Understanding the Family: A Christian Perspective (DP8619A)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

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 unit 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: DP8619A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate an understanding of the intra-familial dynamics from a pastoral, spiritual and theological Christian perspective
2.

Discuss the different family stages and illustrate the dynamics involved in each
3.

Analyse 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.

Critically review the cultural, sociological, spiritual and developmental challenges presented to families and develop appropriate pastoral responses within their own context

Pedagogy

The unit will emphasise active participation, interaction and discussion. Teaching methods will include lecturer input, group discussion and reflection, guiding responses to case studies and the of the use of related resources and activities

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

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Written Examination

Invigilated Exam 2.5 hours

 0 40.0
Personal Reflection

Written Assessment Task – Reflection Papers 2000 words

 2000 30.0
Essay

Written Assessment Task - Essay 2000 words

 2000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 30 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-14 16:04:09 +1100