Introduction to Theological Education (DE8330L)

Content

This unit describes the relationship between theological education and higher education in Australia. It invites participants to consider their own views and vocation. It examines such issues as the expectations of churches, experiences of students, and the nature of the many theological education institutions.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Prohibited combinations: DE8029L Teaching in a Theological Education Context

Pedagogy

Engaged instruction and conversation, exploration, peer discussion, self-reflection.

Indicative Bibliography

• Brookfield, Stephen D. * Becoming a critically reflective teacher*. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1995 (esp. chapters 4–7).
• Coakley, Sarah. ‘Theological scholarship as religious vocation.’ Christian Higher Education 5: 2006 55−68.
• Jarvis, Peter. ‘Adult learning: andragogy versus pedagogy or from pedagogy to andragogy.’ In The Routledge International Handbook of Learning, edited by Peter Jarvis and Mary Watts. London: Routledge, 134–143. 2012
• Jones, Gregory L., ed. . The scope of our art: the vocation of the theological teacher. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 2001
• McDowell, John C. ‘What Athens has to do with Jerusalem: the wisdom of reason, the publics of theology.’ Pacifica: Australasian Theological Studies 22, no. 2 (June): 125–147. 2009.
• Poe, Harry Lee. Christianity in the academy: teaching at the intersection of faith and learning, Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic. 2004.
• Ringenberg, William C. The Christian college: a history of Protestant higher education in America. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker. 2006
• Sherlock, Charles H. Uncovering theology: the depth, reach and utility of Australian theological education. Adelaide: ATF Press. 2009.
• Thompson, Geoffrey. ‘The functions of theology: loosening the nexus between theological education and ministerial formation.’ Colloquium 47, no.2: 208–220. 2015.
• Werner, Dietrich, David Esterline, Namsoon Kang, and Joshva Raja, eds. 2010. Handbook of theological education in world Christianity: theological perspectives, ecumenical trends, regional surveys. Oxford: Regnum Books International. 2010
• Wilkens, Steve. Christian college, Christian calling: higher education in the service of the church. n.p.: AltaMira. 2005

• Theological education has long been a male-dominated domain. Theological Education, 45 no.2 (2010) addresses issues of gender and leadership in theological education.

• *At least one of Biggs, Mortiboys, Ramsden or Rogers recommended for purchase

Assessment