FI510A,B,C,D

MFT Faculty

FI510A,B,C,D: INTEGRATION FORMATION GROUP. MFT Faculty. 2 units.

DESCRIPTION:

The Department of Marriage and Family is committed to the formation of its students, to know themselves, to grow as Christians and professionals, and to develop their sense of spiritual vocation as peacemakers. Toward that end, students will meet in small groups with faculty to tell their own narratives and listen to the narratives of others, as a means to begin exploring vocation, gifts, and identity. The group process will span four quarters, culminating in a final reflective review in the spring quarter of the student’s final year of the program.

cOURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of the process, students will be able to articulate a personal sense of vocation as Christian professionals and peacemakers.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course fulfills the departmental learning outcome that graduates of the program will demonstrate a personal commitment and rationale for serving families as an expression of their Christian vocation, as well as the SOP outcome that graduates will be equipped to apply the insights of Christian theology along with the knowledge and techniques of the social and behavioral sciences. In addition, the course fulfills the seminary learning outcomes that graduates will (a) demonstrate an understanding of Christian theology, ministry, and spirituality, and (b) be able to pursue careers consistent with their education.

COURSE FORMAT:

In the fall and winter quarters of the first year, students will meet in groups of 10 with a designated faculty member on Wednesdays from 4:40 to 5:40. The first quarter will focus mainly on student narratives and a beginning exploration of vocation; the second will be used to explore vocational identity in greater depth. In each of these quarters, there will be two faculty-led community meetings which include all the faculty and students together, to explore and develop the virtues discussed in FI500. Students will also participate in two one-day community retreats, held in the spring quarter of the second year (FI510C), and the spring of the student’s final year in the program (FI510D).

REQUIRED READING:

Fryling, A. (2009). Seeking God together: An introduction to group spiritual direction. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN 978-0830835249, $15.00.

ASSIGNMENTS:

This course will be graded on a pass-fail basis only, based mostly on attendance and participation. Although students are encouraged to journal throughout the process, the only required written assignments will be two personal reflection papers, one each to be submitted at the end of the two spring quarters.

CO-REQUISITE:

FI500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

Fulfills 2 units of Integration for students in the MFT program.

FINAL EXAM:

None.