William Attard	Semester 1 Wednesday afternoon 2007

 

This unit will present three theoretical frameworks within which to consider pastoral practice in its day-to-day experience: psychological, anthropological and theological. The psychological focuses upon the working of the unconscious and its place in the human condition. The anthropological (philosophical) frame of reference assists students to understand ways of knowing and responding, with particular reference to story, imagination, ritual and symbol. The theological reflection to be presented draws on the sources of personal principles and action, culture and faith tradition. The aim of the unit is for students to recognise the assumptions upon which they engage in pastoral interaction and to encourage them to take responsibility for their stance.

Prerequisites:	CD101, CD102, BS101 and BS102 are recommended some pastoral experience would be advantageous
Requirements:	3 hours per week
Assessment:	first level	one 500 word seminar paper	10%
		one 2,500 word essay	60%
		one 1 hour written examination	30%
	second level	one 1,000 word seminar paper	25%
		one 3,000 word essay	50%
		one 1 hour written examination	25%

Bibliography

Carr, W. A. Handbook of Pastoral Studies: Learning and Practising Christian Ministry. London: SPCK, 1997.

Ciarrochi, J. W. A Minister’s Handbook of Mental Disorders. New York: Paulist Press, 1993.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 1994.

Graham, L. K. Care of Persons, Care of Worlds: A Psychosystems Approach to Pastoral Care and Counselling. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1992.

O’Connell-Killen, P., and J. De Beer. The Art of Theological Reflection. New York: Crossroad, 1994.

O’Meara, T. Theology of Ministry. New York: Paulist Press, 1983.

Rulla, L. M., et al. Anthropology of the Christian Vocation: Vol. 2, Existential Confirmation. Rome: Gregorian University Press, 1989.

Sperry, L. Transforming Self and Community: Revisioning Pastoral Counselling and Spiritual Direction. Collegeville: The Liturgical Press, 2002.