Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)

Module THMN40315: Developing A Consultancy Model

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN40315: Developing A Consultancy Model

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

Prerequisites

  • • Consultancy Practice and Theory

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • to enable students to integrate research insights from a number of disciplines into their consultancy praxis
  • to develop students’ reflective practice through critical engagement with a range of consultancy theory and models
  • to enable students to critically evaluate a number of competing consultancy models and develop their personal model of consultancy praxis

Content

  • 1. Analytical frameworks for reading and evaluating consultancy modes and models
  • 2. Organisational theories, methods and tools from a range of sources and a detailed examination of their suitability for use in church contexts
  • 3. Critical examination of the interdisciplinary approach of Congregational Studies and its application to consultancy in church settings.
  • 4. Examination of a range of consultancy models with reference to their application to personal praxis
  • 5. Preparation for, execution and critique of consultations in a variety of roles.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module the student will have knowledge of:
  • Critical evaluations of the suitability of organisational theories, methods and tools for application in church contexts.
  • Analytical frameworks employed in consultancy models and modes
  • The interdisciplinary approach to congregational studies and its application to consultancy in church settings.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will have
  • Critically related research, theory and practice from theology, organisational studies and consultancy in a creative and reflective way, according to professional/vocational context where appropriate.
  • Integrated and applied these disciplines in consultations in a productive and safe manner.
  • Developed and critically evaluated a variety of consultancy models to inform the ongoing development of a personal model of consultancy.
Key Skills:
  • By the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • Apply a depth of knowledge to make supportable judgments
  • Effectively communicate complex ideas orally and in written format
  • Demonstrate their ability as self- reflective, critically aware practitioners
  • Make professional judgments which may involve others in a reflective manner which recognises the limits of their own competence

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. Experienced practitioners will be involved in introducing students to working consultancy models and key issues arising from a variety of Christian contexts. 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.

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 Hours 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 3000 words: A description of the model of consultancy developed form the student’s praxis with a critical evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the model and how it might be developed with particular reference to its contextual application. 100%

Formative Assessment:

Using an example of a consultancy which the student has have been involved with either in the co-consultancies on the course or in daily work, the student is to write an analysis of the differing contexts operating in the chosen case study and how this impacts on the consultancy. 1,500 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