The programs in civil ceremonies prepare students to plan and conduct public
ceremonies of recognition such as weddings, namings and graduations, and
ceremonies of grief such as funerals and divorce. They aim to enable graduates
to provide expert advice on precedent and etiquette and to help people handle
the often emotionally charged processes of moving through a rite of passage.
The programs aim to prepare graduates to orchestrate the delicate issues of
planning and conducting rites of passage with sensitivity, dignity and
propriety. They are designed to develop an appropriate understanding of the
possibilities and limitations of the role of a celebrant, including listening
carefully to clients and, where appropriate, referring them elsewhere for
professional legal and counselling advice. Literary and musical content of
ceremonies are considered.
This emerging profession has grown substantially since the first appointments
were made in 1973 such that more than half of all marriages in Australia are
now performed by civil marriage celebrants. People who perform functions
touching the lives of others are widely expected to have been trained to
undertake what they do.
For further information on the following courses, contact the School of
Historical Studies.
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