Content

This unit develops key study skills in the overlapping contexts of university learning, life and ministry. It explores the crucial role of ongoing theological study for personal and professional development and encourages a positive attitude towards life-long learning. It equips students with knowledge and skills for deep learning, critical thinking and writing, navigating online study, managing competing pressures of study, life and ministry. The unit also teaches how to be a reflective learner.

Unit code: AR1112B

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Religious Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Explain the place and importance of learning in life and ministry.

2.

Describe and apply various learning strategies as a lifelong learner.

3.

Practice academic skills in educational contexts.

4.

Reflect on the impact of mindset on learning and attitudes to learning.

Unit sequence

No prerequisites required.

Pedagogy

This unit employs a constructivist approach to adult education, tailored to online or blended delivery. Teaching and learning in the unit occur through various student-centered learning experiences. Apart from undertaking assessment-for-learning tasks, students will engage with guided readings, videos, podcasts, group work, workshops, and tutorials. Students will engage in discussions that will provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning and the development of discipline-specific and soft skills.

Indicative Bibliography

Allen, David. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. London: Penguin Books, 2015.

Barreto, Eric D. ed., Reading Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014.

Barreto, Eric D. Writing Theologically. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015.

Buis, Joris J., Ger Post, and Vincent R. Visser. Academic Skills for Interdisciplinary Studies. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 2019.

Dockery, David S., ed., Theology, Church, and Ministry: A Handbook for Theological Education. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2017.

Kapic, Kelly M. A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2012.

Inglis, Holly J., Kathy L. Dawson, and Rodger Y. Nishioka. Sticky Learning: How Neuroscience Supports Teaching That's Remembered. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014.

McGuire, Saundra Yancy. Teach Yourself How to Learn: Strategies You Can Use to Ace Any Course at Any Level. Virginia: Stylus Publishing, 2018.

Stephens, Mark. The End of Thinking? (Re-considering Series). Sydney: Acorn Press, 2021.

Ward, Frances. Lifelong Learning: Theological Education and Supervision. London: SCM Press, 2008.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Essay 300 10.0
Portfolio 1700 50.0
Oral Presentation 1500 40.0

Variant 2

Oral Presentation 300 10.0
Blog 1000 30.0
Learning Resource 2200 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 29 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-29 11:25:09 +1000