(Unit offered alternatively as a postgraduate Capstone unit, XD9770W)
Prohibited combination: Art of Spiritual Direction 3 and Art of Spiritual Direction Capstone.
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Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Demonstrate creativity and initiative in integrating spiritual reflection, knowledge and skills of spiritual companioning, and the capacity to apply them to new situations in practice and/or further learning.
- Describe and articulate the distinctive aspects of deep listening as it relates to body and emotional awareness, and our engagement the world and the transcendent aspects of life.
- Evaluate how psychological issues impact the practice of spiritual companioning in relation to dynamics within the professional relationship and the need for referral.
- Articulate and identify the range of emerging spiritual dynamics that influence the shaping and reshaping of our stories.
- Research an aspect of spiritual companioning and analyse its unique relationship with spiritual companioning practice.
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Assessment
- One research project (8,000 words) (60%)
- Ten reflection papers for peer group work (5,000 words) (20%)
- One one-hour presentation of the findings of research (3,000 words equivalent) (20%)
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Recommended reading
Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue
- Ahlberg-Calhoun, A. Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us. Illinois: IVP, 2005.
- Chittister, J. Scarred by struggle: Transformed by Hope. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2003.
- Conn, W. Christian Conversion: A Developmental Interpretation of Autonomy and Surrender. New York: Paulist Press, 1986.
- May, Gerald G. Will and Spirit : A Contemplative Psychology. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
- Palmer, P. Let Your Life Speak. San Francisco: John Wiley, 2000.
- Soelle, D. The Silent Cry: Mysticism and Resistance. Augsburg: Fortress, 2001.
- Ruffing, Janet K. To Tell the Sacred Tale. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2011.
- Wagner, Nick. Spiritual Direction in Context. Harrisburg, Pa.: Morehouse Pub., 2006.
- Whitehead, Evelyn Eaton, and James D. Whitehead. Transforming Our Painful Emotions: Spiritual Resources in Anger, Shame, Grief, Fear, and Loneliness. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 2010.