SPIRITUAL FORMATION AND FAITH BASED COUNSELING (COUN 537) EARLY SUMMER SEMESTER / 2015 Professor: Heather R. Hostler, Psy.D. Course Dates: May 17 July11, 2015 Email:hhostler@messiah.edu Face Time or F2F meetings by appt. Instructor Availability I (Dr. Hostler) will be checking in on the course, commenting, posting announcements or resources, and/or grading at least once daily Monday through Saturday. I will have very limited availability on Sundays. I will be available to communicate individually with students as needed first via email or text for relatively routine issues. I will make every attempt to respond to your messages within 24 hours or sooner. Should we need more in-depth communication, we will connect via cell phone (urgent issues only), Face Time/Google Hangouts, or in person as needed. I may also schedule virtual office hours during the course to accommodate student needs as they arise. I welcome communication and look forward to challenging and learning from each other. Remember that you and your questions are not an interruption to my work, you ARE my work. It is a joy and an honor to teach this course at Messiah! Should you have questions about the course regarding assignments, dates, rubrics, or logistics, please post them first in the Course Navigation forum so that everyone can benefit from the answers. Chances are that fellow students may have the same questions you do. I can answer them once for all to read! Faculty Expectations of Students: Class Notes, PowerPoints, Videos, etc. will be available in the Modules section of the course (Canvas). PPTs may include videos, voice recordings or additional requirements. Weekly Schedule: I will regularly post an announcement that will give an overview of your requirements for that particular week. These are already posted in the calendar of the syllabus and in the assignments section of Canvas. Also, be sure to read through the entire course schedule so you can plan ahead. It is your responsibility to keep up with the requirements and due dates. Announcements: Please make sure that you read the announcements every time you log in to the course or have your notifications set to receive announcements on a frequent basis. These will be updated regularly with important course information and be simultaneously sent via email. In an eight-week course, students will spend approximately 5.25 hours (on average) per week reading PPTs, watching the required videos, completing exams, as well as reading posts and submitting posts online in the discussions (roughly equivalent to classroom time). Additional time will be required for text reading and assignment completion (roughly equivalent to graduate level, out of class work time). All components of this course are required to receive a passing grade. Students must contact the instructor immediately for family emergencies or other urgent issues that may warrant a substitute assignment. If an assignment is missed or has not been posted (without an extension from Dr. Hostler), the student may not receive a passing grade for the course. 1
Course Description In this course, students explore personal and professional issues of faith and spirituality as they pertain to clinical competency in professional counseling. The first half of the course consists of a review of historical spiritual formation and diversity among faith traditions as related to each student s spiritual faith journey and identity. The second half of the course provides students with an overview of several common approaches to Christian counseling, including an examination of their content and validity, as well as a brief overview of other commonly practiced faith-based approaches. Throughout the course, students will have opportunity to develop a counseling framework that integrates faith perspectives, with particular emphasis on a Christian perspective. Students will also consider how to appropriately integrate faith perspectives into the practice of counseling. Course Objectives: At the end of this course, students will: CACREP Course Objectives CORE CMHC MCFC SC 1. Explore historical and personal perspectives on spiritual formation. 1a. Understand an historical perspective about spiritual formation and explore spiritual formation within various faith traditions. 1b. Be able to articulate a personal experience of spiritual formation. 1c Identify and describe different models of spiritual formation 2. Explore a variety of different types of faith-based approaches to counseling. 2a. Become aware of various faith-based approaches to counseling. 2b. Consider the differences between Christian counseling and counseling as a Christian. Assignments Weekly Discussions Spiritual Journals Midterm Quiz Starting a Practice Assignment Starting a Practice Assignment 3. Understand the standards of ethical practice related to spirituality outlined by ASERVIC and the ACA Code of Ethics. 3a Become aware of personal strengths, biases, and potential areas for the imposition of values in counseling Immersion Experience 3b Learn how to competently and appropriately integrate issues of spirituality and religion into counseling. Integrative Paper Required Textbooks: Cashwell, C., & Young, S. J. (Eds.) (2011, 2 nd edition). Integrating spirituality and religion into counseling: A guide to competent practice. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association. The Bible (any translation or version that is easily read and understood by you) 2
