Spring 2015/Pasadena

CN553

Ryan

CN553: PASTORAL CARE AND ABUSE (4 Units: 161 Hours). Dale Ryan.

DESCRIPTION: This class seeks to provide a comprehensive introduction to abuse—sexual, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Several approaches to understanding abuse from a theological perspective will be explored. The class will also explore practical tools and skills needed for helpful pastoral responses to those who have been abused.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are three objectives for this course: (1) that students will become well-informed about the dynamics of abuse and trauma; (2) that students will understand the biblical and theological resources that might assist them to develop effective ministry to people struggling with these issues and (3) that students will become better able to envision and develop effective recovery ministry strategies.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING: 1,200 pp. required.

Herman, Judith L. Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books, 1991. ISBN: 978-0465087303, Pub. Price $17.50 [304 pp.].

Jantz, Gregory L. Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse. Revell, 2009. ISBN: 978-0800733230, Pub. Price $16.99 [300 pp. assigned].

Johnson, David, and Jeff VanVonderen. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. Bethany House, 2005. ISBN: 978-0764201370, Pub. Price $15.99 [240 pp. assigned].

Kroeger, Catherine Clark, and Nancy Nason-Clark. No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Domestic Violence. InterVarsity Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0830838387, Pub. Price $17.00 [249 pp.].

Additional relevant reading to make a combined total of 1,200 pages. A list of recommended books will be available in the syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Instruction hours (10%) [This is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [40 hours].

  2. Read all required texts plus additional reading for a total of 1,200 pages [80 hours].

  3. Submit brief critiques of each book as a single document (500 words max, approx. 2 pages) (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [2 hours].

  4. Submit a 1,000 word paper (approx. 4 pages) which exegetes a biblical text and responds to a congregational member struggling with that text (35%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [8 hours].

  5. A 2,000 word (approx. 8 page) theological reflection paper addressing in depth an issue related to abuse or trauma (40%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [16 hours].

  6. Spiritual Practice (15 min reflection on an emailed, daily meditation; details in syllabus) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [15 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the 144 MDiv core requirement in Pastoral Care and Counseling (MIN5). Required in Recovery Ministry emphasis and option to count in the Youth, Family, and Culture emphasis.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


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.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.