Undergraduate 

Theology & Religious Studies BD/MA

Introduction to Ministry & Mission in Digital Culture (Online Distance Learning) TRS1032E

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Taught Wholly by Distance Learning: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course offers a way of reflecting on and engaging with the cultural challenges to faith and Christian practice since the rise of digital media and the recent rapid move into church presence online. Biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences will provide lenses through which to understand and evaluate a variety of online church and mission practices. Opportunities that digital technology offers for mission and ministry will be explored along with the development of some skills in crafting material for the online environment.

This course is suitable for participants in church and mission environments looking for a practical theology-based introduction to the digital ministry field and those thinking through the leadership implications for their ministry and vocation.

Timetable

9 x 2hr online seminars as scheduled on MyCampus

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Written Assignment. 800 words (40%)

Portfolio: a collection of 5 short (3-minute) digital journal reflections (60%)

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ introduce participants to perspectives with which to interpret changes to the practice of Christian devotion and church life brought on by the accelerating move into digital culture.

■ develop confidence and skills in negotiating new challenges to ministry and mission at individual and community levels by exploring creative resources, digital religion and fresh approaches to church.

■ offer a learning experience that engages in practical theological reflection using participant's experience and concerns.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ explain key factors shaping the shift to digital ministry and mission.

■ analyse some challenges this presents to existing faith and church practice

■ apply approaches from historical & contemporary, liturgical and digital sources to the creative task of navigating hybrid ministry and mission within digital culture

■ practice skills in digital multi-media to present their learning  

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.