Course Requirements: 1. Weekly Discussions (Small Groups) There will be four weekly discussions due from each student in Weeks 1-4 of the course. These original postings will be in APA style writing that focuses on the content of the readings and resources assigned for that week. Citations and/or direct quotes from the class materials or outside sources will be used as a backdrop for these original reflections that need to be between 300-350 words. Please include the word count at the end of the typed text. References in APA style will be required as well as third person past tense (i.e. Similar to King Saul this counselor has observed that people have difficulty in demonstrating trust. When she was three years old, her father told her that she shouldn t trust anyone because this could lead to disaster. Current training as a graduate student helped her to see that trust can be earned as a product of ethical conduct. ) Four original discussion postings will be required in the course due each Wednesday by 11:59 PM. Conversely, peer response postings may be more informal, connecting your experience to your peers INCLUDING your religious and/or spiritual orientation. Finding the universal element in your peer original postings will be your practice in identifying your own values while affirming that of others. These postings do not always have to be about alignment but can revolve around different perspectives. **For example, I may respond to my classmate s posting about her grandfather s death as a positive by first validating her orientation and then writing about my own struggle with death as an evil that takes the young and innocent.** Response postings should also be between 300-350 words and are due each Saturday by 11:59 PM. Please include the word count at the end of the typed text. Citations are required. These discussions are worth up to 160 points (each week worth up to 40 points). Points will be awarded for: submitting on time, connecting this posting through citation and references from the required reading, personal application and reflection, and sensitivity to other religious perspectives on the same topic. 2. Spiritual Journals (Small Groups) Each student will complete a 200 word minimum video journal (approximately 3-5 minutes) to share in Weeks 5-8 of the course and will post this information in the small group s discussion by Wednesday 11:59 PM of that week. These postings should reflect a prayerful, personal or formational reflection from the following exercise that will require your choice of a selection from sacred text relative to your own faith tradition. This information will be shared in a small group format in the forums. First person tense will be accepted for these journals (i.e. I found myself considering the sunlight as a comforting friend that would be following me around that day: warming the seat in the car beside me, pulling the smell of the newly mown grass in through my window, and brightening the road before me with a new energy and hope. Is this what is meant by God is light? ). Journal responses will be due by Saturday 11:59 PM of that same week. One response should relate to the discussion prompt and include support and encouragement that validates your own view as well as the orientation of your peer to receive full credit. One response of encouragement (100 word minimum) to each member in your group is also required. Please include the word count at the end of the typed text. 3
Guidelines for your scheduled time of spiritual reflection: (Students engaging methods of other than Christian religious traditions can adapt these guidelines to fit with that tradition.) 1. Select a daily time, text (a focus for reflection) and place for meditative reading/reflection and contemplative prayer. This place must be safe, quiet, and free from distractions. 2. Open your heart so that you are able to hear the voice of the God of your understanding. 3. After reading the sacred text, listen and seek transcendence of mind and spirit through silence and stillness of at least 10 minutes. 4. After reviewing your weekly notes, address one of these three questions in your postings: a. How does this reading apply to me personally? b. What insight, wisdom, or understanding might pertain to me at this point in my life? c. What is arising from within me as a result of my time of reflective, prayerful reading? Be sure to indicate what passages or readings (your sacred text) led to this reflection. Required Bible reading for this reflection may or may not be used according to your preference. You are welcome to use many forms for expression such as art, songs, prayers, prose, poetry, dance, theatre, etc. but make sure that this material can be accessed by your small group by posting it into the discussion board. These journal entries are worth up to 160 points (each week worth up to 40 points). Points will be awarded for: submitting on time, connecting to spiritual formation, personal application and reflection, and supportive and encouraging discussion responses (without unintended judgment, imposition of values, tolerance, or veiled indifference). 3. Midterm Quiz A grade of 83% (B) or better on the Midterm Quiz will be required to pass this course. This multiple choice quiz will be available at the beginning of the course and is worth 80 points. Students will have the opportunity to retake this quiz multiple times prior to the end of the course with the highest score kept for final grading. Reading of the textbooks and Canvas course materials will be needed to answer the questions on this quiz. 4. Starting a Practice In Weeks 1-4, students will participate in drafting a Starting a Practice report using a designated small group discussion and associated wiki ( Page in Canvas). This discussion and report will provide the student with the unique opportunity to develop a practical understanding of how a religious or spiritually-based practice may serve a diverse population. For this assignment, students are expected to contribute content by at least one discussion post and response each week related to the targeted task. No citations are required for these postings unless specific sources have been used. 4
