Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module THMN1091: Practical Theology

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN1091: Practical Theology

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To explore and critique the scope of pastoral ministry in the church. To enable the building of the skills and habit of theological reflection on experience, and the integration of theology and the practice of ministry.

Content

  • What is Practical Theology/Theological Reflection?
  • Approaches to theological reflection
  • The Pastoral Cycle
  • Using the Bible and Tradition Introduction to the Human Sciences
  • What is pastoral theology?
  • Good practice in pastoral care (including boundaries, confidentiality, etc.)
  • Listening skills

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module students will:
  • demonstrate that they are developing appropriate skills for the pastoral care of individuals and groups, with an emphasis on active listening
  • demonstrate an understanding of reflective practice and its role in the practice of ministry
  • demonstrate an understanding of the pastoral cycle as a tool for theological reflection on experience
Subject-specific Skills:
  • be able to relate specific experiences of life and ministry to relevant parts of the Christian tradition
  • gain experience of engaging in theological reflection both individually and corporately, including as facilitator of a group
Key Skills:
  • understand and exhibit good practice in pastoral care, including appropriate self-awareness

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

  • 28 hours of contact time including lectures, worked examples on methodology, staff and student led seminars, practical exercises and field experience.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours

Summative Assessment

Component: Pastoral interview Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
20 minute recorded pastoral interview and student’s written critique. 20 mins 100%
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

In-class exercises and seminar


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