Vocation and Orientation

Instructor Information

Instructor:  Rev. Dr. Sara Rosenau
Office: Virtual
Office Hours: zoom meeting, by appointment
Office Telephone: 503-333-2960
E-mail: sara.rosenau@gmail.com

Course Description

The course invites students to explore the ongoing process of vocational discernment, with particular attention to how vocational journeys intersect with the experience of formal theological education.

Our quarter together is the ongoing process of vocational discernment, with particular attention to how vocational journeys intersect with the experience of formal theological education.

Textbook & Course Materials

The texts for this course will weekly articles, the lives of the students and instructor, the lives of the mentors you choose as living conversation partners, and historical partners accessed through autobiography or oral history.

Course Requirements

See syllabus, in general the course includes:

• Weekly readings
• Weekly forum discussions
• Weekly "Engage Spiritual Depth" activity
• Video call (via Zoom) - 3rd week
• Interview a practitioner/ mentor in your field of study and reflection paper
• Choose an autobiography to engage throughout the quarter
• Learn about Iliff's values and ethos
• Complete reflection about your own vocation
• Complete learning goals and final self evaluation
• Final Reflection paper

Course Structure

This course is designed in weekly " Modules. " All the things you need to know and do for the week are listed in the modules. This includes readings, assignments, lectures, and discussions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Through our work together over the quarter in a small group setting, we will attend to the following five purposes:

1. Provide a sacred space where you can come to know one another, including your different faith understandings and traditions, at a deeper level than is usually experienced with other courses.
2. Introduce you to Iliff, and assist you with your understanding and adjusting to the framework and characteristics of theological education, which are somewhat different from those in other kinds of educational programs that you may have experienced in the past.
3. Invite you to reflect theologically on your personal and professional identity, and your ongoing vocational discernment.
4. Practice personal and professional skill development required to work effectively to build relationships and foster dialogues that honor multiple perspectives and experiences.
5. Utilize writing, journaling, audio/video, and creative expression to connect concepts and practice to one’s own vocational discernment and development.

Find Full Syllabus For Printing Here: V&O 2018 Syllabus.Rosenau.docx