Content

This unit is located at the intersection between theory and practice in Lutheran education. It considers the classroom as a place of diverse prior understandings, including spirituality and worldview, which need to be considered in the planning of both Christian Studies and worship in a Lutheran or other Christian education setting. It engages students in a close theological and pedagogical study of the Lutheran Education Australia Christian Studies Curriculum Framework (CSCF). It explores questions of best practice and assessment in teaching Christian Studies. Students will also examine Lutheran theology, theory and practice of worship at education sites, considering various complexities and issues surrounding worship in schools and early childhood centres. Students are provided with opportunities to reflect critically on their practice in the light of theological and pedagogical theory.

Unit code: DR8312L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Religious Education

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate awareness of the impact of external factors, including spirituality, worldview and secular agenda, on worship and Christian Studies practice in Lutheran or other Christian education settings

2.

Engage with the Christian Studies Curriculum Framework (CSCF), and demonstrate deep understanding which leads to appropriate contemporary teaching methodology and assessment practice

3.

Critically analyse worship in the context of the Lutheran (or other Christian by negotiation) education setting, considering issues relating to the theology, theory and practice of worship

4.

Demonstrate a developed capacity to engage in the process of theological reflection in an education context.

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: DE8004L Introduction to Lutheran Education and CT8001L The Christ-centred School

Pedagogy

Engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion with lecturer. Includes lectures, video clips, group activities and discussion, spiritual retreat style exercises

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bartsch, Malcolm. 2013. A God who speaks and acts: theology for teachers in Lutheran schools. North Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Education Australia. (recommended for purchase)
  • Lutheran Education Australia. 2015. Christian Studies Curriculum Framework. Rev. ed. North Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Education Australia. (recommended for purchase)
  • Lutheran Education Australia. 2005. Lifelong qualities for learners: a vision for learners and learning in Lutheran schools. Rev. ed. North Adelaide, SA: LEA. (recommended for purchase)
  • Astley, Jeff. 2012. Teaching religion, teaching truth: theoretical and empirical perspectives New York: Peter Lang.
  • Barnes, Philip. 2008. Learning to teach religious education in the secondary school: a companion to school experience. 2nd ed. New York: Routledge.
  • ———. 2012. Debates in religious education. New York: Routledge.
  • Groome, Thomas. 2008. Educating for life: a spiritual vision for every teacher and parent. Allen, TX: Thomas More.
  • Hyde, Brendan. 2008. Children and spirituality: searching for meaning and connectedness. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
  • Lee, Heekap. 2010. Faith-based education that constructs : a creative dialogue between constructivism and faith-based education. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers.
  • Ryan, Maurice. 2007. A common search: the history and forms of religious education in Catholic schools. Brisbane, QLD: Lumino Press.
  • Thoma, Christopher. 2008. Feeding the lambs : a worship primer for teachers of children Enumclaw, WA: Pleasant Word.
  • Watson, Keith. 2012. Education and religion: global pressures, local responses. London: Routledge.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

Portfolio of Christian Studies classroom practice 3,000 words equivalent

3000 50.0
Portfolio

Worship portfolio examining the theology, shape and practice of worship in a Lutheran education setting 3,000 words equivalent

3000 50.0
Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000