Winter 2019/Fuller Online

YF520

Bonner

YF520: FAMILY SYSTEMS AND YOUTH MINISTRY (4 Units: 160 Hours). Steven Bonner.

DESCRIPTION: This course provides the foundational concepts of family systems theory and its necessary integration in youth ministry praxis. Through readings, lectures, discussion, and projects, students will develop a systemic lens by which they will consider, evaluate, and develop effective, systemic ministry to youth and their families.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) demonstrate competency in current Family Systems Theory; (2) develop ability to integrate Family Systems Theory and Youth Ministry praxis; (3) develop competence using Family Systems Theory in pastoral care to youth and families; and (4) demonstrate competence in evaluating current ministry context.

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: 1403 pages required.

Allen, Holly and Christine Ross. Intergenerational Christian Formation. IVP Academic, 2012. ISBN: 978-0830839810, Pub. Price $25.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [272 pp.].

Bronfenbrenner, Urie. The Ecology of Human Development. Harvard University Press, 1981. ISBN: 978-0674224575, Pub. Price $38.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [291 pp.].

Friedman, Edwin. Generation to Generation. Guilford Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-1609182366, Pub. Price $34.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [309 pp.].

Gilbert, Roberta. Extraordinary Leadership. Leading Systems Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0976345527, Pub. Price $16.00. Available as an e-book through Amazon [184 pp.].

McGoldrick, Monica, et al. Genograms. W.W. Norton & Company, 2008. ISBN: 978-0393705096, Pub. Price $27.48 Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [347 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING: See the course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Genogram Project (Genogram and 2,250 word Narrative) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [25 hours].
  2. Ministry Context Analysis paper (2,250 word) (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4] [20 hours].
  3. 1403 pp. of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 & 3] [70 hours].
  4. Weekly posts (250 words) reflecting on assigned reading and weekly response to a classmate’s post (250 words) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2, & 3] [20 hours].
  5. Weekly posts (250 words) reflecting on lecture/online activity and weekly response to a classmate’s post (250 words each) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, & 3] [20 hours, includes 30-45 minutes of lecture each week].
  6. Content Exam (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1 & 2] [5 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, content exam is the final exam.

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.