Spring 2008/Pasadena
CN535
Anabalon

CN535: LUTO, DUELO Y MUERTE [Grief, Loss & Death]. Pablo Anabalon.


DESCRIPTION: As ministers we are often confronted with the realities of death and dying, suffering and losses. We are called to assist those confronted by this reality by bringing hope. This course will explore the multifaceted dimensions of grief and dying, the meaning of pain, the theological understanding of suffering, as well as of healing in the context of Christian faith. We will emphasize the pastoral role in the caregiving ministry particularly within the context of the Latino culture.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course, participants will have (1) come to understand the multiple processes of grieving loss particularly within the Latino culture; (2) become familiar with different models of counseling related to grief; (3) reflected on their own experiences related to losses and pain, exploring implications for their ministries; and (4) developed skills to assist bringing incarnational presence.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Ministry is particularly relevant when it is provided in the context of losses, death, and grief confronted by those who are assisted. The effectiveness of the pastoral role is a function of processing and reflecting the minister's own experiences; the understanding of pain, suffering, and healing from a theological perspective; and the implementation of skills needed to provide assistance to those in need.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for a three -hour session. We will pay attention to both content and process: our own losses and their implications for ministry; different theological understandings of death, dying, healing, and hope; and specific clinical skills required to assist those who are suffering.

REQUIRED READING:

Allende, Isabel. Paula. Barcelona: Plaza y Janes Editores, 1994.

Anderson, R. Theology of Death and Dying. New York: Basil Blackwell & Sons, 1986.

Lewis, C. S. Duelo Observado.

Maldonado, J. Crisis, perdida, y consolación en la familia. Grand Rapids: Libros Desafío, 2005.

Nouwen, H. A Letter of Consolation. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1998.

Sittser, G. Recibir la gracia escondida. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006.

Wolterstoff, N. Lament for a Son. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.

Worden, W. El tratamiento del duelo: Asesoramiento psicológico y terapia. Barcelona: Paidos, 1997.

RECOMMENDED READING: Bibliography included in the syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS:
1. A minimum of 1, 200 pages of reading
2. Attendance at all classes and completion of readings and assignments in preparation for classes (20% of final grade)
3. Participation in a group presentation to the class (20%)
4. Completion of a 15-page written case study in pastoral practice (30%)
5. Theological reflection (20 pages) on a theme arising from this course (30%)

PREREQUISITES: Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Counseling (MIN 5).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (2/08)