TIU/ECSC CO 6000
Spring, 2017
GUILT and SHAME in a CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE Syllabus (Graduate 3 Semester Hours)
INSTRUCTOR: Daniel R. Green, Ph.D. Email:
[email protected]
PHONE: FAX:
262.782.1474 262.782.1441
"Shame is...acutely disturbing to the self. In fact, no other affect is more deeply disturbing. Like a wound made from the inside by an unseen hand, shame disrupts the natural functioning of the self." - G. Kaufman, 1989 "I sometimes think that shame, mere awkward, senseless shame, does as much towards preventing good acts and straightforward happiness as any of our vices can do." - C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed, 1961 "If I am guilty--woe to me! Even if I am innocent, I cannot lift my head, for I am full of shame and drowned in my affliction." - Job 10:15 COURSE DESCRIPTION: Guilt and shame are universal human issues. Since the fall in the garden, humanity has been wrestling with the moral problem of guilt and the personal experience of shame. It has been observed that in these issues religion and psychology meet. This course will present a comprehensive Christian perspective. The emotion of shame has been largely ignored in psychological research and theories. Both within the church and western culture, the emotion of shame has often been confused with or masked by an emphasis on guilt. This course will explore the phenomena of shame, beginning with psychological findings regarding emotions in general and shame in particular. The relationship between guilt, shame, and external reality will be explored. Classical and current theoretical models as well as empirical research will be reviewed. A three-factor integrative model of shame will be presented and critiqued. The impact of shame, as well as treatment responses to shame, will be examined. This course is an outgrowth of a collaborative study by Mel Lawrenz, Ph.D. and the instructor. COURSE OBJECTIVES: 1. 2. 3. 4.
An overview of the historical understandings of guilt and shame. Exploration of the experience (phenomenology) of guilt and shame. A review of the issues of guilt and shame in scripture. An introduction to theories and findings regarding emotion and the relationship between
TIU/ECSC CO 6000
5. 6.
Spring, 2017
thought and feeling. The presentation and discussion of an original integrative theory of guilt and shame. Application of the theory to counseling, pastoral, ministry, personal, societal, and other scenarios.
REQUIREMENTS READINGS: Kaufman, G. (2004). The Psychology of Shame. Theory and treatment of shame-based syndromes. (2nd Ed.) New York: Springer Publishing Company. Green, D. & Lawrenz, M. (2015). Overcoming guilt and shame. Waukesha, WI: WordWay. Additional readings will be available online. REACTION PAPERS: Three reaction papers will be assigned. Each paper will include a brief summary of the material assigned followed by a critical evaluation of the material. The critical evaluation will include the following: : Thoughts or insights that are new to you or strike you as significant – discuss why Questions that arise from the material The material’s congruence with a Christian worldview Observation on how the material and/or insights pertain to ministry in the church and/or world Observations on how the material and/or insights pertain to your personal life What is God saying to you through the material and/or insights? The specific topics and due dates will be assigned in class. All papers are to be submitted as an attachment by email to the following email address:
[email protected] in the following form: Last-name First-name paper x.docx (or .doc). For example, for the second paper, I would name the file with my paper as follows: Green Dan paper 2.docx. FINAL PROJECT: The final project will be an application of all the material from this course and readings to an event, situation, and/or institution of your choice. The paper will identify and define the situation, the shame and guilt issues involved, the etiology of the shame, consequences of the shame and guilt, and make recommendations for the resolution of the shame and guilt. The Paper is due on 05/10/2017 and is to be submitted by email as described above. A class presentation of the paper will be made on 05/03 or 05/10/2017. GRADING: The final course grade will be determined by the following formula: Reaction Papers = 30%; Project: Paper = 50%; Presentation = 20%
TIU/ECSC CO 6000
Spring, 2017
SCHEDULE: 01/25 Introduction 02/01 Phenomenology of Shame
K1; G&L1
02/08 Cognition and Emotion
G&L 2, 3
02/15 Etiology of Shame
K 2,3,4
02/22 Moral Development; The Conscience; Guilt and Reading Shame in Christian Belief 03/01 Introduction to the Three-Factor Model of Shame Reading 03/08 TIU SPRING BREAK 03/15 Moral Shame
G&L 4
03/22 Imposed Shame
G&L5,6
03/29 Natural Shame
G&L7
04/05 Shame’s Impact: Addictions
Readings
04/12 Shame’s Impact, Continued
K 5,12
04/19 Shame’s Impact, Continued
K 13; G&L 8
04/26 Psychological and Pastoral Care Treatments of K 6,7,8,9,10,11 Shame; Project Presentations 05/03 Project Presentations 05/10 Project Presentations; Final Paper Due
