Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2013-2014 (archived)

Module THMN3177: Supervised Pastoral Placement

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN3177: Supervised Pastoral Placement

Type Open Level 3 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2013/14 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To enable students to gain pastoral experience of an assessable nature and to develop further the skills of theological reflection.
  • To provide placement experience at Level 3 which builds towards a breadth of experience and a progression from Levels 1 and 2 in terms of critical reflection on skills, practice and context.

Content

  • The major dynamic of the content will be practical and theological reflection on a pastoral placement in parish, circuit or secular setting. Practical work will take place under the supervision of an on-site supervisor and pastoral studies tutors, with supervision and reflection sessions built into the programme, including advice on theological and other resources. At Level 3, students will be expected to demonstrate a level of autonomy in their learning, researching and reflecting on the placement experience.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module student will demonstrate:
  • sensitivity to and critical engagement with ministry in context
Subject-specific Skills:
  • the ability to draw appropriately on theological texts and traditions in the task of understanding and evaluating a ministerial context
Key Skills:
  • the ability to integrate practice and theory in pastoral ministry
  • critical self-understanding in relation to ministerial experience
  • a level of autonomy in identifying areas of interest from the placement experience and in undertaking reflection and research on those areas.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures, seminars, observation and practical tasks in pastoral context with supervision and reflection sessions. At least 14 hours contact time.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours

Summative Assessment

Component: Report Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
A joint report from the internal and on-site supervisor 100%
Component: Case Study Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
A written assignment based on the placement using the 'Case Study Method' 1500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

extensive one-to-one work with both on-site and course tutors will provide substantial feedback in the learning process.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University