Spring 2020/Fuller Online

CN553

Ryan

CN553: PASTORAL CARE AND ABUSE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Dale Ryan.

DESCRIPTION: This class seeks to provide a comprehensive introduction to abuse—sexual, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Several approaches to understanding abuse from a theological perspective will be explored. The class will also explore practical tools and skills needed for helpful pastoral responses to those who have been abused.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are three objectives for this course: (1) that students will become well-informed about the dynamics of abuse and trauma; (2) that students will understand the biblical and theological resources that might assist them to develop effective ministry to people struggling with these issues and (3) that students will become better able to envision and develop effective recovery ministry strategies.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: Electives fulfill the MAT PLO that states “Students will have demonstrated academic capacities appropriate to an area of focus in a theological discipline or to interdisciplinary theological study.” Addresses MAICS Area of Interest Class “Students will have demonstrated capacities to pursue vocations that engage the mission of God globally.”

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1,200 pages required.

Herman, Judith L. Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books, 2015. ISBN: 978-0465061716, Pub. Price $17.99 [336 pp.].

Jantz, Gregory L. Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse. Revell, 2009. ISBN: 978-0800733230, Pub. Price $16.99 [300 pp. assigned].

Kroeger, Catherine Clark, and Nancy Nason-Clark. No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence. 2nd. Ed. InterVarsity Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0830838387, Pub. Price $22.00 [249 pp.].

VanVonderen, Jeff, Dale Ryan, and Juanita Ryan. Soul Repair: Rebuilding a Spiritual Life. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-1459636187. The hard cover version is out-of-print, but it is available in large print or as an e-book from the Fuller Library, Kindle, and elsewhere [191 pp.].

Additional relevant reading to make a combined total of 1,200 pages. A list of recommended books will be available in the syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Introduction Assignment. Submit a 800-1000 word essay introducing yourself to other class participants. (3% of grade)
2. Daily Meditation (see syllabus for details) (0% of grade) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3]
3. Forum participation (30% of grade) (250-word weekly post [10 hours] + 250-word weekly reply.
4. Reading Assignment. Read all required texts plus additional reading for a total of 1,200 pages (15% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]
5. Case Study Assignments. Submit 2, 700-word essays (20% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3].
6. Biblical Studies Assignment: Submit a 2,000 word paper (approx. 8 pages) which exegetes a biblical text and responds to a congregational member struggling with that text. Details in syllabus (32% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the 144 MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Care and Counseling (MIN5).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.