Content

This is a thematic unit drawing material from the disciplines of systematic theology, biblical studies and education. Its primary purpose is for students to come to an enhanced understanding of Christ from a biblical and theological perspective and hence be able to reflect in an informed manner on what it means when schools of the Lutheran Church of Australia claim to be ‘Christ-centred’ and use ‘the Word of God with the gospel of Christ at its heart to inform all learning and teaching, all human relationships, and all activities of the school’ (LEA, 2006). In the light of these claims, students will also consider what it means for the teacher to be part of the mission and ministry of the church through its schools. This is the second of three units designed to explore the core nature and practice of an authentic Lutheran school.

Unit code: CT8001L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Systematic Theology

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Discuss the key elements of the person and work of Christ with a degree of sophistication appropriate to fulfilling their professional responsibilities when teaching Christian studies

2.

Examine what it means to be a ‘Christ-centred’ school, and argue a position which shows consistency with the Lutheran understanding of the nature and purpose of it's education institutions

3.

Apply insights from Christology to the question of what it means for a teacher to be part of the mission and ministry of the Church through its schools and early childhood services

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 8 unit in postgraduate education courses

Prerequisites: DE8004L Introduction to Lutheran Education (may be taken concurrently)

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. engagement with online learning materials, audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bartsch, Malcolm. A God who speaks and acts: theology for teachers in Lutheran schools. North Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Education Australian, 2013.
  • ———. Why a Lutheran school? Education and theology in dialogue. North Adelaide, SA: Board for Lutheran Schools, 2001.
  • Braaten, Carl E. Principles of Lutheran theology. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2007.
  • Hebart, Friedemann. One in the gospel: the Formula of Concord for our day. 3rd ed. Clovelly Park, SA: Australian Church Resources, 2015.
  • Kilcrease, Jack D. Self-donation of God: a contemporary Lutheran approach to Christ and his benefits. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2013.
  • Kolb, Robert. The Christian faith: a Lutheran exposition. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 1993.
  • Kolb, Robert, and Charles Arand. The genius of Luther’s theology: a Wittenberg way of thinking for the contemporary church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.
  • Lutheran Education Australia. The Lutheran school as a place of ministry and mission. Adelaide SA: LEA, 2006. Accessed 27 August 2019. http://www.lutheran.edu.au/download/the-lutheran-school-as-a-place-of-ministry-and-mission/.
  • Marty, Martin E. Lutheran questions, Lutheran answers: exploring Christian faith. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Books, 2007.
  • Schwarz, Hans. Christology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Journal

The person and work of Jesus Christ

2800 30.0
Report

What does it mean to be a Christ-centred school?

3000 50.0
Essay

Mission and ministry of the church in schools

1200 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 3 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-03 16:19:42 +1000