This three-hour pass/fail course introduces students to the basics of what it means to have healthy self-awareness and is designed to lay the foundation for effective and ethical pastoral care practices. The primary focus is to encourage students to recognize and enjoy their gifts and strengths without ignoring the limits of those good things. It is also about seeing and accepting ownership of the sometimes laudable, sometimes questionable motivations and needs that shape our perceptions and guide our behavior. The overarching goal of this course is for each student to gain accurate self-understanding and an appreciation of the ways in which he or she is predisposed to bring him or herself as a person to interactions that require sensitivity and skill.
Because this is a pass/fail course, consistent attendance and timely submission of course assignments are required in order to receive credit for this course. This course involves a combination of theoretical/conceptual learning as well as role played and experiential exercises designed to assist in the acquisition of skill. The class format is comprised of discussions of readings, short lectures with an emphasis on dialogue and discussion, experiential learning events, and the practice and demonstration of component skills.
Students may not enroll in this course until they have completed at least six to eight courses. Please also note that there is a cap on the number of students who may enroll in the course, so those planning to graduate in the spring of the current academic year are encouraged to register early in order to be sure of being admitted to the course. Those hoping to take Advanced Formation and Internship in Pastoral Care Ministry must first successfully complete this course and must take into account that the advanced course also has a cap on enrollment.
In-person
