Graduate Diploma in Spirituality (GDS) Units offered by MCD Faculties or Institutes
Link to complete Course Description with table of units displayed by institution. Units are also listed by institution here.
Links down the page to units from this alphabetical list:
United Faculty of Theology
Web site: http://www.uft.unimelb.edu.au/
FAITHFULNESS, CONVERSION AND THE SEARCH FOR THE TRANSCENDENT (DE310.15)
Maryanne Confoy, RSC, United Faculty of Theology
This unit proposes an integrated approach to adult development and spirituality through the examination of maturational theory as propounded by Fowler, Kegan, Selman and other developmentalists. It addresses the issue of conversion and the search for the Transcendent in personal and communal faith contexts. Changing images of God, approaches to prayer, worldview and understanding of authority are considered. Educational and ministerial implications for contemporary faith communities will be explored, especially through reference to literature, film and the arts. Participants are invited to bring some of their “personal classics” in the creative arts to this unit.
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EDUCATING AND MINISTERING THROUGH LIFE PASSAGES (DE330.15)
Maryanne Confoy, RSC, United Faculty of Theology
The aim of this unit is to present a view of adult spiritual development which integrates psychological and theological understandings on Christian maturational processes. It will offer insights on the masculine and feminine aspects of growth through early, middle and late adulthood. Changing spiritual emphasis in each stage will be discussed. The unit proposes pastoral and educational styles and approaches that are appropriate for the different needs and capacities of people moving through the major life phases, and transitional periods. Through engagement with both classical and aesthetic sources, the unit invites participants to reflect on aspects of their own spiritual development and on ways of being more responsive to the changing needs and circumstances of those to whom they minister. Participants are encouraged to work with some of their own “spiritual classics” during the unit.
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MYSTICAL THEOLOGY: AN APPROACH (DP400.15)
Maryanne Confoy and Kathleen Williams, United Faculty of Theology
This seminar explores the relationship between mystical experience and the transformation of all things in Christ. It draws on the works of mystical theology — in particular the writings of William Johnston — to throw light on the way in which personal transformative experiences are integral to recentering the person on Christ as God in and for the world. This unit will be run as a seminar with both input and active participation.
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IGNATIAN SPIRITUALITY SEMINAR (DS200/300.15)
Michael Smith SJ, Peter Saunders and Joan Jennings,
United Faculty of Theology
This seminar is run over two weekends in Semester I and aims to help participants deepen their understanding of Ignatian Spirituality as described by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in his book of the Spiritual Exercises. Participants will attend both weekends and undertake a seven-week retreat in daily life between the weekends during which they will pray each day and see a spiritual director once a week.
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IGNATIAN DISCERNMENT AND DECISION-MAKING (DS201/301.15)
Michael Smith SJ and Marlene Marburg, United Faculty of Theology
This seminar is run over two weekends in Semester II. Based on (i) the rules for discernment of spirits, and (ii) the Election in the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, this course will provide a theoretical framework for personal discernment. Participants will attend both weekends and undertake a seven-week retreat in daily life between the weekends during which they will pray each day and see a director weekly.
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GROUP LEADERSHIP, ORGANISATION AND SPIRITUALITY (DS202/302.15)
Michael Smith SJ and Bernadette Miles, United Faculty of Theology
This unit — run over five Wednesdays in Semester II — aims to help participants become more aware of the structures and processes at work in the collaborative ministry teams in which they minister. The guiding matrix for this unit will be The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the spiritual pedagogy and dynamism of which are as valid for groups as for individuals, though the Spiritual Exercises for groups uses a different framework.
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY (CH316.15)
Katharine Massam, United Faculty of Theology
This unit provides an introduction to Christian spirituality in its historical context. Students will examine how understandings of holiness have changed over time with emphasis on reading classic texts.
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PRAYER AND HOSPITALITY: BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY AND AUSTRALIA (CH345.15)
Katharine Massam, United Faculty of Theology
This unit locates Benedictinism in the wider history of monasticism. It covers monastic prayer with particular attention to the psalms, lectio divina, and liturgical life, the place of manual work and understandings of hospitality. Taking the monastic town of New Norcia as an example, it explores the Benedictine tradition in Australia especially in relation to the post-contact history of the former mission town.
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LIVING BY THE RULE: BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY AND AUSTRALIA (CH355.30)
Katharine Massam, United Faculty of Theology
This unit is offered in conjunction with the Benedictine Community of New Norcia, Western Australia. It introduces the Rule of St Benedict through an experience of life in the monastery guest-house. It examines the post-contact history of New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, and locates Benedictinism within the wider history of Christian monasticism, and in Australian history. There is the opportunity to work with archival material relating to the monastery, farm, schools, library, and mission activities.
