Content

This unit explores the historical and current interest in the spiritual life and development of children. It examines links between Scripture, theological thought, spiritual and psychological development, neurobiology and ministry with children. The unit seeks to develop a more informed ministry of pastoral care through religious education.

Unit code: DS3019S

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Spirituality

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Stirling College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate awareness and an informed critique of a range of views relating to the development of spirituality in children

2.

Identify aspects of church life, ministry and pastoral care where the experiences of children can be recognised and valued

3.

Recognise, articulate and integrate within a practice framework the pastoral significance of love for the self, the other, the environment and the Divine as part of spirituality in the life of the child

4.

Reflect on and demonstrate an ability to integrate spiritual experiences in life from childhood to the present

Unit sequence

normally 15 points in Field D

Pedagogy

lectures, seminars and tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Allen, H., (ed) (2008) Nurturing children’s spirituality Oregon: Cascade
  • Berryman, J., (2002) The complete guide to Godly Play Colorado: Moorehouse
  • Berryman, J., (2009) Children and the theologians New York: Moorehouse
  • Boyle, E., (2007) Science as sacred metaphor Minnesota: Liturgical Press
  • Buckland, R., (2001) Children and the gospel Gosford NSW: Scripture Union
  • Coles, R., (1990) The spiritual life of children Boston: Houghton Mifflin
  • Collier, J. (ed) (2009) Toddling to the kingdom London: Child Theology Movement
  • Fowler, J., (1981) Faith development through the family life cycle San Francisco: Harper and Row
  • Groome, T., (1998) Educating for life: A spiritual vision for every teacher and parent New York: Crossroad
  • Hart, T., (2003) The secret spiritual world of children Canada: Transcontinental
  • Hay, D. & Nye, R., (1998) The spirit of the child London: Harper Collins
  • Hughes, D., (2007) Attachment focused family therapy New York: Norton
  • Hughes, P., (2007) Putting life together Victoria: Open Book
  • Hyde, B., (2008) Children and spirituality London: JKP
  • Jensen, D., (2005) Graced vulnerability Cleveland: Pilgrim Press
  • Miller-McLemore, B., (2007) In the midst of chaos: Care of children as spiritual practice San Franscisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Nye, R., (2009) Children’s spirituality London: Church House
  • Moltmann, J., (2003) Science and wisdom Minneapolis: Fortress
  • Moltmann, J., (2007) Experiences of God Minneapolis: Fortress
  • Mountain, V., (2007) Educational contexts for the development of children’s spirituality: exploring the use of imagination in International journal of children’s spirituality UK: Taylor and Francis
  • Mountain, V., (2008) Research into children’s perception of prayer Saarbrucken: VDM
  • Richards, A. & Privett, P.,(2009) Through the eyes of a child London: Church House
  • Siegel, D., & Hartzell (2004) Parenting from the inside out New York: Penguin
  • Stonehouse, C., (1998) Joining children on the spiritual journey Grand Rapids: Bridge Point
  • Yust, K., (2004) Real kids, real faith San Francisco: Jossey-Bass

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

1,000 word intertextual study (response to scripture)

1000 25.0
Essay

2500 word essay

2500 50.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper

1,000 word tutorial report and oral presentation

1000 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-03 12:19:24 +1100