Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

Educating and Ministering Through Life Passages

Unit Code: 
DP/DR330
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This unit presents a view of adult spiritual development which integrates psychological and theological understandings of Christian maturational processes. It offers insights on the masculine and feminine aspects of growth through early, middle and late adulthood. Changing spiritual emphases in each stage will be discussed. Students examine pastoral and educational styles and approaches that are appropriate for the different needs and capacities of people moving through the major life phases, and transitional periods. Through engagement with both classical and aesthetic sources, the unit invites participants to reflect on aspects of their own spiritual development and on ways of being more responsive to the changing needs and circumstances of those to whom they minister. Participants are encouraged to work with some of their own ‘spiritual classics’ during the unit.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of educational implications for the interdisciplinary aspects of adult spiritual development
  2. critically assess different pastoral approaches to people in their changing life phases, and transitional periods in their faith journey
  3. demonstrate a capacity to communicate aspects of spiritual development through the use of classical and contemporary resources
  4. research and write an essay to graduate level.
Lecturer/s: 
Maryanne Confoy
Timetabling
Semester: 
Intensive
Location: 
Centre for Theology and Ministry
Unit Frequency: 
Annual
Years Offered: 
2010
Years Offered: 
2011
Years Offered: 
2012
Years Offered: 
2013
Years Offered: 
2014
Notes: 

In 2012 this unit will be held from 9am-5pm on five Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31.

Unit Fields
Courses: 
Graduate Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Master of Divinity
Courses: 
Master of Theological Studies
Field: 
Field D Theology: Mission and Ministry
Disciplines: 
Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies
MDiv Field: 
Faith and Ministry Praxis
Department Name: 
Department of Moral and Practical Theology
Unit Level
GradDip Field: 
Elective
MDiv Type of Study: 
Integrative
Prerequisites: 

15 points each in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology

Corequisites: 

none

Prohibited Combinations: 

none

Mode of Teaching: 
Intensive
Teaching Methods: 

Lectures and group work

Workload
Workload: 

This unit is taught in 4 x 8 hour workshops across 4 Saturdays, plus a 4 hour integrative session held on a 5th Saturday.

Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

1 x 6000 word essay

Weighting: 
100%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 2, 3, 4
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

A book of readings will be available for purchase from the UFT office.

  • Elkind, D. and D. Hetzel. Readings in Human Development: Contemporary Perspectives. New York: Harper and Row, 1977.
  • Fowler, J. Becoming adult, becoming Christian: adult development and Christian faith. Rev. ed. Jossey-Bass, 1999.
  • Gallagher, M. P. Faith maps: Ten religious explorers from Newman to Joseph Ratzinger. New York: Paulist Press, 2010.
  • Hahnenberg, E. Awakening Vocation: A Theology of Christian Call. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2010.
  • Keating T. Invitation to love. New York: Continuum, 2000.
  • Johnston, W. Arise my Love: Mysticism for a New Era. New York: Orbis, 2000.
  • Martin, J. Becoming who you are: insights on the true self from Thomas Merton and other saints. New York: Paulist, 2006.
  • Ruffing, J. Uncovering Stories of Faith. New York: Paulist, 1989.
  • Sheldrake, P. Explorations in Spirituality: History, Theology and Social Practice. New York: Paulist Press, 2010.
  • Tillich, P. Dynamics of Faith. London: Allen and Unwin, 1957.
  • Vaillant, G. Aging well. Boston: Little Brown & Company, 2002. 

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.