This information will be posted (each person must post their own work to receive credit!) in the associated group wiki (found at the bottom of the Starting a Practice Discussion instruction page) so that other groups may benefit from your work. Up to 60 points will be awarded for the weekly discussion and content of the final report. This grade will be based on individual effort and content in the discussion postings (30) as well as the final wiki report (30). 5. Immersion Experience By week 6 of the course, each student is expected to attend a religious event that represents a belief system that differs from their own and participate in a post/response video discussion. This discussion and report will provide the student with the unique opportunity to experience a faith tradition that differs from their own. Responses to one member of the group will be required to receive full credit (60 points). For this small group discussion the student will post a brief (5-10 minute) video report to include: 1. the day and date of the event 2. the purpose of the event 3. some piece of evidence to demonstrate that the student had attended (a bulletin, brochure, picture, etc.) and address the following questions: A. How and why did certain aspects of this event align with my faith tradition? B. How and why did certain aspects of this event not align with my faith tradition? C. What universal concepts were addressed at this event? D. What takeaways or learning did you obtain from this experience that could be helpful in counseling someone from that faith tradition (be specific)? Immersion Experience Purpose and Rationale: This component of the course is meant to provide the student with experiential learning that is directly related to spiritual formation and faith-based counseling. Students will visit an event (worship, Bible study, prayer service, etc) that differs from their own faith tradition to learn more about their own belief system and that of universal beliefs and practices. The student will not be required to participate in practices that would violate or subordinate their own beliefs during this exercise. This element of experiential learning is also intended to provide graduate students with exposure to religious and spiritual diversity that will promote insight and cultural awareness for them as counseling professionals. 6. Integrative Final Paper (8-10 pages) The integrative final paper will clearly articulate the integration of spiritual formation content from the class into your personal life and a professional counseling practice. It should be written in third person, APA style. It must be clear to me from your paper that you clearly understand the implications of spiritual formation and how it can be applied professionally with a client who holds a religious and spiritual orientation that differs from your own. This paper should also include attention to your identity as you understand it as extending beyond your physical presence. Other details have been posted in Canvas. The final paper is worth 80 points. 5
Grading: Starting a Practice 60 Immersion Experience 60 Spiritual Journals (4 x 40) 160 Weekly Discussions (4 x 40) 160 Midterm Quiz 80 Integrative Final Paper 80 A 93-100% B- 80-82% A- 90-92% C+ 77-79% B+ 87-89% C 73-76% B 83-86% F Below 73 TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE 600 6
Course Schedule May 17 July 11, 2015 Week Assignments Hours* Pages 0 5/10 5/16 Pre-course Preparation Introductions.5 Spiritual Formation Survey (Web).5 1 5/17 5/23 Spirituality and Religion IT N-IT Adobe Connect Session #1 Course Review Date/Time TBD Cashwell & Young Chapters 1-2 2 1-42 Bible Genesis: Chapters 1-9 2 Review Week 1 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Week #1 Discussion (original post due Wednesday night!) 3 Starting a Practice Discussion/Wiki (Saturday 11:59 PM).5 2 5/24 5/30 Worldview: Attitudes, Beliefs, and Values Cashwell & Young Chapters 3-4 2 43-95 Bible Exodus: Chapters 1-12 2 Review Week 2 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Week #2 Discussion 3 Starting a Practice Discussion/Wiki (Saturday 11:59 PM).5 3 5/31 6/06 Spiritual Development and Counseling Cashwell & Young Chapters 5-6 2 96-139 Bible Psalms: Any 4 Chapters 2 Review Week 3 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Week #3 Discussion 3 Starting a Practice Discussion/Wiki (Saturday 11:59 PM).5 4 6/07 6/13 Assessment and Treatment Cashwell & Young Chapters 7-8 2 141-181 Bible Daniel 2 Week #4 Discussion 3 Review Week 4 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Starting a Practice Report (due Saturday by 11:59 PM) 1 5 6/14 6/20 Integrating Counseling and Spiritual Formation Cashwell & Young Chapters 9-10 2 181-223 Bible Esther 2 Spiritual Journal Discussion #1 3 Review Week 5 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Midterm Quiz 1 1 7
