Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Develop a coherent theological framework in which to critique key contemporary analyses of power and powerlessness, marginalisation and poverty

• Articulate and apply a theological rationale for Christian faith-based advocacy around basic human rights.

• Generate theologically coherent and developmentally sound advocacy strategies for responding to the impact of injustice on weak and vulnerable communities.

• Develop resources and activities designed to motivate and mobilise Christians in a justice and compassionate response to those who suffer from marginalisation, discrimination or exploitation.

• Develop advanced knowledge of the theological debates that have shaped the discourse on justice from a biblical perspective.

Unit Description

This unit examines the role of power and systemic barriers in perpetuating poverty and assists learners in developing a theoretical framework for human rights that is based on a Biblical concept of Justice. Learners will reflect on the development of human rights and the movement towards advocacy as a key poverty alleviation tool. The complexities of human rights and advocacy across differing contexts will be explored, and particular attention will be given to the challenges and practical strategies of mobilising vulnerable people for advocacy. Relevant case studies of faith-based advocacy will be examined, covering issues such as climate action and gender-based violence. This unit also explores the role, responsibilities and challenges of Christian NGOs mobilising the Christian community to action on issues of poverty and injustice.

Topics

• History and development of human rights
• Advocacy with and for the poor as an integral dimension of the Church’s witness and work in the world
• Issue of Non Government Development Organisations giving much higher priority to advocacy in recent years, and why has this provoked controversy within the wider community
• Advocacy strategies that are effective in achieving positive change for vulnerable communities
• Advocacy to confront climate change and gender-based violence

---

Unit offerings

Face to face: Semester 1, 2027 and Semester 1, 2030 (Every 3rd Year, Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.