Content

This is a thematic unit drawing material from the disciplines of biblical studies, systematic theology, history and education. It is an introduction to Lutheran education considered from a number of perspectives: the history of the Lutheran Church of Australia and the development of the Lutheran school system; the Bible as the key theological text for the church and its schools; and theological understandings which underpin practice in schools. The topic of creation is used as a framework to integrate biblical, theological and educational material in order to explore the core nature and practice of an authentic Lutheran school. This is the first in a series of three units with this overarching purpose.

Unit code: DE8004L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Education Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Outline the history of Lutheran schooling in Australia including key past and present influences

2.

Demonstrate a foundational understanding of interpretative approaches to the study of biblical texts by applying a range of techniques to a text

3.

Identify key aspects of a Lutheran understanding of the doctrine of creation

4.

Examine educational issues in the light of a Lutheran approach to anthropology and the doctrine of creation, and compose a theologically sound response

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 8 unit in postgraduate theology, ministry and education courses

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. engagement with online learning materials which may include audio/video, webinars, forums and discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bartsch, Malcolm. A God who speaks and acts: theology for teachers in Lutheran schools. North Adelaide, SA: Lutheran Education Australia, 2013.
  • ———. Why a Lutheran school? Education and theology in dialogue. North Adelaide, SA: Board for Lutheran Schools, 2001.
  • Braaten, Carl E. Principles of Lutheran theology. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2007.
  • Drane, John. Introducing the New Testament. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK: Lion, 2010.
  • ———. Introducing the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK Lion, 2011.
  • Kolb, Robert. The Christian faith: a Lutheran exposition. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 1993.
  • Kolb, Robert, and Charles Arand. The genius of Luther’s theology: a Wittenberg way of thinking for the contemporary church. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008.
  • Leske, Everard. For faith and freedom: the story of Lutherans and Lutheranism in Australia 1938-1996. Bowden, SA: Friends of Lutheran Archives, 2009.
  • Schwarz, Hans. Creation. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Analyse key purposes, influences and factors in the historical development of Lutheran schools in Australia

1500 20.0
Portfolio

Tasks which demonstrate various literary techniques used in the Bible

2000 30.0
Essay

Apply biblical and theological material to inform discussion on education practice

3500 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 19 Jul, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-07-19 15:07:35 +1000