(See syllabus and Canvas for details) 6 6/21 6/27 Care for the Soul: Structure and Ritual Cashwell & Young Chapters 11-12 2 223-260 Bible (Gospel of choice: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) 2 Spiritual Journal Discussion #2 3 Review Week 6 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Immersion Experience Report (Due Saturday 11:59 PM).5 5 7 6/28 7/04 Spiritual Life in the Disciplines Cashwell & Young Chapters 13-14 2 260-289 Bible Acts 2 Spiritual Journal Discussion #3 3 Review Week 7 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Adobe Connect Session #2 Date/Time TBD Immersion Experience Responses (by Saturday 11:59 PM) 1.0 Begin Final Paper 5 8 7/05 7/11 Integrating Counseling and Spiritual Formation Complete Final Paper 5 Spiritual Journal Discussion #4 3 Review Week 8 PPTs, Weblinks, and Videos (Module) 1.5 Complete Evaluation.5 Final Paper Due Saturday 11:59 PM - *Instructional Time (IT) 42 hrs / 3 credits *Non-Instructional (N-IT) "Homework" 43 hrs ** Reading based on 30 pages per hour; Writing papers based on 1 hour/page 1 Course Policies Extra Credit: Generally extra credit points are not awarded in this course. Late Assignments All assignments are due by the beginning of class on the due date assigned. Responses to discussion questions are due by 11:00 p.m. on the due dates assigned. A 5% deduction in the points available for each assignment will occur for each day an assignment is late (unexcused). Returned Assignments All assignments will be returned to the student for review of the assigned grade. The assignment will include comments from the professor and an indication of the basis for the grade assigned. If students have questions about the grade assigned it is up to the student to contact the professor to discuss the grade. Students may also ask for clarification about a grade through email to the professor within three days of receiving the grade for any assignment. 8
Course Information Self-Care Part of the process of becoming a counselor is an ongoing commitment to self-awareness. Students often have strong emotional reactions to the content of counseling courses or skilldevelopment experiences. Students may also become aware of something about themselves that impacts their present or future work with clients. It is important to acknowledge these reactions and in some cases utilize the help of a professional counselor to process them. Students should refer to the program website and student handbook for recommendations about how to find a professional counselor. They are also encouraged to consult with their instructor or advisor in deciding how and when to seek outside support. Library and Librarian Assistance The Library is an obvious source of information for research, presentations and projects. Currently, Elizabeth (Liz) Kielley is the specific library liaison assigned to the social science disciplines. Although any librarian is trained and prepared to assist you, Liz works specifically with the social sciences and is most familiar with the resources and databases that relate to this field. Do not hesitate to contact her if you are having trouble locating specific sources for your assignments, as she is more than willing to help you. For her specific work schedule, contact her directly at EKielley@messiah.edu or by calling ext. (717) 796-1800, ext. 3850. Program Information Writing Center The Writing Center is available to any graduate student who has a desire to improve his/her writing. The role of the center is to provide feedback (not editing) on written work. Feedback alerts you to the kinds of errors you are making, lets you know when something is not clear, and suggests that you have not fully supported an argument. Feedback does NOT correct your grammatical errors, rewrite your sentences, or provide you with the specific points to support your argument. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to find and use the resources you need to improve your writing but connecting with our Writing Center, either online or face-to-face, is a good place to start. Hardware and Software Recommendations Student technology recommendations are found on the Information Technology Services website. These guidelines have been put in place to best equip you to have an optimal technological experience in our online programs. Technical Support for Students Technological support is available to all students during the days and times listed on the Information Technology Services homepage. Students also have access to technical support (i.e. tutorials, help functions, etc.) through the College s portal, MCSquare, and through the College s Learning Management System. 9
Program Policies Academic Integrity The Academic Integrity Policy for Graduate Students is found in the graduate student handbook. Primary responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with this policy rests with the student. Americans with Disabilities Act Any student whose disability falls within ADA guidelines should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester of any special accommodations or equipment needs necessary to complete the requirements for this course. Students must register documentation with the Office of Disability Services. Contact DisabilityServices@messiah.edu, (717) 796-5382. Statement of Copyright Protection The materials in this Messiah College course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be further disseminated. Statement of Confidentiality Students may be asked to post written work and to engage in written dialog with other class members within an LMS. The student should be aware that although confidentiality within the course environment is encouraged, it is possible that users in and outside the course may have access to course content 10