Winter/Spring Unit - Grief, Loss and Family Systems Theory

Conceptual

• Develop conceptual framework of grief and loss
• Develop a theological framework from which to reflect on the topic of suffering
• Examine grief and loss from different stages of life, as well as from different cultural and institutional perspectives
• Familiarity with the personality development theories of Erik Erikson, Carol Gilligan, the Stone Center Writers
• Familiarity with family systems theory
• Integration of Behavioral Sciences with Theology

Clinical/Experiential

• Read a theological text on suffering and make a group presentation
• Present verbatims to group which illustrate grief, loss, and suffering
• Required reading in appropriate literature
• Presentation to peer group regarding theoretical/practical issues on the topic

Personal

• Explore one's personal experience with grief and loss and how that impacts one's responsiveness to grief in others
• To explore one's own personality and family systems development