| CODE | PLC5790 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Family Dynamics and Formation for Ministry | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Pastoral Theology, Liturgy and Canon Law | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will provide students with the opportunity to critically appraise the impact of the family on the human formation of persons. A strong emphasis will be made on relationship structures and how these insights can shape training programmes for pastoral workers. The emphasis on the human dimension, the role of the human sciences, and the appreciation of the concrete realities of families will be explored. Through this lens, students will be introduced to the key developments in the Church鈥檚 understanding of formation and the role played by the family since Vatican Council II. Besides being presented with the key theories for appraising the impact of families on personality stucture, students will be exploring key themes linking human formation and ministry: attachment styles in pastoral relationships; identity formation that leads to adult responsibility; relation with parents and faith development. The symbolism of fatherhood, motherhood and fraternity will be explored with reference to leadership, spiritual direction, and building community. Study-unit Aims: A deep understanding of the foundational and ongoing impact of family dynamics on human formation and of how relevant research and theory can inform the ongoing formation programmes of people trained for ministry. Whilst drawing on current literature in the area, the study-unit aims to take the ecclesial context into account when thinking about formation programmes in addressing current opportunities and challenges. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Describe key ecclesial developments positively influencing formation programmes; - Critically appraise the role given to the family in ecclesial settings; - Identify the main constructs of attachment theory; - Establish how family dynamics have an impact on faith development and ministry. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate how engaging with family dynamics helps educators in forming individuals for ministry; - Relate family symbolism with ministerial responsibility; - Apply relevant theory on family dynamics to pastoral relationships; - Engage in deeper self-awareness regarding personal development. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: MAIN TEXT - Abela, A., Farrugia, R., Casha, C., Galea, M., & Schembri, D., The Relationship between Maltese Adolescents and their Parents: Department of Family Studies Research Report No.1 (Malta: Office of the President of Malta, 2013). - Abela A., & Walker J., eds., Contemporary Issues in Family Studies: Global Perspectives on Partnerships: Parenting and Support in a Changing World (Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2014). - Abela, A., Vella, S., Piscopo, S., eds., Couple Relationships in a Global Context: Understanding Love and Intimacy Across Cultures (New York: Springer International Publishing, 2020). - Mikulincer, M., Shaver, P. R., and Pereg D., 鈥淎ttachment Theory and Affect Regulation: The Dynamics, Development, and Cognitive Consequences of Attachment-Related Strategies,鈥� in Motivation and Emotion, Vol. 27, No. 2 (June 2003): 77-102. (Primary resources will be accessed and made available through the Vatican websites). SUPPLEMENTARY READING - Golombok, S., Modern Families: Parents and Children in New Family Forms (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015). - The President鈥檚 Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society. Sustaining relationships: Couples and Singles in a Changing Society (Malta: Author, 2016). |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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