Human Development and Faith Across the Lifespan (DP9040W)

Content

This unit considers faith development in light of the bio-psycho-social changes that occur across the lifespan from gestation to old age. Students are introduced to the relationship between human and faith development across the lifespan, highlighting the milestones and transitions that are particular to childhood, adolescence, adulthood and senescence. Consideration is given to the differing ways to engage development in both person-centred and institutional ministry settings.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Students should normally have completed 24 points in Field D

Pedagogy

Lectures, case studies, class discussion and/or tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

• Austrian, S. Developmental theories through the Life Cycle. New York: Columbia UP, 2008.
• Balswick, J, P. E. King, and K. Reimer. The Reciprocating Self: Human Development in Theological Perspective. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2005.
• Dayringer, R. Life Cycle: Psychological and theological perceptions. New York: Routledge, 2012
• Dowling, E. M., and W. G. Scarlett (eds.). Encyclopedia of Religious and Spiritual Development. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2006.
• Estep, J.R., and J.H. Kim. Christian Formation: Integrating Theology and Human Development. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2010.
• Feldmeier, P. The Developing Christian: Spiritual Growth through the Life Cycle. New Jersey: Paulist, 2007.
• Gething, L. (ed). Life span development. (2nd ed.). Sydney, NSW: McGraw-Hill, 1995.
• Lefebvre, S. & S. Ross (eds) Stages of Life and Christian Experience (Concilium 2007/5), London: SCM, 2010.
• Papalia, D. E. and S.W. Olds. Life span development. (2nd ed.). Sydney, NSW: McGraw-Hill, 1995.
• Rogoff, B. The Cultural Nature of Human Development. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003.

Assessment