Undergraduate Course: Pastoral Care and Theology 3/4 (THET10002)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | An academic study of the ministry of pastoral care. The influence of twentieth-century trends in psychotherapy (Freud, Jung, Rogers) is explored, as is the relationship between pastoral practice and contemporary theological movements (from neo-orthodoxy to postmodernism). |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
The course aims to explore the nuanced understanding of pastoral care and theology as it has been developed throughout both Christian history and the history of psychological development. Starting with pastoral theology as it was understood in relation to the leadership of the established church and moving through to its development as an aspect of practical theology, the students will be able to see how theological concepts adapt in the academy. Through the analysis of the practice of pastoral care in real-life scenarios, students will also be able to use their understanding of pastoral theology in an applied way. Finally, students will be able to take their understandings of pastoral care and theology and see how it applies to contemporary issues that face the church and the wider religious community today.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course will cover theoretical issues in the field, as well as offering an historical survey of selected theological texts. Themes including psychology, pastoral theology, stages of development, spirituality, and the contemporary church will be covered. Application of the understandings of pastoral care will be applied to contemporary case studies for discussion and debate.
Student Learning Experience Information:
The students will read a selection of texts on the relevant topic each week. There will be a time in class for discussion of the texts as well as any questions raised. This will be followed by a more structured lecture on the topic at hand. Midway through the course there will be an essay whereby the students will be asked to write on aspects of pastoral care/theology. Students will also be required to participate in an in class presentation. The exam will cover material from the entire course, and the last class will allow students the opportunity to ask questions about relevant material.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the factors which have led to the development of the contemporary 'pastoral care and counselling' movement.
- Demonstrate the ability to read critically and comment upon significant texts from both psychotherapy and pastoral theology which influence contemporary understandings of Christian pastoral ministry.
- Critique models for relating theological understanding and pastoral practice.
- Discuss the influence of some modern psychotherapeutic concepts upon pastoral care.
- Demonstrate an ability to identify key terms and their meanings, along with good judgment concerning how to determine the relative importance of items on course bibliographies.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- Empathy and imaginative insight, with a tolerance of diverse positions
- Capacity for reflexive learning
- Commitment to lifelong learning
- Teamwork skills
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Sarah Ritchie
Tel: (0131 6) 50 8903
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Jamie Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 8913
Email: |
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