This course looks at the universal reality of suffering. First suffering will be looked at from different perspectives, especially from pastoral theology and trauma studies. The lived experience of suffering is central, for example because of oppression, marginalisation, or illness. Various ways of responding to suffering will be explored, from a religious (mainly Christian) point of view. Responses from specific faith groups and theological approaches will be studied, for example black theology, feminism, and disability studies. Finally, the possibility of healing and reconciliation will be considered. Throughout the course students learn to develop their own (pastoral-theological) response to suffering and trauma.