Content

This unit is offered in order to enable postgraduate 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 the theological disciplines by means of participation in an integrative seminar and completion of a project that draws on the student’s prior learning and directs it towards an integrative treatment of a chosen topic. 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 awareness of the issues related to 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 and at a Colloquium before a wider group.

Unit code: XX9909T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Capstone

Unit discipline: Capstone Other X

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

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

2.

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

3.

Direct their understanding towards the generation of new questions and insight in relation to 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 peers

5.

Plan and execute a substantial integrative project, drawing on advanced skills in research, writing and presentation.

Unit sequence

Required postgraduate foundational units and at least 50% of elective units relevant to the award. The capstone unit will usually be taken during the last two semesters of a coursework Masters degree.

Pedagogy

Seminars, online discussion, lectures, personal research

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bass, Dorothy C., Dykstra, Craig, (eds.), For Life Abundant: Practical Theology, Theological Education, and Christian Ministry. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008.
  • Ballard and Pritchard, Practical Theology in Action: Christian Thinking in the Service of Church and Society, 2nd Edn., (London SPCK, 2006).
  • 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. Transforming Practice, London: Mowbray, 1996
  • 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.
  • Thielicke, Helmut, A Little Exercise for Young Theologians trans. Charles Taylor. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1962.
  • Volf, Miroslav and Bass, Dorothy C., eds. Practicing Theology: Beliefs and Practices in Christian Life, Grand Rapids, Mic, Eerdmans, 2002.
  • 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 5,000 words or equivalent

5000 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 Maggie Kappelhoff on 29 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-08-17 13:21:29 +1000