Pain, suffering and hope (5cr)

Objective

After the course student, the student 1. understands different manifestations of suffering in the changing world 2. is able to analyze roles of churches and other communities in encounter and alleviation of suffering and in upholding hope 3. is able to apply perspectives of pastoral care to the study of suffering and their own thinking in a religiously and morally diverse context 4. understand the meanings of existential, social and societal wellbeing and is able to analyze their role for the individual and communal wellbeing Generic skills: Ethics, Critical thinking

Content

The following topics are covered on the course: 1. Conceptions of suffering, pain and hope 2. Manifestations and causes of suffering in the present society 3. Encountering and alleviating suffering and upholding hope as part of churches’ and other communities’ pastoral care and other functions 4. Existential, social and societal meanings of wellbeing 5. Structures of suffering and better futures

Materials

Study material is released in course platform. Course may include study material in English.

Further information

Offering data: This course is part of the Constructing meaningfulness and meaningful community study module. The course is mandatory for students approved to the study module. The course is also open to other Master's students in theology. By completing this course, students majoring in practical theology (Western) can replace Pastoral Care and Counselling, and Pastoral Psychology, 5 ECTS or Topical Questions in Practical Theology, 5 ECTS. Other Master's students in theology can include this course in advanced studies in one's own major, as agreed with the professor, or in optional studies.