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Churches of Christ Theological College
Web site: http://www.cctc.edu.au/index.html
A THEOLOGY OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT (DS311.30) ] next offered in 2009
Tim McCowan, Churches of Christ Theological College
This unit will explore the phenomenology and theology of spiritual development from a range of perspectives, with particular focus on: The relationship of spirituality to theology, issues of definition of spirituality, and the interpretation of spiritual experience. Alternative models of spiritual development and their theological implications from various religious traditions and disciplines.
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SPIRITUALITY FOR LIFE, WORK AND COMMUNITY (DS301.15)
Tim McCowan, Churches of Christ Theological College
This unit explores the integration of spirituality with the reflective practice and theology of ministry. Using a range of educational tools, it will introduce the student to crucial elements of the inward or contemplative and outward movements of the spiritual journey, the role of vocation and discernment, and ten important spiritual disciplines and resources for ongoing effectiveness and health in Christian service.
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ISSUES IN AUSTRALIAN SPIRITUALITY (DS323.15)
– next offered in 2009
Tim McCowan, Churches of Christ Theological College
This unit will explore contemporary issues affecting the development of spirituality in Australia, integrating these with theological concerns. Topics will include: the landscape; Indigenous influences; the immigrant experience; ANZAC and memory; art and the imagination; changing workplace; cyberspace; tensions between spirituality and institutional religion; secularism, media and the sacred; issues of racism, intercultural and interfaith relations.
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Yarra Theological Union
Web site: http://www.ytu.edu.au/
FAITH, RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY (DT2515)
Rose Marie Prosser, Yarra Theological Union
This unit examines some of the ways in which people construct meaning in the context of contemporary society. The content of this unit will include:
(i) the impact of generational and cultural change on our meaning-making capacity,
(ii) theological and developmental theories of human growth,
(iii) age related issues in the construction and reconstruction of meaning,
(iv) the journey of faith in the Australian context,
(v) the contribution of religious institutions and the role of the new emphasis on spirituality,
(vi) the challenges and possibilities of reconstructing personal and communal meaning in contemporary society.
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FAITHFUL GRIEVING: PATHS TO NEW LIFE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING LOSS AND GRIEF (DT3518)
Linda Walter, Yarra Theological Union
The unit will explore ways to understand loss and grief, particularly by drawing on material from the disciplines of bereavement counselling and psychotherapy. Learning will be integrated with considered reflection on expressions of grief in art and literature as well as experiences in students’ own lives and work. Theological reflection on these strands of theory and experience in the light of the chosen passion, dying and rising of Jesus will be engaged in to promote an understanding of the transformative possibilities of faithful grieving.
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THE PERSON: INDIVIDUALITY AND RELATIONSHIP (DT2504)
Mary Scarfe, Yarra Theological Union
This course aims to provide a theoretical framework and theological praxis to enable students to think about the growth and development of the human person individually, in relationship and within systems, and to explore how healthy growth can be facilitated and obstructed. The unit includes theoretical approaches to individual and relational development; family and marital issues; critical phases of development in the process towards individual and social maturity; how personal and relational problems can arise when the usual maturational process is obstructed.
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SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND INTELLECTUAL RENAISSANCE IN THE CENTRAL MIDDLE AGES: MONASTICS AND INTELLECTUALS 1050–1215 (CH3056)
Clare Monagle, Yarra Theological Union
This unit explores the intellectual and spiritual revival of the Twelfth Century. On the one hand, we will look at the development of the scholastic method in the cathedral schools and early universities. On the other hand, we will chart the dramatic revival of monasticism in the period – exemplified by the Cistercians.. Students will be encouraged to read a wide variety of primary sources from the period, and be expected to contextualize those sources. They will be asked to evaluate explanations for these movements of the twelfth century, and thereby to develop greater historiographical sophistication in appraising secondary sources.
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IMAGE AND CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN 15TH CENTURY FLORENCE (CH2917/3917)
Claire Renkin, Yarra Theological Union
The art and culture of early Renaissance Florence ranks as one of the most creative and dynamic periods in Western European history. This unit will study through the works of such artists as Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Donatello and Fra Angelico, the ways in which these artists renewed and re-thought the stories from Christian scripture. It will highlight the work of Fra Angelico. The Dominican artist’s work at the convent of San Marco allows us to examine how contemporary fifteenth-century religious beliefs and spiritual practices were expressed in visual art. In addition the unit will explore the decorative programmes of convents, abbeys as well as churches and works now in museums, through a study of the role of religious and lay patronage in shaping the physical environment of fifteenth century Florentine belief.
