Universität Wien

010168 SE M10: Consultation and Pastoral Work (2025W)

Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 25 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 06.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 13.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 20.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 27.10. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 03.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 10.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 17.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 24.11. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 01.12. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 12.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 19.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01
  • Monday 26.01. 18:30 - 20:00 Seminarraum 9, Kolingasse 14-16, OG01

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course provides an academic space for critical reflection on Islamic pastoral care in the context of a religiously and ideologically plural society. Starting from different concepts of the soul in antiquity, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, it addresses the historical and systematic foundations of pastoral practice. It becomes evident that Islamic pastoral care in Europe is rooted not only in theological traditions but also exists at the intersection of psychology, psychotherapy, and social work.
A particular focus is placed on analyzing current challenges: the development of institutional structures in Austria and other European countries, the significance of migration-related experiences, the handling of trauma and psychodynamic processes, as well as questions regarding gender roles and diversity within Islam. Engaging with these topics allows for a nuanced positioning of Islamic pastoral care within interdisciplinary and interreligious discourses.
The seminar combines theory-driven textual work and systematic discussion with practical elements. Through case studies, expert reports, and selected literature, students are enabled to critically compare different concepts, assess their relevance for contemporary counseling and pastoral contexts, and develop their own positions at the intersection of theology, psychology, and societal practice.
Upon successful completion, students will be able to understand and differentiate the fundamental concepts of counseling and pastoral care from religious, psychological, and pedagogical perspectives. They will be able to reflect on key challenges of Islamic pastoral care in the context of migration, diversity, trauma, gender, and generational issues. Students will develop competencies in shaping pastoral processes, particularly with regard to communication, role clarity, and setting boundaries. Another focus lies on the importance of supervision, self-reflection, and transcultural awareness within counseling processes. Finally, students will critically analyze their own practical experiences and situate them within a scientific-theological framework to ensure a well-founded and reflective pastoral practice.

Assessment and permitted materials

Students contribute to the in-depth exploration of the seminar topics through active participation, presentations, and written assignments. In addition to engaging with theoretical foundations, independent reflection on the texts read is part of the assessment.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

‐ Active participation in the seminar (maximum of 2 absences)
‐ Presentation of topics in oral presentations and discussion contributions
‐ Independent written elaboration of a scientific seminar paper that deepens the topics covered
‐ Critical engagement with the theoretical foundations of Islamic pastoral care
‐ Ability to identify and reflect on the fields of practice of Islamic pastoral care in Europe
‐ All categories (participation, contributions, presentations, written work, reflection) must be positively assessed in order to successfully complete the cours

Examination topics

All content of the seminar sessions:
‐ Theoretical foundations of Islamic pastoral care
‐ Requirements and framework conditions for Islamic pastoral care training in Europe
‐ Practical and non-theological competency areas of pastoral work
Methods: Individual text reading, short presentations (individually or in groups), plenary and group discussions, written reflection assignments using the required literature, case studies, role plays or simulation-based tasks to apply theoretical knowledge, development of own ideas on the seminar topics with reference to the required literature, mutual feedback on presentations and written work to support the learning process

Reading list

See Moodle

Association in the course directory

M10

Last modified: Fr 10.10.2025 08:45