Content

This unit serves as an introduction to the nature, purpose and approach of Religious Education in the life of the Church. Students will theologically reflect on the aims of Religious Education and will explore the role and nature of the curriculum in the life of the church. This unit will also explore key understanding that Religious Educators need to have about the students of Religious Education, including various approaches to delivering Religious Education in a parish setting. This unit is a foundational unit equipping students who want to take further Religious Education units.

Unit code: DR1700A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Religious Education

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate the foundational understanding of the nature and purpose of Religious Education in the life of the Church.

2.

Outline the model of the ancient catechumenate and discuss its relevance to contemporary Religious Education

3.

Explain the role and nature of the curriculum of Religious Education in a parish setting.

4.

Discuss pedagogical approaches relevant to Religious Education in the Church.

Pedagogy

Twelve weekly sessions, comprising guided readings from the set texts, additional reading resources.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Boojamra, John Lawrence. Foundations for Orthodox Christian Education. Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1989.
  • Boys, Mary C. Educating in Faith: Maps and Visions. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1989.
  • Estep Jr, James R, Anthony, MJ, and Allison, GR. A Theology for Religious Education. Nashville: B.&H. Publishing Group 2008.
  • Groome, Thomas H. Christian Religious Education: Sharing Our Story and Vision. 1st Jossey-Bass ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1999. (Recommended for purchase )
  • Harris, Maria. Fashion Me a People: Curriculum in the Church. 1st ed. Louisville, KY.: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989.
  • Hattie, John. Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning. London: Routledge, 2012.
  • Koulomzin, Sophie. Our Church and Our Children. Crestwood, NY: SVS Press, 1975, reissued 2004.
  • Pazmini, Robert W. Foundational Issues in Religious Education. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker 2008.
  • Schmemann, Alexander. “Liturgy and Education” in Liturgy and Life. Syosset, NY: OCA-DRE.
  • Vrame, Anton C. *The Educating Icon: Teaching Wisdom and Holiness in the Orthodox Wa*y. Brookline, Mass.: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1999. (Recommended for purchase )
  • Yount, William R. The Teaching Ministry of the Church. 2nd ed. Nashville: B.&H. Publishing Group 2008.

*** Note: Due to the lack of English resources for Orthodox Religious Education, some books do not have newer editions.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay 2- 1500 words

1500 40.0
Essay

Essay 1 – 1000 words

1000 30.0
Personal Reflection

Reflections – 1000 words

1000 30.0
Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:34:20 +1100