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SPIRITUAL LEADERS (DT2615)
Spiritual Leaders is a 30-point unit in Semesters I and II. The aim of this unit is to help students integrate the theory and practice of a discerning approach to ministry. There is a written application and an interview with the course coordinators after receipt of the written application. Participants must be in some form of ministry, at least part-time. Spiritual Leaders uses an adult education methodology which includes guided reflection and group discussion, verbatim reports on ministry, a ministry log, role plays, individual and group supervision. These learnings are reinforced through regular evaluation times and through residential times of reflective group interaction. Applications are made directly to HEART of LIFE where the unit is offered. Tel: (03) 9800 1299
Web site: www.heartoflife.catholicau.com
Catholic Theological College
Web site: http://www.ctc.edu.au/
CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY A: Classical Spiritualities to Middle Ages (DS111)
Austin Cooper, OMI, Catholic Theological College
The unit is intended to acquaint the student with some significant examples of Christian literature from the beginnings of the Christian movement to the Middle Ages. The focus will be upon the study of these significant texts in their theological and cultural setting. Students will be required to experience some contemporary expressions of aspects of this subject, eg a Liturgy of Eastern Christians.
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CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY II: Modern Spiritualities (DS112)
Austin Cooper, OMI, Catholic Theological College
The unit follows on from the equivalent first semester unit and is intended to acquaint the student with some significant examples of Christian literature from the later Middle Ages to the present. The focus will be upon the study of these significant texts in their theological and cultural setting. The students will be required to experience some contemporary expressions or aspects of this subject, eg. a visit to a monastic foundation.
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ORIGINS OF THE FRANCISCAN EVANGELICAL MOVEMENT (DS225)
Christopher Shorrock ofm conv, Catholic Theological College
This unit examines the development of the evangelical movement initiated by Francis and Claire of Assisi from 1226 to 1517. While concentrating upon the struggles with the First Order from the death of Francis (1226) through the Bull of Union (1517), the Capuchin Reform up to the Bull of Unification (1897), it will concentrate on the internal developments in the three Franciscan Orders as they attempted to respond to the changing situation of the church and society within this same period.
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WRITINGS OF FRANCIS AND CLARE (DS126/226)
Christopher Shorrock ofm conv, Catholic Theological College
This unit is a study of the nature, content, and spiritual theology of the foundational texts of the Franciscan movement according to the latest critical research. The texts will be studied within the context of the development of the Franciscan movement, the religious trends of the thirteenth century. Particular themes will be identified as being integral to an understanding of the Franciscan charism and their relevance to contemporary Franciscan experience.
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THE ENGLISH SPIRITUAL TRADITION A:
The Medieval Period (DS223)
Austin Cooper, OMI, Catholic Theological College
This unit will be mainly concerned with the English writers of the 14th Century: Richard Rolle, Julian of Norwich, Walter Hilton and the Cloud of Unknowing.
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THE ENGLISH SPIRITUAL TRADITION B:
The Modern Period (DS224)
Austin Cooper, OMI, Catholic Theological College
This unit will be mainly concerned with the English writers from the Reformation period to the present: Thomas More, John Fisher, Austin Baker, Richard Challoner, John Chapman, Ronald Knox, C. S. Lewis. Attention will also be given to poets including: John Donne, George Herbert, Gerald Manly Hopkins, John Henry Newman, T. S. Elliot, R.S. Thomas.
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CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY SEMINAR (DS397/398)
Austin Cooper, OMI, Catholic Theological College
This seminar is available to students who have completed two levels of Christian Spirituality. There will be regular sessions in which students will be guided in personal research on a topic of their own choice, which has been approved by the lecturer and the Chair of Field D.
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Whitley Theological College
Web site: http://theol.whitley.unimelb.edu.au/
EXPERIENCING GOD: SPIRITUALITY IN THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION (DS305.15)
Simon Holt, Whitley Theological College
This unit begins by considering the nature of spirituality broadly understood as the human exploration of personal meaning, fulfillment and transcendence. It then moves to both situate and explore the distinctive nature of Christian spirituality as the human experience of God through Christ and in the life of the Church. Successful completion of this unit will enable participants to: appreciate the breadth of experiences, expressions and emphases evident in the Christian encounter with God, from Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant perspectives; evaluate and respond to some of the representative texts-both autobiographical and reflective-that illustrate the diversity and depth of Christian experience through the Church's history; andreflect critically and sensitively upon their own encounter with God and to explore new means of deepening their spirituality.
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SPIRITUALITY OF EVERYDAY LIFE (DS321.15)
Simon Holt, Whitley Theological College
This unit will explore the connections between spirituality and the issues, contexts and experiences of everyday life. Drawing upon the disciplines of sociology, psychology, biblical studies, theology and history, explorations will be made of contexts such as the home, workplace and neighbourhood, and activities such as eating, sleeping and recreation, with a view to discovering the presence and purposes of God in them. Successful completion of this unit will enable participants to:
(i) Locate and evaluate models of spirituality that embrace the contexts, activities, and relationships of daily life rather than negate or marginalize them;
(ii) Access and engage with the resources of the Christian tradition - biblical, historical, theological and experiential - and bring these to bear upon the challenges of contemporary life, both personal and communal;
(iii) Interact with these issues in such a way that their own spirituality is enriched and more thoroughly integrated with their daily lives, their spirituality.
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