Content

This unit on the spirituality of youth (teens through to young adults) introduces students to significant developments in youth spirituality research, and assists them to begin to formulate their own mature theological (christological, anthropological, soteriological and ecclesiological) and pastoral responses to the subjects of such.

The unit is suitable for, although not limited to, those seeking to develop skills for working with or among young people in churches, schools and/or other community-based settings.

Unit code: CT1010W

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate a theological understanding of human personhood, spirituality and spiritual formation, particularly as these relate to youth

2.

Identify and critically evaluate key factors influencing the content and expressions of youth spirituality

3.

Critically appraise a variety of pastoral responses intended to assist young people develop and express their spirituality

4.

Formulate a preferred approach to nurturing spirituality in young people

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Balswick, J. O., P. E. King, and K. S. Reimer. The Reciprocating Self: Human Development in Theological Perspective. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
  • De Souza, M. and W. Lamb. Children, Adolescents and Spirituality. Adelaide: ATF Press, 2008.
  • Dean, K. C., C. Clark, and D. Rahn. Starting Right: Thinking Theologically About Youth Ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties, 2001.
  • Fowler, J. W. Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning. Blackburn: Collins Dove, 1981.
  • Holt, B. Brief History of Christian Spirituality. Oxford: Lion Publishing, 1997.
  • Hughes, P. J. Putting Life Together: Findings from Australian Youth Spirituality Research. Fairfield: Fairfield Press, 2007.
  • Roehkepartain, E. C., P. E. King, L. Wagener, and P. L. Benson. The Handbook of Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence. London: Sage Publications, 2005.
  • Root, A. and K. C. Dean. The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry. Downers Grove: IVP Books, 2011.
  • Smith, C. and P. Snell. Souls in Transition: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of Emerging Adults. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.
  • Tacey, D. The Spirituality Revolution: The Emergence of Contemporary Spirituality. Sydney: Harper Collins, 2004.
  • Ward, G. Unbelievable: Why We Believe and Why We Don’t. New York: IB Tauris, 2014.
  • Warren, A. E., R. Lerner, and E. Phelps (eds.). Thriving and Spirituality Among Youth: Research Perspectives and Future Possibilities. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2011.
  • Welker, M. (ed.). The Depth of the Human Person: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2500 Major Essay

2500 50.0
Essay

750 Word Minor Essay

750 25.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

750 word Tutorial Paper

750 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 30 Jul, 2015

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-26 17:01:27 +1100