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MIN540 Approaches to Enquiry in Ministry (16)

Abstract

This subject covers those research strategies and methods of data collection most suited to the field of Christian Ministry and its sub-disciplines. It provides an overview of contexts within which enquiry is undertaken, and introduces students to the role and potential of research in the specific disciplines of Christian Ministry, history and practice. The subject focuses on research traditions and paradigms relevant to the chosen field of research, and the nature of the research process, including planning and designing a research project. Students study the use of qualitative and quantitative methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
InternalCanberra Campus
InternalUnited Theological College
Distance*Canberra Campus
Session 2
InternalCanberra Campus
Distance*Canberra Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: MIN540
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Theology

Enrolment restrictions

Master of Ministry and Master of Theology students only.
Related subject(s)
MIN740 Equivalent subject at Doctoral level

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the professional contexts in which the enquiry within ministry is undertaken
- be able to demonstrate familiarity with the role and potential of research in the field of Christian Ministry and/or its discipline areas
- be able to apply critically knowledge gained to define and refine a proposed area of study;
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and their application to the field of Christian Ministry;
- be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of the ethical issues in research and their particular relevance to Christian Ministry, including recognising the significance of consent, confidentiality and other ethical considerations in relation to research;
- possess the research skills necessary to prepare a research project or major research paper in the field of Christian Ministry.

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
- ministry contexts in within which enquiry is appropriate - research traditions and paradigms relevant to the field of Christian ministry - the nature of the research process - ethics in human research and its application to research in ministry - steps in planning and designing a research project in ministry - use of quantitative methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry - use of qualitative methods and their application to the field of Christian Ministry - the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods: when this is called for, inherant complexities and applicability.

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school. The residential school will include lectures, library work, group discussions, and workshops involving the critical evaluation and practical application of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies appropriate for research in Christian Ministry. It will provide an opportunity for students to engage critically with each other and the lecturer concerning issues in Christian ministry.

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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.