1. Interpret features of late modern society, including social, theological and philosophical perspectives, and articulate how these shape professional and/or ministerial practices.
Knowledge and Understanding
Communication

2. Critically assess contexts for professional and ministerial practice recognising the dialectical interplay between these and their identity, commitments and actions
Analysis
Reflection

3. Synthesise sociological and missiological perspectives in assessing professionally informed practice with young people and/or children and/or adults.
Learning
Application

4. Appraise a piece of professional work you have undertaken, based around critical reflection of theory, theology and practice.
Problem Solving
Reflection

ESSAY (50%) - 3,500 Words – To address learning outcomes 1,2,3
Example:
How does an understanding of contemporary social context challenge and enable the aims of your practice?

PORTFOLIO* (50%) To address learning outcomes 3,4
Example:
A negotiated portfolio of evidence to include evidence of practice work/national occupational standards; a reflection on observation/supervision; a critical reflection on a piece of professional work; and endorsements.

*This element must be passed to meet the PSRB requirements of the award.

The aims of this module are to enable students to identify and critically appreciate professionally informed practices and their relationship with Christian thought and practice. It will introduce concepts and theories of culture, subcultures, diversity and society, and require students to engage both theological and sociological knowledge and understanding within approaches to formational reflective practice and integrative practical theology methods.
This module includes a range of perspectives on culture and society drawing from anthropological, sociological, cultural studies and theological sources. It will engage students in considering the study of theology and theory of Christian mission including historical perspectives, biblical, and doctrinal understandings.
Through an analysis of case studies and personal practice student will discuss and examine the interplay between human and divine action in mission, relating understanding of divine action and the notion of missio Dei to the contexts, traditions and practices within which professional practice and ministry occurs
Students will explore and discuss models of practical theology and theological reflection and their application to professional and ministerial practice to enable critical reflection on personal faith commitments and the impact of these in practice contexts.
Students working towards nationally recognised occupational standards will be supported to evidence their learning and competence against these standards; and provided with additional professional supervision

This module utilises the three inter-related learning strategies for the programme. Taught workshops consist of interactive presentations, discussion, and critical debate at the residential teaching blocks. Tutorials (in person and on-line) allow discussion of the individual research that students are undertaking to prepare their assignments. Independent study and professional practice allows for critical reading around selected topics, the development of individual responses to theory and practice; and the preparation for the assessment tasks.

Bradford, S. (2012). Sociology, youth, and youth work practice. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

Buchroth, I. & Parkin, C. (2010) Using theory in youth and community work practice, Exeter: Learning Matters.

Cameron, H. (2010). Talking about God in practice: theological action research and practical theology. London: SCM Press.

Collins-Mayo, S., Mayo, B., Nash, S. & Cocksworth, C. (2010) The Faith of Generation Y. London: Church House Publishing

Cray, G (2009) Mission Shaped Church. London: Church House Publishing

Crick, R. (2011) Outside the gates: theology, practice and history of chaplaincy ministries. Oviedo FL: Higherlife Development Service

Forde C, Kiely e & Meade R, (2009) Youth and Community Work in Ireland: Critical Perspectives. Dublin: Blackhall Publishing Ltd

Nash, S. (Ed.) (2014) Christian Youthwork: In theory and Practice. London: SPCK

Nash, S (Ed.) (2011) Youth Ministry: A multi-faceted approach. London: SPCK

Osmer, R (2007) Practical Theology: An Introduction. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans

Root, A. (2017) Faith Formation in a Secular Age. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic

Root, A. & Dean. K.C. (2011) The Theological Turn in Youth Ministry. Downers Grove: IVP

Thompson, S. & Thompson, T. (2008) The Critically Reflective Practitioner. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Ward, P. (2017) Introducing Practical Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic

The collaborative partner has approved and fully equipped teaching spaces for taught sessions; comprehensive library provision and a bespoke VLE that supports student access to resources when working remotely.

Pre-requisites None

Co-requisites None

Admissions requirements Approved DBS Certification

Disqualified combinations None