Course Catalogue

Pastoral Theology Non Honours TRS3031

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will introduce students to classical and contemporary understandings of the way in which pastoral practice embodies religious faith.

Timetable

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

 

This is one of the Level 3 options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D3 or above in any TRS level 2 course or at the discretion of the Head of Theology and Religious Studies.

Excluded Courses

TRS4008 Pastoral Theology

TRS4079 Pastoral Theology

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

■ Essay including critical reflection on a case study (1,500 words) - 40%

■ Critical reflection on the student's contribution to a 30 minute group presentation (500 words) - 10%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore the church's understanding and practice of pastoral theology in its historical and social context;

■ survey the ways in which historical, cultural, generational and gendered contexts have shaped approaches to pastoral theology and practice in the institutional church and amongst individual practitioners;

■ debate which forms of engaged practice are appropriate within our current cultural context;

■ reflect on their own values and convictions and on how these shape practice.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ present an informed account of how a particular area of pastoral practice has developed to meet contemporary cultural challenges;

■ offer a case study of how understandings of practice and theology are related in the work of significant pastoral theologian or theologians;

■ apply reflection on their own values and practice to generate insights into the concerns of pastoral theology;

■ present complex arguments in written and oral form.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions