DESCRIPTION: This course will explore the psychological issues affecting
Hispanic families in the United States, within the context of pastoral
ministry. Students will learn about acculturation stress and its impact on
self-identity. The concept of immigration and family dynamics will be explored
in detail as it pertains to families of origin and the church family. Students
will be challenged to understand their own family dynamics by articulating the
behavioral scripts from their cultural heritage through the study of the life
of Joseph as an immigrant. The focus of the class will be interactive and
applied to ministry.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Clergy are the most sought after people
during times of family transitions. In addition to the usual changes expected
in families (births, adolescence, marriage, illness, death, etc.) Hispanic
families face the added stressor of defining their cultural identity in a
context where they are an ethnic and, in many cases, a linguistic minority.
Therefore the role of the minister in aiding these families through the process
of acculturation is crucial, particularly among the second generation or the
children of the immigrant parents.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will be able
to articulate their cultural identity; understand and describe their own
Hispanic heritage and its behavioral scripts; become aware of the processes and
dynamics shaping their families of origin and those of their congregation;
identify ministry strategies to address general dysfunctional family
dynamics.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for three hours, using the
following format: two hours of formal lectures; one hour of discussion with (a)
group dynamics based on the discussion of real life situations faced by
students in their church settings, and (b) role playing in class. There will be
three invited guests to present on topics of their expertise and conduct
laboratory sessions.
REQUIRED READING: