PC 101/101-O Introduction to Pastoral Care

This course is an experiential and critical exploration of pastoral care. Caregiving in a faith community or by its representatives is a practical theological activity, drawing on religious tradition, social sciences, theology, and the gifts of the people involved. Therefore, this class focuses on the integration of person, faith, belief, method, and practice. Skills of attending, listening, understanding, and caring are addressed in the context of social and personal dynamics.
3 semester hours.

PC 224-T Moral and Faith Development

This is an introduction to the work of those who have understood the development of human being in stages. Students will examine Freud in psycho-sexual development, Erikson for psycho-social development through the life cycle, Kohlberg on moral development, and Fowler on stages of faith. Along with these key figures of this developmentalist school, critical responses from the work of Gilligan, Rodney Hunter and Romney Moseley among others will be reviewed.
3 semester hours.

PC 242/242-T Clinical Pastoral Education

Students can participate in an approved Clinical Pastoral Education program and earn three semester hours. Clinical Pastoral Education programs are conducted under close supervision in hospitals, mental hospitals, prisons, and other settings around the country. Most summer programs are 10 or 11 weeks in length; nine-month programs are part-time.
3 semester hours.

PC 328-T Emergency Pastoral Care

This course examines life events and precipitating factors that lead persons and families into crisis. Guidelines for identifying signs, causes, and stages of crises are addressed. Theological questions elicited by crises, the process of referral, and various types of emergencies are also explored.
3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: PC 101/101-O

PC 333 Human Sexuality in Ministry

This seminar will examine the variety of ways in which sexuality is a dimension of any relationship and the specific ways in which sexuality is an issue in ministry. The effects of sex roles, cultural conditioning and gender will also be explored as the parameters within which ministry occurs. The topics to be covered may include the following: conflicting values; sex education in the church; and current social issues related to sexuality. Opportunity will be provided to reflect on one’s own sexual history and personal reactions to the material, with the aim of developing/solidifying a personal sexual ethic that would inform one’s ministry.
3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: PC 101/101-O

PC 338-T Bible and Pastoral Care

See BS 338-T.

PC 348 Family Systems

This class will explore the theoretical bases of systems theory and how this perspective has evolved into family therapy. Major family systems models will be examined with attention to their relationship to practical theology and their use by pastors and faith communities.  Contextual issues beyond the family structure, including cultural factors and particular conditions like addictions, will be a particular focus of the discussion.
3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: PC 101/101-O

PC 358 Anger, Guilt, Shame

This class is a holistic investigation of three of the most powerful and misunderstood human experiences. The psychological and sociological dynamics as well as theological and Biblical perspectives of these feelings will be explored. The class will also examine ministerial and other practical implications – both “positive” and “negative” – including assertiveness, scapegoating, and forgiveness.
3 semester hours.
Prerequisite: PC 101/101-O

PC 368 Pastoral Care with the Dying and Their Families

This course will involve an examination of the grief process and the way in which pastoral care can be provided during times of bereavement. Additional topics that may be included are the following:  the importance of death; education for the community; the place of the community of faith in providing care; the role of the funeral or memorial service; the effect of a death on the family; and students’ awareness of their own mortality. Students will focus on a project reflecting their own interest.
3 semester hours.

Prerequisite: PC 101/101-O

PC 387 Spirituality & the Body

See SP 387.

PC 400  Independent Study

See BS 400.