Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module THMN40115: Consultancy Practice and Theory

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN40115: Consultancy Practice and Theory

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2017/18 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • to introduce students to the language, concepts and methods employed in the professional practice of consultancy
  • to develop students as effective consultants through the development of high level skills in contextual analysis and the application of in depth knowledge
  • to develop the student’s conceptual knowledge of an organisation in order to identify and solve problems and deliver effective consultancy

Content

  • 1. Introduction to the language, concepts and methods used in consultancy praxis
  • 2. Critical examination of constitutive elements of consultancy practice, underlying bodies of knowledge and key skills
  • 3. Evaluation and application of methods and tools appropriate to the design of consultancy offered for a range of problems, cases and situations
  • 4. Contextual examination of the issues for consultancy in Christian settings in support of more effective ministry and mission
  • 5. Preparation for the execution and critique of consultations in a range of roles

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module the student will have gained:
  • A conceptual understanding of the methods and tools applied in consultancy practice.
  • In depth knowledge of the contextual issues for consultancy in Christian settings
  • An insight into and evaluation of the diverse responses required in different consultancy situations showing a critical awareness of key concepts and models necessary for the development of consultancy praxis.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will have:
  • Analysed the contextual issues for consultancy within a Christian setting.
  • To have made significant progress in developing their own professional, rigorous, theory based consultancy model, particularly in terms of understanding the different roles in consultations.
  • Engaged critically with and applied key concepts in consultancy to experiential learning paying particular attention to theological reflection, context and tradition in the development of reflective practice
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • Critically engage with and synthesise information through reading and research, and to present this clearly and effectively in written format
  • Demonstrate their ability to analyse their practice and develop as reflective practitioners.
  • Effectively communicate complex ideas orally and in written format
  • Determine appropriate advanced techniques of analysis and enquiry within their applied specialist field.

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

  • • The core module will be taught by Revd David Dadswell. Other experienced practitioners will be involved in introducing students to working consultancy models. Learning will be delivered through staff led seminars, supervised, experiential consultancy sessions with other students and external guests, guest lectures and distance learning material.
  • The co-consultancy groups enable students to work in pairs and trios as consultants, consultors and observers on a number of exercises which focus on consultancy practice. After the group sessions, students all engage in reflection, learning and implications for practice.
  • *Student co-consultancy groups involve three students and a staff observer. One student acts as consultant, another as consultor (client) and another as observer. The students rotate through these roles and reflect on what has happened during the session. Their presentations and reflections make up the summative assessment. .

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Staff-led seminars 3 2 hours 6
Student co-consultancy groups * 14 45 mins - 1 hour 30 mins 18
Tutorials 2 1 hour 2
e-learning and independent study 124
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Reflective Portfolio Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reflective portfolio on co-consultancy groups: including an analysis which is focussed by an emphasis on particular consultancy topics such as consultancy process, understanding of and operation in the roles of consultor, consultant and observer, or attempts at analysis or design. 3000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

A critical outline of the process of developing a consultancy contract for a consultation in a church setting including a justification for its contents. 2000 words


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