TMMC3032: Extended Project in Theology, Ministry and Mission

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• L6-40 Dissertation in Theology, Ministry and Mission

• The module aims to provide an opportunity to apply previous theological, ministerial or missional learning to a particular piece of practice. This will normally be associated with the development of a specific opportunity to enhance the Christian life of a congregation or group, although it may also pertain to a non-ecclesial social or work-based setting. The module aims to enhance students reflective practice as they work in situations calling for theological acumen, ministerial proficiency and pastoral sensitivity.

• Participants will identify in consultation and negotiation with the tutor a project relevant to the study of theology, ministry and mission.
• The proposed title of the project, together with a brief description and initial bibliography, is negotiated with an appropriate supervisor and agreed by the TEIs Board of Studies and External Examiner.
• The student arranges supervisions and organises a timetable and plan for his/her work. This will involve use of the reflective journal as a catalyst for discussion of the progress of the project and the learning emerging from it. The focus will be on critical engagement with situations that enhances and integrates study from the taught module programme. Topics might typically include:
• Assessment of a ministerial (or other) context and of opportunities for new development within it
• Application of scriptural and theological principles to assessment of opportunities for growth in a congregation or group
• Understanding of processes of healthy change in church, social or work contexts
• Collaborative working to facilitate change
• Critical assessment of development in the students own thinking and that of a group to which he/she relates
• Reflection on possibilities for the future beyond the scope of the project
• Students will present their plans at an introductory meeting with the year group and report on their completed project towards the end of the process.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Describe and analyse theological, ecclesial and contextual understandings of the nature and practice of aspects of Christian discipleship, critically evaluating such practices in relation to a significant and specific initiative undertaken by the student in a local church, social or work-based context.
• Demonstrate an understanding of their chosen area of study, some of which is informed by methodologies and findings of recent research.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Extend and apply their knowledge and understanding of aspects of theology, ministry and mission to a new and complex context, reflecting critically on their impact on the life and ministry of the church or group.
• Undertake sophisticated and skilled reflective practice in public ministry in the Christian church (or other social or work-based situation) in the context of a specific opportunity to develop the Christian life of or Christian witness to a congregation or group.
• Demonstrate a confident and critical awareness of the challenges and possibilities presented by ministerial and pastoral encounter.

Key Skills:

• Identify, gather, analyse and critically evaluate textual source materials, including material from primary sources and scholarly research, and communicate their findings with clarity and fairness to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Critically evaluate ideas, arguments and assumptions, using them to construct and communicate coherent and well-reasoned arguments, showing critical awareness of their own and others beliefs, commitments and prejudices, to specialist audiences.
• Take responsibility for a project that involves the exercise of initiative, independent inquiry, and the effective management of time, resources and use of IT; engaging with others in planning and decision-making in complex and unpredictable contexts; meeting deadlines; evaluating the project and learning from it.

• The module will engage the student in supervisions, negotiation of individual learning, and self-managed study. This learning and interaction may be offered online.

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