Postgraduate Profile

Mr Zachariah P. Duke

PhD Candidate, Theology, School of Humanities & Social Science, Faculty of Education and Arts Group Facilitator

Discipline:                  Theology
Faculty/Division:       Education and Arts
Mobile:                        0401 068 324
Email:                          zachariah.duke@studentmail.newcastle.edu.au
Location:                    Room MC117, McMullin Building
Campus:                    Callaghan Campus, Newcastle

Current Research

PhD Thesis Proposal: In what ways does the Roman Catholic Church in Australia, seek to accommodate and nurture the faith, moral and spiritual development for individuals with intellectual disabilities?

Principal Supervisor: Dr Kenneth Brown
Co-Supervisor(s): Professor John McDowell

Publications and papers

2009  "More than an academic experience! The common good on a local campus level." Teaching, Learning and Social Justice in Higher Education, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne     

Qualifications/studies

  • 2009 Bachelor of Theology (Honours) Australian Catholic University (Strathfield)  
    • Thesis: "Speaking Out! The Australian Catholic Church and its intervention in the question of refugees and asylum seekers."
  • 2008-2009 Political Science and International Relations, Macquarie University
  • 2006-2008 Bachelor of Theology, Australian Catholic University (Strathfield)    
    • Majors: Christian Practice, Practical Theology and Christian Thought
    • Minors: Philosophy, Biblical Studies, and Geography


Awards/Scholarships

  • 2006 - 2009 Community Engagement, Teaching & Learning Scholarship, Catholic Education Office - Sydney Archdiocese    
  • 2005 Archbishop's Award for Student Excellence, Office of the Catholic Sydney Archdiocese

Areas of Research

  • Public theology, especially the intersection between theology and political theory/practice;
  • Human faith/spiritual development, notably in relation to individuals with intellectual disability;
  • Practical Theology;
  • Christian social ethics;
  • Theology of mission; and
  • Interfaith dialogue/relations especially between Christianity and Islam.

Civic Appointments

  • 2008 Justice of the Peace in and for the State of New South Wales