The public square has always been the arena for theological discourse, dating back to the humble origins of Jesus Christ, often referred to as the "man from Galilee." This tradition of engaging in spiritual and philosophical discussions in public spaces has continued throughout history, shaping the way religious ideas are shared and debated. From the ancient marketplaces of Jerusalem to the modern digital platforms of today, the intersection of faith and society has consistently occurred in the public domain, allowing for the exchange and evolution of theological concepts.
This elective course "Mental Health in the City of Faith" has been officially included in the 151, 651, 751 Wisdom segment of the MA Graduate program at King's College Seminary. This course is one among the sixteen electives available for credit within the program.
The course is designed to offer an in-depth understanding of the significant impact of screen addiction on societal norms and values, particularly within the realm of parental guidance in a digital age. It provides a platform to explore the intersection of contemporary culture and religious practices, underscoring how popular culture shapes youth perspectives and behaviour.
However, it is important to note that eligibility for this course is limited. Only students who are currently enrolled in their second year of the MA program at King's College Seminary and are preparing a thesis on a relevant topic will be considered eligible to take this course. This requirement ensures that the students have a foundational understanding of the subject matter and can actively contribute to the discussions and research associated with it.
This 3-credit course provides an exhaustive exploration of the sociological, psychological, cultural, and technological implications of children and adolescents growing up in the digital age. The module is built around the extensive research conducted by Jonathan Haidt, providing a comprehensive understanding of the impact of screen addiction and the associated mental health issues. Students will critically analyze these challenges, discuss their implications, devise strategies to mitigate them, and consider the role of various stakeholders in addressing these issues.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explore in depth the sociological implications of screen addiction among children and adolescents, including the impact on their social interactions, relationships, and societal roles. Examine the psychological aspects, from the effects on mental health to cognitive development. Also, consider the technological factors that contribute to this issue, such as the design of digital interfaces, the role of algorithms in pushing addictive content, and the broader technological environment in which children and adolescents are growing up.
Carry out a comprehensive analysis of the profound and intricate correlation that exists between excessive screen time, often referred to as screen addiction, and the manifestation of various mental health issues. This includes understanding the way in which this addiction, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in modern society, influences the mental well-being of individuals, and identifying the specific mental health issues that are most commonly associated with it.
Engage in a thorough and critical evaluation of Jonathan Haidt's research, taking into account not only his methodologies and findings but also the broader implications of his work. Consider how his research influences and intersects with various fields, its potential applications, and any possible controversies or questions it raises. Reflect on the impact of Haidt's research on our understanding of human behaviour and its contributions to academic discourse.
Formulate and implement comprehensive, multifaceted strategies aimed not only at mitigating the potentially detrimental effects of screen addiction among adolescents and young adults, but also at promoting overall mental health and well-being within this demographic. These strategies should address the issue from various angles, including education about the risks associated with excessive screen time, implementing policies to reduce exposure, and promoting healthier alternatives for leisure time. It will be equally important to put in place supportive measures that focus on improving mental health, such as providing resources for counselling and stress management, and fostering a community environment that encourages open conversation about mental health issues.