Content

This unit serves as an introduction to the nature, purpose and approach of Religious Education in the life of the Church. Students will theologically reflect on the aims of Religious Education and will explore the role and nature of the curriculum in the life of the church. This unit will also explore key understanding that Religious Educators need to have about the students of Religious Education, including various approaches to delivering Religious Education in a parish setting. This unit is a foundational unit equipping students who want to take further Religious Education units.

Unit code: DR8700A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Religious Education

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Compose and defend a view of the aims of education in the Church

2.

Critically evaluate the model of the ancient catechumenate and apply its wisdom to a contemporary situation.

3.

Construct a theological reflection the role of the teacher within the life of the Church.

4.

Demonstrate skills in integrating a selection of foundational pedagogical theories to Religious Education in the Church

5.

Propose and appraise initiatives for Religious Education in the church today

Pedagogy

12 weekly sessions, required reading and additional reading resources.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Boojamra, John Lawrence. Foundations for Orthodox Christian Education. Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1989.
  • Boys, Mary C. Educating in Faith: Maps and Visions. San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1989.
  • Hattie, John. Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning. London: Routledge, 2012.
  • Estep Jr, James R, Anthony, MJ, and Allison, GR. A Theology for Religious Education. Nashville: B.&H. Publishing Group 2008.
  • Groome, Thomas H. Christian Religious Education: Sharing Our Story and Vision. 1st Jossey-Bass ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1999. (Recommended for purchase )
  • Harris, Maria. Fashion Me a People: Curriculum in the Church. 1st ed. Louisville, KY.: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1989.
  • Koulomzin, Sophie. Our Church and Our Children. Crestwood, NY: SVS Press, 1975, reissued 2004.
  • Schmemann, Alexander. “Liturgy and Education” in Liturgy and Life. Syosset, NY: OCA-DRE.
  • Vrame, Anton C. *The Educating Icon: Teaching Wisdom and Holiness in the Orthodox Wa*y. Brookline, Mass.: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1999. (Recommended for purchase )
  • Estep Jr, James R, Anthony, MJ, and Allison, GR. A Theology for Religious Education. Nashville: B.&H. Publishing Group 2008
  • Pazmini, Robert W. Foundational Issues in Religious Education. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker 2008.
  • Smith, James K. A. Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview and Cultural Formation. 2009.
  • Welch, Leslie, Adams, G., Brown, J.L., Welch, A. and Marzano, R.J., The Art and Science of Teaching. Alexandria, Va: ASCD, 2008.
  • Yount, William R. The Teaching Ministry of the Church. 2nd ed. Nashville: B.&H. Publishing Group 2008.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Workplace evaluation

Ministry Practice Evaluation and Proposal (2500 words)

2500 40.0
Essay

Topic Essay (2500 words)

2500 40.0
Personal Reflection

Critical Reflections on Readings (1000 words)

1000 20.0
Approvals

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

Unit record last updated: 2019-10-03 11:34:41 +1000