Unit rationale, description and aim

In this unit, participants will visit a series of international sites of significance for the study of theology, particularly as such travel promotes reflection on the integration of specific, related theological themes. Work for the unit will include preparation for and debriefing after the tour. 

Opportunities to combine learning and travel enhances the possibilities for student engagement, including but not limited to greater cultural understanding, broader perspectives, opportunity to engage with local populations, cultural observations which leads to connecting previous disparate and unconnected “facts” in a new or unique fashion, provision of real world experience (e.g. participation on an archaeological dig or site analysis), motivation to pursuing learning further in light of exposure to modern or ancient material culture, opportunities for approaching biblical topics through a broader range of learning styles, and the supportive provision of lectures alongside on site learning. Additionally, study tours may provide students with a global network of contacts and references, personal growth and independence, career opportunities, stronger social ties with student colleagues, and the creation of lifelong learning memories that inspire future academic and personal investigation.  

2025 20

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit

Prerequisites

80 credit points in program

Incompatible

THEL209 Study Tour in Theology

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Prepare an analysis of the theological background ...

Learning Outcome 01

Prepare an analysis of the theological background relevant to the themes under consideration

Identify and elaborate on relevant features from v...

Learning Outcome 02

Identify and elaborate on relevant features from various site visits contributing to the theological themes under investigation

Use material and insights from the tour to present...

Learning Outcome 03

Use material and insights from the tour to present a synthesis of theological learning in a given area of theology

Content

Topics will be as appropriate to the themes, issues, and visits of the tour. These will be set out in the detailed extended unit outline prepared for each specific study tour as approved by the Executive Dean. 

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. Such procedures may include, but are not limited to: essays, reports, examinations, student presentations or case studies. 

In order to pass this unit, students are required to attempt all assessment tasks and achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher. The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to progressively demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome. 

Overview of assessments

Written analysis

Written analysis

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2

Site Visit Report

Site Visit Report

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2

Learning Syntheses

Learning Syntheses

Weighting

50%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This unit involves 300 hours of focused learning. The total includes formally structured learning activities such as lectures, tutorials and site visits. The remaining hours typically involve reading, research, and the preparation and submission of tasks for assessment. 

The unit is offered in attendance mode. Students learn through formally structured and sequenced learning activities that support the achievement of the learning outcomes. Students are asked to critically reflect, analyse, and integrate new information with existing knowledge, draw meaningful new connections, and then apply what they have learned. Collaborative and peer learning is also emphasized. On site activities and designed to enable students to acquire and assimilate theological knowledge through modern interpretative approaches. 

This unit emphasises students as active, adult learners. Students are recognised as adult learners who engage best when what they are learning is relevant to them and gives them the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. In many ways, the student is the one who drives the learning forward. Active participation in this unit is essential. Learning is designed to be an engaging and supportive experience, which helps students to develop critical thinking and reflection skills.  

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

As appropriate to the themes and visits of the tour. These will be set out in the detailed extended unit outline prepared for each specific study tour as approved by the Executive Dean. 

Locations
Credit points
Year

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