Unit information: Secular or Sector Placement (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2012/13

Unit name	Secular or Sector Placement (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS20156
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Reverend. Ken Stewart
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	THRS11022 (D11001) Pastoral Theology and Practice (Trinity & Baptist College)
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The placement, which will be for a minimum of two weeks in a secular context or a sector ministry such as some form of chaplaincy, is experientially oriented as a complement to the rest of the course. The student will make connections between the placement and other academic disciplines being studied.

The unit aims to:

1. enable the student to gain experience in an area of ministry previously unfamiliar to them;
2. encourage thoughtful reflection upon that experience in relation to theology, faith and mission;
3. contribute towards the student’s development as a reflective practitioner.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the unit the student will:

1. be able to observe and reflect on the placement experience, showing awareness of the theological and sociological issues raised;
2. have noted the personal issues involved during his/her time in the placement;
3. show evidence of integrating lecture room, personal study and placement learning, through the engagement of theory and practice.

Teaching Information

The student will attend the placement under the direction of the supervisor. S/he will keep a diary of the placement, observing what occurs, noting issues, and recording reactions. This will form the basis of supervisory discussion. Theological and social issues that arise will be recorded in the diary and pursued through the assessment and in other parts of the course. Critical thought, analysis of issues and theological reflection will be further supported by group discussion in college.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be carried out by the context mentor in consultation with the supervisor(s) who will observe and report on the student's participation and performance in the learning opportunities offered by the placement.

Summative assessment will comprise

1. a written diary (2,500 words) (50%)
2. a theological reflection on an aspect of the placement (2,500 words) (50%)

Reading and References

1. Badcock G.D., The Way of Life (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998)
2. Ballard P and Pritchard J., Pastoral Theology in Action (London: SPCK, 2006)
3. Bosch D.J., Transforming Mission (New York: Orbis, 1992)
4. Graham E., Transforming Practice (London: Mowbray, 1996)
5. Green L., Let’s Do Theology. (London: Mowbray, 1990)
6. Leech K., Through our Long Exile: Contextual Theology and the Urban Experience. (London:DLT, 2001)