Content

This unit draws on the theoretical underpinning of the research on process and psychology of human development and the theological understanding of Christian faith. Students examine the mutual relationship of these as an ongoing journey in one’s relationship with God within the religious and psychological framework of human maturation and personal life experiences. In the context of the relationship between person, human development, and education, and in the light of James Fowler’s model of Faith Development, students will investigate the relationship beween faith and human growth. This unit places particular emphasis on adolescence and midlife, identifying the pastoral needs and ministerial challenges these specific stages present in the life journey, and focuses on an integration of faith education and human maturity.

Unit code: DR1001C

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Religious Education

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between faith and lived life experiences as an ongoing process of integration within one’s life journey.

2.

Identify and examine the social, ecclesial, cultural, philosophical, and theological presuppositions underlying faith development.

3.

Show a clear understanding of the specific character and needs of the developmental nature of human growth so as to identify the religious, social, emotional, and vocational needs of the specific stages of life.

4.

Engage in a practical pastoral project related to faith and personal development within a well-defined area of professional competence and/or ministry.

5.

Assess opportunities in ministry within educational frameworks in the light of their understanding.

Pedagogy

Faith understood as relationship with God can only be meaningful and life giving within the daily experience of the person and as the ongoing process of integration of his/her psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural dimensions. The three weekly hours will include formal lectures, dialogical and interactive learning through practical experiences and case studies, and collaborative learning through critical discussion of directed articles or authors.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Cranton, Patricia. Understanding and Promoting Transformative Learning. A Guide for Educators of Adults. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2006.
  • Feldmeier, Peter. The Developing Christian: Spiritual Growth Through the Life Cycle. New York: Paulist, 2007.
  • Fowler, James. Becoming Adult, Becoming Christian. Adult Development and Christian Faith. Blackburn: Dove Communications, 1984.
  • ———. Stages of Faith. The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning. New York: Harper & Row, 1981.
  • Hughes, Philip,Putting Life Together. Findings from Australian Youth Spirituality Research. Fairfield: Fairfield Press, 2007.
  • Lovat, Terence, Ron Toomey, Neville Clement, Robert Crotty, and Thomas Nielsen. Values Education, Quality Teaching and Service Learning. A Troika for Effective Teaching and Teacher Education. Terrigal: David Barlow Publishing, 2009. (EBook available.)
  • Mason, Michael, Ruth Webber, and Andrew Singleton. The Spirit of Generation Y. Young People’s Spirituality in a Changing Australia. Melbourne: John Garratt Publishing, 2007.
  • Richo, David. How to Be an Adult in Faith and Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 2011.
  • Shaw, Peter. Finding Your Future the Second Time Around. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 2006.
  • Souza, de Marian, ed. Children, Adolescents and Spirituality. Adelaide: ATF Press, 2006.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2,000-word Essay

2000 50.0
Portfolio

1000-word Portfolio

1000 20.0
Written Examination

1-hour Written Examination

0 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 7 Aug, 2018

Unit record last updated: 2022-12-15 16:03:41 +1100