Module Narrative


Module Title: Youth Ministry and Communication
Module Code: YOU601
Level: 6
Credit Points: 20 Credits
Compulsory or Optional: Optional (Youthwork Pathway)
Pre-requisites/co-requisites: None
Excluded combinations or modules: Youthwork Pathway only
Mode of attendance: Mixed

Rationale:
This module will explore communication skills within a youth ministry context both in the contexts of one-to-one and small group conversations and of public speaking to youth groups. This will entail exploring the importance of worldview in communication as well as how to communicate the gospel effectively to a wide range audience particularly the youth. It will look at the place of assertiveness and conflict management within youth work. The use of social media for engagement with youth will also be addressed in this module.
Learning outcomes

Knowledge
On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:
1. identify and analyse the relationship that exists between effective ministry and effective communication within youth work.
2. discuss the challenges of communicating to new generations in a changing society.
3. Evaluate and discuss the importance of assertiveness and conflict management in a youth work context.
4. Critically analyse the role of social media within youth ministry

Skills
This module will call for the successful student to demonstrate:
5. good communication skills in a youth ministry context including delivering a talk to a group of young people.
Syllabus
This is a practical and theoretical course designed to strengthen communication competencies of students in the Christian ministry environment. The following subjects will be covered: the communication process, listening and feedback, age and culture appropriate language, preparation and delivery of talks to a youth group, initiating discussion in small groups, assertiveness, conflict management, social media and its place within youth culture and ministry.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy
This course will be taught through the art of facilitation aimed at drawing out insights from students in response to stimulating readings, lectures and videos.

Class time will be used for a combination of lectures, discussions of qualitative research articles and practical exercises. In additional to attending classes, students should be prepared to spend about another six hours per week on activities related to this course. These activities include reading the required and recommended articles of relevance to this course and preparing for assignments.

Tutorial time enables Tutors to give formative feedback on draft essays, guidance to students on developing their presentations and constructive feedback on summative work. Independent study to supplement these activities is an essential element of the programme, including reading and producing the module assignments.

Assessment Scheme

Plan for talk to youth group (formative assessment)

Recording of talk and reflective report on talk to youth group 1500 words (summative assessment)
Essay 2500 words (summative assessment)

Assessment Weighting

Recording and reflective report 50%
Essay 50%

Essential Reading:
Petrie, P. (2011) Communication Skills for Working with Children and Young People: Introducing Social Pedagogy London: Jessica Kingsley

Recommended Reading:
Fortner, R.S. (2006) Communication, Media and Identity: A Christian Theory of Communication lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield
Hargie, O. (2008) The Handbook of Communication Skills Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge
Osgerby, . (2004) Youth Media (Routledge Introductions to Media and Communications) Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge
McDowell, S. (2009) Apologetics for a New Generation: A Biblical and Culturally Relevant Approach to Talking about God Eugene, Oregon:Harvest House
Ruddock, A. (2013) Youth and Media London: Sage Publications
Huntington, A. (2008) Communicating with Children and Adolescents: Action for Change. London: Jessica Kingsley
Tucker, F. (2013) Intercultural Communication for Christian Ministry Adelaide: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform


Online Application
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