Content

This unit offers an introduction to the understanding of family life. Insights from the Social Sciences will be informed and critiqued by cultural and theological themes. The different phases of married life and the characteristics of each phase of the life cycle will be explored. Specific focus issues in the pastoral care of families and family ministry will be addressed. The course will outline the factors that contribute to family wellbeing and review those factors that challenge spiritual health and family integrity. Christian and Scriptural teaching on the family will be integrated with these theories. An important focus will be the role of the family in providing a sacred space of ‘safe holding’ that encourages and nurtures the spiritual formation of children in faith.

Unit code: DP2615A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Intensive

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate an understanding of the intra-familial dynamics from a pastoral, spiritual and theological Christian perspective

2.

Identify and describe the different family stages and illustrate the dynamics involved in each

3.

Identify the roles and complementary tasks of family members, and through case study reflection describe how the family can nurture the Christian formation of children.

4.

Describe and theologically reflect upon the cultural, sociological, spiritual and developmental challenges presented to families and develop appropriate pastoral responses within their own context.

Unit sequence

Prohibited combinations: Only one of DP1610A, DP1615A, DP2610A, or DP2615A may be taken

Pedagogy

Lectures, group discussion,

Indicative Bibliography

  • Evdokimov P. The sacrament of Love. St Vladimir’s Seminary Press. NY, 2001. (Recommended for purchase)
  • Balswick, J.O, Balswick, J.K (2007) Family: A Christian perspective on the contemporary home, Grand Rapids: Baker.
  • Minuchin S. Families and Family Therapy. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1974.
  • Littleton. Talking and Listening together: couple communication. St Vladimir Press. NY, 1993.
  • MacKinlay, E. (2006) Spiritual growth and care in the fourth age of life. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • Mackinlay, E. (2008) Ageing, disability and spirituality: Addressing the challenge of disability in later life. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • Barker P. Basics of Family Therapy. Blackwell Scientific Press. London, 1998.
  • Mack J. Preserve them, O Lord. Conciliar Press. California, 2005. (Recommended for purchase)
  • Glick ID, et al. Marital and Family Therapy. American Psychiatric Press, Inc., 2000.
  • Coniaris AM. Crown Them with Honor. Light and Life Publishing Company. Minnesota, 1985 (Recommended for purchase)

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Written test (2 hours)

0 50.0
Essay

Assignment 1 (1000 Words)

1000 15.0
Essay

Assignment 2 (1500 Words)

1500 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Dec, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:57:47 +1100