Relationships

How do I develop strong relationships, whether friendships, marriage or family? Should I get married or remain single? How do I deal with the changing dynamics of family and relationships through the life stages? If ever a unit was needed to clarify the confusion found in the ‘relationships’ section of the local Christian bookstore, this is it. Whether young, old, single, betrothed, married or unspecified, all are invited to come and explore the inner workings of relationships, marriage and the family, as it has unfolded throughout history and wider society. Specifically this subject aims to develop skills to strengthen your relationships and assist those you minister to in everyday life.


Quick Info

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Course code: MIN305
  • Credit points: 10
  • Subject coordinator: Nigel Pegram

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites:

Awards offering Relationships

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subject explores the issues of marriage and family within society and more specifically within a church/Christian context. Biblical foundations and understandings are examined. The subject also considers the related areas of singleness and divorce.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an advanced ability to integrate appropriate communication skills and courses of action within a range of relational settings, including personal and ministry contexts;
  2. Summarise and critique the characteristics and processes of various relationship models;
  3. Develop and support a theological and biblical foundation for family ministry.  This includes consideration of other Christian perspectives and understandings;
  4. Critique a range of family ministries implemented by churches and church agencies, including education, prevention and strength-enhancing programs, crisis intervention, therapy, and family advocacy;
  5. Critically evaluate the importance of healthy relationships as a criterion for church and church agency ministries, as well as assessing such ministries and programs from this perspective.

Subject Content

  1. A Theological Foundation for Family Relationships
  2. The Family as a Developing System.
  3. Romance and Reality
  4. Establishing a Strong Marriage
  5. Christian Marriage
  6. Parenting
  7. Family Spirituality
  8. Changing Gender Roles
  9. Becoming an Authentic Sexual Self
  10. Expressing love: Achieving Intimacy. Expressing anger: Negotiating Conflicts
  11. Becoming Powerful through Empowerment
  12. Through the Stress and Strain of Family Life
  13. Complex Families in Contemporary Society

This course may be offered in the following formats

  • Face to Face (onsite)
  • Distance/E-learning (online)
  • Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 108 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

  • Critical Forum Responses (20%)
  • Critical Review (30%)
  • Case Study Analysis (50%)

Prescribed Text

  • Primary readings provided