This unit examines the theological, developmental and methodological resources for children and families ministries in varied contexts and across the spectrum of Australian church based, community based and para-church expressions, including age-sensitive and intergenerational settings. Addressing the theology, spirituality and sociology of the child in relation to family, church, faith, culture, technology, history and philosophical discourse, the unit develops critical skills for evaluating and designing robust, contextual processes for discipleship, pastoral care, safe practice, mission and leadership with children and their families.
Unit code: DP8100Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational
Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
Proposing College: Stirling College and Pilgrim Theological College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Compare and contrast the fields of child theology, theologies of child, child spirituality and theology for children in key faith formation contexts, such as Faith community, education, family, mission and welfare. |
| 2. | Analyse the interaction between child development, theological architecture, biblical texts, social discourse and faith formation praxes, interpreting these strands in their own context. |
| 3. | Evaluate the place, agency and needs of the child within ecclesiological, missional, faith formation and discipleship structures. |
| 4. | Identify and interpret complex risk factors and best practice procedures regarding protective behaviours to safeguard the welfare of children, practitioners and communities, and use this knowledge in analysing case studies. |
| 5. | Critique different methodologies and theologies in ministry with children and their families. |
| 6. | Integrate, in reflection and practice, theories of child spirituality, child theology and child development |
Lectures, facilitated workshops, immersive classroom, reflective journaling, case studies.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | Small group investigation of a Duty of Care case study with class presentation |
1000 | 10.0 |
| Book Review | Book review on a text relating to theology of the child |
1500 | 25.0 |
| Journal | Three 500-word journal reflections on the 'World of the Child' |
1500 | 25.0 |
| Essay | Essay on core issues |
3000 | 40.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 9 Sep, 2022
Unit record last updated: 2022-09-09 14:58:43 +1000