Content

This is a Supervised Theological Field Education (STFE) unit in which learning is achieved through deep engagement in approved ministry placements. This is a double unit completed over two semesters where students will reflect on experiences they have in ministry and seek to understand them in their social, psychological, cultural and theological meanings. A variety of theological models of reflection will be introduced to help synthesise theological learning and placement practice, enabling holistic development. Communally as well as individually, students will consider how scripture, tradition, culture and experience coalesce in their own experiences of ministry and leadership formation. Professional ministry standards including the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people underpin this unit.

Unit code: DP9121B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 48.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Practicum

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically reflect theologically on ministry practice and ministry context using models of theological reflection.

2.

Demonstrate competencies in ministry practice within a ministry context.

3.

Document evidence of learning about self and ministry arising from the ministry context.

4.

Critically analyse the core aspects of their emerging operational theology.

5.

Integrate theological reflection into personal leadership development and vocational formation.

6.

Demonstrate an integrated understanding of child safeguarding and professional ministry standards.

Unit sequence

UD Code of Conduct and Safeguarding module Prerequisites: 24 points from Field B, 24 points from Field C and 24 points from Field D (excluding practicum units)

Pedagogy

Learning is achieved through action-reflection on assigned placements, as well as individual and group supervision.

360 engagement hours is made up of 288 hours placement, 12 hours individual supervision, 36 hours peer group/placement review and feedback, and 24 hours planning/prep/classroom.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Cameron, Helen, John Reader and Victoria Slater with Chris Rowland. Theological Reflection for Human Flourishing. London: SCM Press, 2012.*
  • Floding, Matthew, ed. Engage: A Theological Field Education Toolkit. Lanham, MD: Rowan & Littlefield, 2017.*
  • Graham, Elaine, Heather Walton, and Frances Ward. Theological Reflection: Methods. London: SCM Press, 2019.*
  • Kincaid, William B. Finding Voice: How Theological Field Education Shapes Pastoral Identity. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2012.*
  • O’Neill, Gary, ed. and Liz Shercliff. Straw for the Bricks: Theological Reflection in Practice. London: SCM Press, 2018.*
  • Paver, John E. Theological Reflection and Education for Ministry. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2006.
  • Stone, Howard W., and James O Duke. How to Think Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2013.
  • Thompson, Judith with Stephen Pattison, and Ross Thompson. SCM Study Guide: Theological Reflection. London: SCM Press, 2008.
  • Trist, Richard. Ministry in Context. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2023.
  • Whetham, Paul and Libby Whetham. Hard to Be Holy: From Church Crisis to Community Opportunity. Adelaide: Soul Food Café 2020. * Available as ebook

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Case Study - Case Studies x 2 5000 30.0
Learning Resource - Safeguarding 2500 20.0
Essay - Integrative Essay 3000 20.0
Forum - Forum posts x 6 1500 10.0
Workplace evaluation - Skill Demonstration & Project Report or Project Journal x 2 3000 20.0

Variant 2

Case Study - Case Studies x 2 5000 30.0
Oral Presentation - Safeguarding 2000 20.0
Essay - Integrative Essay 3000 20.0
Forum - Forum posts x 6 1500 10.0
Workplace evaluation - Skill Demonstration & Project Report or Project Journal x 2 3000 20.0

Variant 3

Case Study - Case Studies x 2 5000 30.0
Audio recording or Podcast - Safeguarding 2000 20.0
Essay - Integrative Essay 3000 20.0
Journal - Placement Journal 1500 10.0
Workplace evaluation - Skill Demonstration & Project Report or Project Journal x 2 3000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-08-16 11:01:52 +1000