This course introduces basic concepts, attitudes, and skills of pastoral counseling. Consideration is given to the fundamental process and skills of pastoral counseling to more effectively deal with common pastoral concerns and problems. It further covers professional ethics for pastoral ministers including issues such as boundaries, power differentials, confidentiality, and sexual misconduct. Systematic training and practice in basic responding and initiating skills are provided. Multicultural implications are included. Intended audience: MDiv, MA, MTS. [Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment]
This seminar will engage women in a process of reflection on their experience from the perspectives of spirituality, psychology, and the arts. We will consider women's religious experience; relationships; personal/social transformation; the body; nature. Class will include feminist readings, written reflections, discussion, and ritual. Format: Seminar. Evaluation: Informed class participation, reflection papers. [Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with Faculty permission]
TAKING HER WORD: PASTORAL THEOLOGY & FEMINIST HERMENEUTICS This seminar will look at feminist hermeneutical principles operative in pastoral theology and spiritual care. The seminar will invite students to think about their perceptions and how they interpret what they encounter: Whose words are we listening to? Who are we taking as witnesses for pastoral theological reflection? How are we hermeneutically accountable in our pastoral practices? In addition, we will explore how pastoral theology is vulnerable to splitting into endless fragmented specializations for subgroups as the 21st century unfolds. Given this tension, in what ways are hermeneutical reflections indispensable in order for caregivers to be transparent and self-critical in the presence of the contending agendas of various constituencies. This hybrid course will meet 6:10 - 9:00 p.m. on September 4 and December 11, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on two Saturdays, October 18 and December 15. The rest of the work will be done online. This is primarily a seminar/workshop format. There will be online reflections on the readings and discussion questions, with a final research paper or project due the end of the semester. Mid-to upper level, for MDiv, MA/MTS, STL, DMin, STD, PhD/ThD. Assignments to be adjusted for varying degree requirements. [Previous courses in Pastoral Theology helpful but not required; Faculty permission for first year students; PIN code required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
This course unfolds at the intersection of spirituality, integrative medicine, pastoral care and issues of fundamental theology. Utilizing a modified seminar format, it brings into dialogue political awareness, eco-spirituality and feministhermeneutics addressing questions of health and healing. Health and healing is understood individually and communal. The theoretical analysis will be developed in close relationship with the experience at site visits to urban farming and spirituality centers focusing on health and healing , and through encounters with experts in the area of integrative medicine and healing. (see www.commonweal.org )We will work from theologies of creation, revelation and baptism to develop an understanding of life as sacred and consecrated integrating body and health, rather than starting with traditional theologies of religious life and lay consecration, The goal of the seminar will be to develop theological categories that grow out of human experience of need for healing and academic research into the wholeness and holiness of life. The seminar will meet bi-weekly and includes a full day immersion on October 30th . This course is primarily intended for MDiv, MA, and MTS, although STL, ThM, STD and PhD students are very much invited to integrate the course with advanced requirements that meet their specific research interests [PIN code required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]