling and accessible ways. This unit helps you think critically and creatively about how to live and work well with others in both social and professional settings.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

Christianity has helped shape world history, influencing the way that humans understand themselves, relate with each other and act. This unit considers ways in which Christian thought and practice influenced the ethical, political and cultural aspects of human societies through the centuries, including community life, healthcare, education, human rights, politics and science. The unit also explores the Christian history of contemporary ideals and movements, as well as the ways in which Christian ideas have been distorted and betrayed by Christians through violence, prejudice and conquest. This unit gives you a broad understanding of how Christianity has shaped history, with a focus on key case studies. You’ll explore how Christian beliefs, practices and ethics have influenced important areas like healthcare, law and education.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

Human dignity, the common good and social justice are central principles of Catholic social thought which play a vital role in contemporary society. This unit explores the core concepts and theological underpinnings of Catholic social thought, drawing on biblical texts, Church teaching and the writings of theologians. You will critically assess and analyse the ideas and principles of Catholic social thought and learn how to use these concepts to explore and respond to real-world social, economic and environmental issues.

• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

Develop your understanding of the origins, nature and roles of the sciences, their relation to philosophical and theological reflection, and the implications of the sciences for our understanding of human dignity, the integrity of creation and the common good.  

The revolutions in scientific understanding of the last 500 years have changed how we see our earthly home, from the physical centre of creation to a tiny planet suspended within an unimaginably vast universe. The biological sciences have changed the way we understand the human body, its processes, and its relation to other living things. But today’s sciences have developed in complex historical interactions with faith traditions and wider social and cultural changes, in ways that are often overlooked or misunderstood, but which this unit will lead you to examine.  

Building on critical understandings of the origins of today’s sciences, you will undertake case studies concerning contemporary social and ethical challenges and opportunities connected to scientific research and technology. Responding to a world where the authority of the sciences is increasingly contested, this unit aims to prepare you to critically engage with the community and contribute to ongoing debates in science and technology.  

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

This unit looks at the different parts of today’s environmental crisis – including climate change, species extinction, air pollution, deforestation, water shortages and desertification – and how they’re all connected. It explores ways environmental damage is linked to unjust human conduct that exploits and impoverishes individuals and communities, entrenches inequality, and impedes First Nations’ ability to care for creation. Following the lead of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, a variety of perspectives will be considered, including theological perspectives, scientific data, environmental philosophy and theologies of creation. You’ll explore the idea of ‘integral ecology’ which highlights how everything is connected – and why it’s important to act fairly and protect the dignity of all life on Earth. You will consider how to assess individual and corporate responsibility for ecological harms, the relative responsibility of highly versus less industrialised regions, and what a just carbon transition might look like. The unit will help you understand the present ecological crisis, and how theological responses, such as ‘integral ecology’, can contribute to a more just and sustainable future.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

Human history is saturated with violent conflict, interspersed with periods of relative peace. This ranges from interpersonal and domestic conflicts, intracommunal or civil conflicts, wars, colonial oppression, genocide, slavery, deliberate impoverishment, the maltreatment of prisoners and racial/ethnic, gendered and sexual violence. In this unit you will study conflicts to understand patterns and consider responses. You’ll explore psychological and sociological theories about why violence happens, along with religious perspectives on the ethics of violence – especially when it affects the innocent and vulnerable. This unit helps you understand where violence comes from and how it shows up in the world – and gives you the tools to work with others toward a more peaceful and just society.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

The world is faced with important challenges that need to be addressed in a considered and holistic manner. These include war and violence, migration and displacement, climate change, sustainable development and meaningful work, rapid technological growth, universal healthcare, and a range of injustices including economic, race and gender. In this unit, you’ll use Catholic social thought as a framework to explore and respond to these issues. This way of thinking has strongly influenced how we tackle global challenges and shapes important fields like healthcare, education, law and business.

You’ll explore global challenges in detail using case studies, looking at facts and different viewpoints. You’ll also consider philosophical and theological ideas, especially from Catholic social ethics, to see how well they address these issues. This unit helps you understand key ideas like human dignity, the common good, and care, and aims to equip you with the skills to be an active agent for positive change in our connected world.

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• 10 cp
• Prerequisites Nil

This unit explores Australian Indigenous (First Nations) spiritualities and how they shape ways of knowing, connecting and living – especially through land/country, family ties, language, beliefs, and cultural traditions. You’ll look at how Indigenous spiritualities connect with Catholic beliefs and history, including their traditions and the history of contact since European settlement. You’ll compare and contrast these two belief systems and explore what has brought them into dialogue with each other. This unit aims to give you the skills and knowledge to thoughtfully apply insights from both Australian Indigenous spiritualities and Catholic thought to issues in your personal life, the nation or your future career.

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