Unit rationale, description and aim
The aim of this course is to broaden students’ juridical horizons, presenting the Law of the Church and its legal structures as a model of universal government able to face the challenges of pluralistic and complex modern society in which the Church works and serves. The law of the Catholic Church reflects the Church's own fundamental understanding of her common faith life. Canon Law is considered as integral to the Church's pastoral practice and governance as well as to an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of Church membership.
We will first analyze the main concepts and consider the origins of Canon Law, then give careful attention to the content of the current Code of Canon Law (promulgated in 1983). In particular, the juridical protection of all of Christ’s faithful in the Church, and their duty and obligations; and also matrimonial law, temporal goods, and sanctions in the Church. The aim of the unit is for students to understand and analyse the theological and legal dimensions of Canon Law and apply a critical understanding of the relevance and implications of Canon Law to the life of the church.
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.
Identify and explain the major features of the dev...
Learning Outcome 01
Analyse the relationship between Catholic ecclesio...
Learning Outcome 02
Apply an understanding of the role of Canon Law in...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
This topic will include:
- Roman Catholic Church and the Law
- The history of Canon Law
- The relation of Canon Law to Vatican II and theology
- Divine Law and Human Law
- Catholic Social Teaching and the Vatican II Council
- Introduction to the Code of Canon Law (CIC 1983) and its General Norms
- The Constitution of the Church and the People of God
- Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic LIfe
- The Teaching Function of the Church
- The Sanctifying Office of The Church
- The Sacraments in the Code of Canon Law
- Marriage and Family in the Code of Canon Law
- Temporal Goods of the Church
- Penal Sanctions of the Church
- Process in Canon Law
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome.
Given the alignment of learning outcomes to the assessment tasks, 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 demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome.
Task 1 asks students to explain and analyse the relationship between Catholic ecclesiology, with particular reference to Vatican II, and the nature and development of canon law.
Task 2 asks students to apply an understanding of an aspect of Canon Law in the life of the Church, and of the rights and responsibilities of Church members within the law.
Task 3 invites students demonstrate an understanding the nature and development of Canon Law and its contemporary relevance to the life of Christians and the church.
Overview of assessments
Extended written task: Requires students to expla...
Extended written task: Requires students to explain and analyse the relationship between Catholic ecclesiology and contemporary canon law.
50%
Oral presentation: Students are required to resea...
Oral presentation: Students are required to research and write an assignment and give a presentation on a chosen topic. This assessment recognises the need for developing skills in locating, referencing, and analysing research material and training in legal communication.
30%
Participation: Requires students to actively part...
Participation: Requires students to actively participate in the class (whether presential or online).
20%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The unit involves 150 hours of focused learning, or the equivalent of 10 hours per week for 15 weeks. The total includes formally structured learning activities such as lectures, tutorials, online learning, or supervision. The remaining hours typically involve reading, research, and the preparation of tasks for assessment.
The unit is normally 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 emphasised.
THCP301 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, and their 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.