THEO8508 Theology and Practice of Chaplaincy

2015

4.5

1 x 1-hour lecture weekly
1 x 1-hour seminar weekly

This topic will provide students with a foundation in the practices, images and theological themes in a practical theology of chaplaincy.

This will include developing skills and practices in areas of pastoral care and mission from the perspective of actual human experience.

In this topic students will reflect critically on their personal experience and practice in dialogue with an examination of theoretical considerations of a range of questions related to chaplaincy in contemporary Australian settings. Both historical and contemporary pastoral care frameworks will be evaluated, with a particular focus on marginalisation and social justice.

This topic aims to:

• provide students will specialised skills in the theology and practice of chaplaincy

• develop a foundational understanding of the nexus of theoretical perspectives and personal experience in the practice of chaplaincy

• identify and analyse models and frameworks of practical theology, and their implications for contemporary practice

• evaluate how perceptions of both God and personhood shape the practice of chaplaincy critically

On completion of this topic students will be able to:

• articulate and critique their own theology of chaplaincy

• evaluate critically historic and contemporary literature on the theology and practice of the human person in ministry, with particular relevance to chaplaincy

• develop and evaluate a theology and practice of being human, as it relates to the ministry context, both personal and communal

• communicate, both verbally and in writing, personal and theoretical aspects of chaplaincy, to a range of audiences

• discuss the implications for theology and ministry when perceptions of God are considered in the face of marginalised persons

• analyse critically the implications of pastoral care frameworks and practices, including with those who are marginalised

• apply knowledge to implement a set of practices and skills that enable the effective practice of chaplaincy.