Content

This unit is offered in order to enable bachelor degree students to fulfil the capstone requirements related to their award, and is intended to be taken in the student’s final year. It aims to direct, support and encourage the integration of student learning across multiple theological disciplines by means of participation in an integrative seminar and completion of a project of the student's choice that draws on their prior learning . Topics may be related to a particular theme identified in advance by Faculty. Projects must include explicit engagement with methodologies, concepts and content from more than one Field, and show a capacity for creative and effective communication of theological ideas. Seminars will provide an overall framework for integrative learning, but specific content will be largely determined by the participants’ own interests and experience. Students will be expected to present their ideas to their peers and members of Faculty and to engage in critical interaction and feedback within the seminar process .

Unit code: XX3900T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Capstone

Unit discipline: Capstone Other X

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the methodologies, concepts and key issues from at least two fields of study explored in their prior learning

2.

Compare points of synthesis and integration between different fields of theological study (biblical, historical, systematic, philosophical, practical)

3.

Apply their understanding to the generation of a chosen project that relates to at least two fields of theological study.

4.

Present integrated theological ideas coherently, creatively and effectively, taking into account critical feedback from faculty and peers

5.

Plan and execute an integrative project, drawing on skills in research, writing and presentation.

Unit sequence

Available only during the last two semesters of a bachelor degree.

Pedagogy

Seminars, online discussion, lectures, personal research

Indicative Bibliography

  • Berry, Ralph, The Research Project: How to Write It. 4th edition; London: Routledge, 2000.
  • Farley, Edward, Theologia: The Fragmentation and Unity of Theological Education. Eugene: Wipf & Stock, 2001.
  • Forrester, Duncan. Truthful Action: Explorations in Practical Theology (Edinburgh T&T Clark, 2000)
  • Ghiloni, Aaron J., ‘On Writing Interdisciplinary Theology’, Practical Theology 6 (2013), 9–33
  • Graham, Elaine, Words Made Flesh: Writings in Pastoral and Practical Theology. London: SCM, 2009.
  • Gorringe, Timothy, Furthering Humanity: A Theology of Culture. Basingstoke: Ashgate, 2004.
  • Markham, Ian S., A Theology of Engagement. Oxford: Blackwell, 2003.
  • Reader, John. Reconstructing Practical Theology: The Impact of Globalization. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2008.
  • Swinton and Mowat, Practical Theology and Qualitative Research, London: SCM, 2006.
  • Yaghjian, Lucretia B., Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers. New York / London: Continuum, 2006.

Further titles will be provided in relation to the chosen theme for each year’s Capstone Seminar.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Project Report or Project Journal

Written Integrative project of 3,000 words or equivalent

3000 70.0
Seminar or Tutorial

Attendance at and interaction in four seminars (either face to face or online) comprising intentional, reflective and critical interaction with tutors and peers. Assessed by faculty who are present during these seminars. (equivalent 1000 words)

1000 10.0
Oral Presentation

Presentation of the outline of chosen Integrative Project in seminar. This outline is presented for discussion and feedback by peers and faculty. Due weight is given to the critical integration of ideas and promotion of peer discussion and feedback. (1000 words)

1000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 29 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-29 10:25:53 +1000