Heartfelt Institute of Ministry

HIV/AIDS Course Outline

Course title: HIV/AIDS

Lecturer: Pastor P.W.M. Ngwenya

+263771522799

wngwenya@gmail.com

Course Narration:

Psychology of Religion is a course offered at the Heartfelt Institute of Ministry in the first
year class at diploma level. The course focuses on the study of psychology as a discipline in
relationship to religion. Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour and hence
psychology of religion is there to give out a clear understanding of how the mind and
behaviour are modified or influenced by religion.

Purpose and Aim of the course:

1. The course aims at teaching students the importance of studying psychology of

religion.
2. The course aims at drawing the attention of the learners in how religion can influence
individuals’ behaviour and thinking.
3. The course aims at bringing the practicality of real psychological issues affecting
people especially religious people.

Course Contents:

 Introduction: introduction of the course. Definition of psychology and psychology of

religion. Background to the discipline of psychology of religion.
 Psychological models of religion: humanistic, behavioural, socio-cultural and
psychodynamic models
 Psychologists of note on psychology of religion
 Pastoral psychology
 Stages of faith development
 Religion and psychotherapy
 Religion and health (physical and mental)

Conclusion and Evaluation:

At the end of the course, students are going to be examined to check if they have
comprehended the course. Students’ assessment will be as follows:-

Coursework 25%
Examination 75%

Students will write two individual assignments

Assignment questions

Discuss the influence of religion on both mental and physical health (25). Due date 26 March
2018

Assess the influence of William James and Erik Erikson to the study of psychology of
religion. (25). Due Date 16 April 2018

Methods of Teaching:

The lectures will be conducted in class. A field trip to any one of the mental institutions in
Zimbabwe is recommended. Interactions within students is encouraged and as such students
shall have turns to research and present in class.
 Reference List
Adler A and Jahn E. (1933), Religion and Psychology, Frankfurt

Fowler, J. (1971), Stages of Faith, San Francisco: Harper and Row

Fromm E. (1950), Psychoanalysis and Religion, New Haven: Yale University

Jung , C.G. (1992) Psychology and Religion, Yale University Press

Leuba,J.H. the Psychological Origin and the Nature of Religion. Wikisource text

Wulff, D.M. (1997), Psychology of Religion: Classic and Contemporary. 2nd ed, New
York:wiley