DESCRIPTION: This course provides an integrated overview of the process of human development in various social contexts. We will address psychological, cultural, and theological perspectives on the nature of personal and social development as we seek to answer the question, "What is God's intention for persons to develop into?" Development will be explored from the poles of flourishing and languishing as informed by humankind's origin in God. A life-span approach will explore core areas of identity development including morality/faith, gender and sexuality, family, and culture/ethnicity. Students will also reflect on their own life experiences in light of the course content.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will

1. be able to design ministry practices that take into consideration critical life span issues of human nature and functioning;

2. be able to identify individual, familial, community and cultural resources and risks that influence flourishing and languishing;

3. demonstrate appropriate and nuanced understanding of age, gender, economic, ethnic, and cultural diversity; and

4. identify personal issues that may impact their own well-being and will design an action plan to begin addressing them.

1. engaged in the study of Bible, theology, and spirituality in a way that contributes to their following their vocation;

2. attentive to the diverse nature of the church and the world and practiced in engaging with it; and

3. equipped to pursue their vocation.

Albom, M. (1997). Tuesdays with Morrie: An old man, a young man, and life's greatest lesson. New York: Doubleday. ISBN: 076790592X.

Angelou, M. (1983). I know why the caged bird sings. New York: Bantam. ISBN: 0553279378.

Balswick, J. O., King, P. E., & Reimer K. S. (2005). The reciprocating self: Human development in theological perspective. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. $27.00. ISBN: 978-0830827930.

Balswick, J. O., & Balswick, J. K. (2008). The family: A Christian perspective on the home. (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. $24.99. ISBN: 978-0801032493 (Note: only excerpts of this book will be read and will be available on course website).

Course Reader (available on course Moodle site).

Online sexual abuse prevention training, $10 charge, on the Darkness to Light website: http://www.d2l.org/site/c.4dICIJOkGcISE/b.6035035/k.8258/Prevent_Child_SexualAbuse.htm