Pre-requisites

Candidates will have completed four 12 credit point units of coursework including TH901.512 ‘Theological Reflection Models and Methods’ prior to commencing the major project.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Produce a review of current literature to do with both research and human science theory pertinent to a research question into the nature of lived ministry experience.

• Choose and apply a pertinent longitudinal methodology usually related to a form of action research, in the investigation of a change initiative within an organization or community in which the individual is granted access by those responsible.

• Produce a research dissertation involving a consistent communicative style, accurate presentation of data, especially in the reporting of critical events in any Action Research process, a justified methodology with valid conclusions and implications for organizational learning and or ministry practice.

Unit Description

This unit provides the opportunity for the candidate to focus upon a well defined area of professional or ministry life through a practical theological lens. This involves more than simply a survey and critique of current approaches to an issue. It should involve an extensive an theoretically informed examination of a phenomena within professional or minsitry life or an evaluation of actions through a sequence of action-reflection cycles.

The specific content of this unit depends upon the topic chosen by the candidate. This topic and its approach are the responsibility of the candidate developed in consultation with but with the course coordinator and then an appointed supervisor with appropriate research interests.

The chosen topic then determines the appropriate theoretical lens, data collection technique and analytical lens employed. These issues cannot be predetermined.The content therefore will involve an interdisciplinary conversation between theology, theory and current field based phenomena.

The content will include the development of a proposal and literature review and in most situations an ethical protocol to be approved by an independent ethics committee, as well as the production fo the major project itself. Candidates will be introduced to these requirements through a 8 hour induction at the commencement of the first semester of their enrolment in this unit.

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Unit offerings

Independent/Flexible: Semester 1, 2024; Semester 2, 2024; Semester 1, 2025, and Semester 2, 2025 (Every Year, Semester 1 and 2)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.