DESCRIPTION:

This course (offered pass/fail for 2 units) is designed to provide experience in working in a correctional institutional setting. Students will have the opportunity: 1) to observe an experienced chaplain in a correctional institutional setting; 2) to develop their own skills in ministry to inmates/wards and correctional staff; 3) to evaluate values and attitudes toward incarcerated persons; and 4) to sharpen the ability to reflect theologically in this setting.

This course offers training in the tasks and skills of professional ministry as a chaplain in a correctional institution.

The student will spend a minimum of 100 hours in one ten-week period in the institutional setting. During this time he/she will work under the supervision of an experienced and certified correctional chaplain. He/she will receive training in institutional regulations and security, and be taught proper procedures in handling counseling interviews with inmates/wards. As the situation allows, he/she will have the opportunity to conduct Bible studies and sharing and prayer groups for inmates and participate in worship services.

Punctual work schedule habits, completion of all chaplain interview assignments, participation in at least two chapel services, strict adherence to institutional security regulations, completion of at least four written verbatims, attendance at a minimum of one staff chaplains' meeting (or equivalent), one book review, and one personal evaluation report to be submitted at the end of the quarter to the Office of Field Education.

Before the student may register for this course, several steps must be completed, a process that may take up to a month, since the student is responsible to make arrangements for an internship site. The first step in the process is to read the preregistration materials available on the internet at or in the Office of Field Education. After the student has submitted internship and supervisor applications, he or she must schedule an enrollment interview with the Office of Field Education. If the internship is approved, the student will then receive a Course Approval Notification that must be submitted to the Academic Advisor prior to registration. The student must also complete an orientation with the assigned chaplain at the beginning of the internship.

None.

Meets FE2 Field Education M.Div. requirement (MIN 7). This practicum is offered pass/fail for two units.

None.