Content

This unit offers students some tools to explore the theological foundations of the ministry and praxis (informed practice) of pastoral care. Theological reflection, with its outcome of informed practice or praxis will be the vehicle for the study of basic pastoral care in ministry, whether that ministry be formalised or more informally practised. Contextual issues and challenges in Pastoral Care will be addressed, along with a grounding in some of the ways ritual and spirituality contribute to the ministry of pastoral care.

Unit code: DP1006Z

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: St Francis College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to: Determine and express an understanding of key theological underpinnings of pastoral care.

2.

Consider and reflect upon their practice of spiritual and pastoral care, in the light of these theological foundations.

3.

Outline contextual and hermeneutical aspects affecting pastoral care.

4.

Demonstrate an awareness of traditional and contemporary motifs influencing models of pastoral care.

Unit sequence

Level 1 Undergraduate unit. No prerequisite units required.

Pedagogy

Intensive and interactive webinars which include input from the lecturer, PowerPoint slides, discussion activities, skills labs, guest lecturers and significant opportunities to dialogue with the content and to explore examples in students' lived experience. Each lecture begins with a tutorial which provides a structured process to discuss, question and consolidate the issues raised the previous week and in the readings.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anglican Church Southern Queensland, "Pastorally Caring in Your Community". Brisbane: ACSQ. 2018.
  • Doehring, Carrie, "The Practice of Pastoral Care: A Postmodern Approach". (Revised and Expanded Edition). Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. 2015.
  • Kirkwood, Neville A., "Pastoral Care in Hospitals" (2nd Edition). Harrisburg: Morehouse Publishing. 2005.
  • Mackinlay, Elizabeth, "Palliative Care, Aging and Spirituality: A Guide for Older People, Carers and Families". London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. 2012.
  • McGilvray, Jill, "God's Love in Action: Pastoral Care for Everyone". Melbourne: Acorn Press.2009.
  • Osmer, Richard, "Practical Theology: An Introduction". Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 2008.
  • Whipp, Margaret, SCM Study Guide: Pastoral Theology. London: 2013.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum - Participation

Participation in forum discussion.

1000 10.0
Verbatim Report - Verbatim 1

A verbatim is the script of a pastoral situation, where attention is focused on the actual pastoral conversation. Careful consideration will be given to a standard format used in verbatims in class, and this format should be utilized in this assessment. Please describe your Prior Knowledge of the situation, the context in detail (Observations) and mark where any points of transition are observed. In the conclusion, summarize your theological and other insights and learnings gained through this experience.

1500 20.0
Verbatim Report - Verbatim 2

As for Verbatim 1, with further emphasis on your growth as a pastoral carer and your personal learning.

1500 30.0
Oral Presentation - How We Care

Using biblical, artistic, traditional, medical or other motifs influencing pastoral care, theologically reflect on the model/s of care represented. The theological reflection should include a detailed description of what is going on, why it is going on, what ought to be going on and the action that could be taken (Osmer, 2008.) Careful consideration should be given to the use of power, authority and contextual components of the motif.

1500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 12 Apr, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-04-12 11:15:28 +1000