Engaging Groups in Creative Contemplation (DS9207W)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit will explore the dynamics of contemplative groups and equip students to facilitate contemplative groups. Students will engage with diverse approaches to contemplative group facilitation. The unit will enable students to experience and reflect on contemplative groups that incorporate creative practices, including the use of story, poetry, art and meditation. Through this unit, students will discover the particular value of contemplative groups for the spiritual life.

Unit code: DS9207W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse a range of approaches to contemplative group facilitation in the Christian tradition
2.

Critically reflect on the value of contemplative groups in the spiritual life
3.

Integrate theoretical knowledge of contemplative group processes into practice as a facilitator of contemplative groups
4.

Critically reflect on the principles of contemplative group leadership within diverse contexts
5.

Evaluate personal experience of leading contemplative groups

Pedagogy

24 hours of lecture and discussion, and a two day 12 hour participatory retreat in which each student will facilitate and reflect on a contemplative group. The time will be equally divided between lectures, experiential contemplative groups, and the retreat.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Baab, Lynne M. Joy Together: Spiritual Practices for Your Congregation. Westminster John Knox Press, 2012. Belden, Lane. The Solace of Fierce Landscapes: Exploring Desert and Mountain Spirituality. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Fryling, Alice. Seeking God Together: An Introduction to Group Spiritual Direction. IVP Formatio, 2008.
  • May, Gerald G.. Pilgrimage Home: The Conduct of Contemplative Practice in Groups. New York: Paulist Press, 1979.
  • O’Donohue, John. Benedictus: A Book of Blessings. London: Bantam Press, 2007. (recommended for purchase)
  • Palmer, Parker J. A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004. (recommended for purchase)
  • _______. The Active Life: A Spirituality of Work, Creativity and Caring. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1990. (recommended for purchase)
  • _______. The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2007.
  • _______. Community, Knowing and Spirituality in Education www.infed.org/thinkers/palmer.htm
  • Rohr, Richard. The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See. New York: The Crossroad Publishing Co. 2009.
  • Vennard, Jane E. Be Still: Designing and Leading Contemplative Retreats. Washington: Alban Institute, 2000.
  • Whyte, David. Where Many Rivers Meet. Washington: Many Rivers Press, 2004.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

2,000 report on a Contemplative Circle

 2000 25.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

2,000 word tutorial paper

2000 25.0
Essay

4,000 word essay

4000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Naomi Wolfe on 18 Sep, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-09-18 08:27:28 +1000