Core Curriculum

Introduction

From the commencement of undergraduate teaching at the University in 1994, it was decided to establish that, as a matter of on-going policy, all students would be required to enrol in a ‘core curriculum’ which would include 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 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 students are encouraged to take 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

TH101 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.

PH100 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.

ET100 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.

Other Core Units

In addition to the above core undergraduate units, individual Schools, with the approval of the Vice Chancellor and the Trustees, may substitute special units which reflect particular needs or circumstances on individual campuses or in a specific course. For example, special units relating to Aboriginal spirituality, culture and reconciliation are offered in the Broome Campus only. For medical students and for law students, the compulsory ethics unit focuses on issues and questions especially relevant to these professions.