Annotation
Description of the Study Unit
The aims of the study unit are that the student:
- is able to practice participatory methods in working with people
- is familiar with basic relational skills for working with processes of social and community development work
- is able to understand and practice of team work and enable the participation of volunteers and activists
- has an overview of the work of churches and diaconal organisations in combating social exclusion
- knows how to formulate the goals, tasks and methods of diaconal work especially in relation to work on social exclusion and work with young people at risk
- is able to analyse the role and function of the diaconal worker in congregational and worship life in diverse contexts
The contents of the study unit include:
- Participatory working methods
- Skills and processes of social and community development work
- Theory and practice of team work
- The field of diaconal social work in relation to social exclusion in different contexts
- Framework for understanding diaconia (goals, tasks and working methods)
- The role of the diaconal social work in the different confessional traditions
- Theological approaches to participation and empowerment.
Process of the Study Unit
Week 13 0.5cr
Day Five
Mag. Mark Birinyi & Mag. Zsofi Mucsi
Planning diaconal work in relation to work on social exclusion, in different domains
Introduction to the diaconal functions in congregational worship
Preparation for the Assignment
Weeks Fourteen to Eighteen 4cr
Mag. Zsofi Mucsi , Mag. Mark Birinyi & Mag. Tony Addy
Complex assignment on Diaconia and social exclusion including:
Step 1 Christian theory and practice in an ecumenical perspective & the approach of church and church related organisations. Diaconia, philanthropia etc
Step 2
- analysing & evaluating the local churches & related organisations in the placement context to survey how they are working on the issues
- creating a practical and theological critique with proposals
The evaluation should include the roles of volunteers, activists, professional workers and religious leaders.
Attention should be paid to the participation and subjectivity of marginalised persons and groups. The assignment should be uploaded by the end of week 18
Week Nineteen 0.5cr
Day Two
Mag. Zsofi Mucsi, Mag. Mark Birinyi
Feedback and deepening work on the placement assignment, seminar groups morning and afternoon, final sharing of common points. Morning, part one; afternoon, part two of the assignment. Working in two groups and sharing findings at the end.
Day Three
Mag. Nana Agapishvili & Mag. Zsofi Mucsi
Working with groups, including with volunteers (practical experience based session with experience group leader