Teaching & Learning in Comm.Faith

Blessed is the One . 

For Palm Sunday

Blessed is the One

who comes to us

by the way of love

poured out with abandon.

Blessed is the One

who walks toward us

by the way of grace

that holds us fast.

Blessed is the One 

who calls us to follow

in the way of blessing,

in the path of joy.

Jan Richardson, from Circle of Grace: A Book of Blessings for the Seasons. Orlando: Wanton Gospeller Press, 2015.

Instructor: Dr. Katherine Turpin
E-mail: kturpin@iliff.edu

Course Synopsis

In this class we will be exploring the practice of religious education in communities of faith with a particular emphasis on the nature of teaching and learning. In one sense, this is an "Intro to Teaching" course designed to give students an opportunity to practice teaching their colleagues and receive feedback on their attempts. Through the ongoing teaching and learning occasions, we will also have opportunities to reflect on questions of the design of educational environments (both embodied and virtual), different modes of learning, relational dynamics in classroom settings, and alternative forms of embodied and aesthetic pedagogy.

Books for the Course- There are no required texts to purchase for this course.

In this class we will be exploring the practice of religious education in
communities of faith with a particular emphasis on the nature of teaching and learning.
Students completing this course and engaging seriously in its practice can expect to:
1. Participate in the establishment of a learning community, develop understanding of the dynamics at work in teaching and learning situations, nurture the development of their own teaching style, and practice collegial feedback for improved teaching.
2. Develop a heightened awareness of:

-religious and educational experience in persons and communities;
-ways that educational structures, teaching relationships, and processes of
learning give shape to personal and communal experiences;
-models, strategies, and resources for teaching in faith
communities;
-working constructively with the varieties of difference present in every
classroom;
-theological underpinnings of the vocation of teaching

Our Work Together

Participation in Plenary and Practicum Sessions- (25% of grade) This includes being prepared for the
three teaching practica that you will lead (see guidelines); the feedback
conversation you will facilitate; and your presence in plenary and practicum sessions.
Nearly two-thirds of the course material will occur in the teaching practicum and
reflection sessions. These are experiential learning moments that cannot be replaced by
work outside of the classroom. Your participation in the practicum and your voice in the
feedback and reflection times are essential to the learning of your classmates. Your
preparation through reading, planning teaching sessions, etc., will enhance the level of
learning that we all experience. For these reasons, and because this class only meets ten
times during the term, missing class will adversely affect your grade. More than one
absence (or excessive tardiness) will result in the lowering of the participation grade by
one full letter. Only dire circumstances will be excluded from this policy at the
discretion of the instructor.

Portfolio- (75% of grade) Final portfolio due June 3. See portfolio
guidelines for full details of what the portfolio should contain and how it will be
evaluated.

Course Rhythm

Because we have an exceptionally long time together each class session, we will utilize the following rhythm for our time together in most sessions:

1:00 Opening Focusing Moment

1:05-2:15 Plenary Session (discussion and activities related to the readings for the day)

2:15-2:30 Hospitality Moment, Stretch Break and Set-up Teaching Locations

2:30- 4:25 Teaching Practica and Reflection

4:25-4:30 Closing, Clean-up, Housekeeping Details for Next Week

As per Iliff's new policy, this class will not meet on campus during the fifth week of the quarter, but will instead complete its work via the Canvas site.

Degree Learning Goals: Please take some time to look over the Professional Degree Learning Goals (MDiv, MASC, MAPSC) and the Academic Degree Learning Goals (MTS, MA).

Incompletes:  If incompletes are allowed in this course, see the Master's Student Handbook for Policies and Procedures.

Pass/Fail:  Masters students wishing to take the class pass/fail should discuss this with the instructor by the second class session.

Academic Integrity and Community Covenant:  All students are expected to abide by Iliff’s statement on Academic Integrity, as published in the Masters Student Handbook, or the Joint PhD Statement on Academic Honesty, as published in the Joint PhD Student Handbook, as appropriate.  All participants in this class are expected to be familiar with Iliff’s Community Covenant.

Core Values: As a community, Iliff strives to live by this set of Core Values.

Accommodations:  Iliff engages in a collaborative effort with students with disabilities to reasonably accommodate student needs.   Students are encouraged to contact their assigned advisor to initiate the process of requesting accommodations.  The advising center can be contacted at advising@iliff.edu or by phone at 303-765-1146. 

Writing Lab:  Grammar and organization are important for all written assignments.  Additional help is available from the Iliff Writing Lab, which is available for students of any level who need help beginning an assignment, organizing thoughts, or reviewing a final draft. 

Inclusive Language:  It is expected that all course participants will use inclusive language in speaking and writing, and will use terms that do not create barriers to classroom community. 

Degree Learning Goals

Theology and Religious Practices (PR):  engage, construct, and apply theological and interdisciplinary analyses in relation to contemporary religious traditions, practices, and institutions in order to assess, design, and perform transformative leadership and meaningful communal practices with sensitivity to contextual realities and theoretical constructions.