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Module Descriptions for the Bachelor of Theology
Christian Studies 1
Introduction to Philosophy and Worldviews
This module provides
an introduction to worldviews in general with particular focus
on western philosophy and how philosophy has interacted with
theology and shaped our world.
History of Western and African Christianity
This module reviews
the origins and growth of Christianity from the early church
through to the 20th century, focusing on the history
of theology, the Church and missions in the West and in Africa.
The module will emphasise the dynamic process of God’s
providence sustaining Christian faith in diverse historical
contexts and will bring students to an awareness of how
Christianity today has been shaped by history.
Doctrine Survey
This module is
designed to introduce the student to the major topics,
vocabulary and issues of systematic theology through an
historical survey of the development of Christian doctrine. The
doctrines of the Christian faith will be clarified as they apply
to the broader spectrum of human life and thought.
Theology of Mission
The biblical and
theological foundations of mission are studied from creation to
Israel and then from Christ to the visions of the eschaton. An
understanding of the task of world evangelisation is developed.
The influence of key movements and mission paradigms will be
explored, focusing in particular on current debates on the
nature of missions and evangelism.
Biblical Studies 1
Biblical Text and Context
The nature, purpose
and interpretation of the Bible are examined, with special
attention to issues of Scripture and canon. Students are
presented with a general introduction to the geography and
cultural history of the biblical world.
Old Testament Survey A & B
These modules
provide an overview of the Old Testament focusing on the story,
literary genres, and historical background. A brief introduction
to the intertestamental period is included.
New Testament Survey
This module provides
an overview of the New Testament documents, with special
attention given to their historical and religious background.
Psychology I
Introduction to Counselling
In this module the
student is introduced to counselling methodologies and
techniques. This module will focus on characteristics of an
effective counsellor, crisis counselling and specialised
counselling needs.
Introduction to Psychology A
A survey of persons, ideas, and principles in the scientific studies of
human behaviour is given. The historical development and current
status of psychology and investigative activities and
significant findings are reviewed.
Introduction to Psychology B
This module is a continuation of Introduction to Psychology A. The
module identifies and explains factors of personality, together
with patterns of abnormal behaviour. The module also examines
the interface between sociology and social psychology.
Care and Counselling for HIV/AIDS
The module addresses
an understanding about HIV/AIDS, the transmission of the virus,
modes of infection, testing procedures, treatments and
counselling. The module also addresses how to live with HIV/AIDS
for those infected and affected. The module is African in its
focus, and to some extent will examine customs and beliefs as
they relate to HIV/AIDS.
Sociology I
Introduction to Sociology A & B
This module provides an introduction to the principles, concepts,
history, and major approaches to the study of society. Special
attention is given to major sociological implications for the
family, religion, government, education, and science.
Family and Development A & B
This module will
survey the themes of marriage development and family issues.
The student will be introduced to the dynamics of change within
marriage and the family as part of a developmental psychology
framework.
Cultural Anthropology
This module seeks to
introduce the student to the fundamentals of the science of
anthropology and its methods and techniques, especially as they
relate to the church and missions. The concepts of culture,
worldview, social and kinship structures, values and belief
systems are examined.
Community of the Poor
In this module the
student is introduced to poverty, particularly as it relates to
community development. Various definitions of poverty and
causes of poverty will be explored, as well as models for
poverty alleviation.
Development and Mission
This module is an
introduction to the ‘science’ of development and the
implications at global, national and community levels. The
module seeks to engage the students in the theories of
development, and to survey the historical and contemporary
models of development. This is done against a background of
Christian mission.
Practical Theology I
Character of a Christian Leader
A particular
emphasis is given to developing spiritual leadership through
understanding the “being” of leadership, the development of
character which can lead to more effective “doing”, and the
skills in the practice of being a leader.
Christian Spirituality
This module provides
an introduction to Christian Spirituality as it has unfolded
through time and explores different facets of contemporary
spiritual life and practice.
Interpersonal and Cross-cultural Communication
This is a
foundational communications course introducing the study of
human communication processes within a variety of contexts.
These include interpersonal, cross-cultural, group and mass
communication. Particular attention will be paid to culture,
gender and conflict management.
Reconciliation and Peace Making
The purpose of
Reconciliation and Peace Making is to lay the foundation for a
biblical and theological approach to conflict management that
will guide the church and community leader in responding to
interpersonal conflict both in the church and in the community.
Ancient Languages I
Biblical Greek A & B
These modules aim to
enable the student to acquire an understanding of Greek grammar
and vocabulary. Special attention is given to utilising
lexicons.
Hebrew A &B
These modules
introduce the script, vocabulary and grammatical structure of
biblical Hebrew to enable students to read the Old Testament
text with the aid of language tools. Includes reading of
selected texts from a variety of genres.
Information Skills
Information Skills
The module focuses
on the ability to define an information need, and thereafter
being able to find, evaluate, use, and communicate information.
The latter skills are supported by basic computer literacy in
the Microsoft Office Suite, the World Wide Web and e-mail.
Christian Studies II
Doctrine of Humanity and the Church
This module explores
what it means to be human, emphasising the theological
significance of being created in God’s image, and the nature and
effects of sin upon humanity. The doctrine of the Church, formed
and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is investigated focusing on
its nature, ministry and mission. Throughout the module
attention is given to the spiritual, ethical and social
implications of these doctrines for the Christian faith.
Pastoral Care and Counselling I
This module is an
introduction to the practical theology of pastoral care and
counselling. The nature of practical theology, pastoral care and
the relation between theology and psychology are explored.
Models and techniques of the pastoral conversation are learnt
and practiced and a sense of pastoral identity is developed.
Contemporary Issues in Mission
This is an
interactive module designed to introduce students to the great
breadth of mission related activities and opportunities around
the world. Selected contemporary issues in missiology are
debated. Practical and realistic consideration is given to the
students' personal role in mission, whatever and wherever that
might be.
Doctrine of the Triune God
Key concepts and issues in the Christian doctrine of the Triune God are
examined. Special attention is given to the attributes and works
of each person in the Godhead.
Pastoral Care and Counselling I Practical
This practical will
be completed in an institutional setting. An understanding of
the role of the pastoral counsellor in a therapeutic team will
be developed and pastoral ministry skills will be applied to
people in need.
Transformation of Youth Culture
The module covers
the historical position of children and youth in cultural
studies. Firstly, it aims to direct the student into a
missiological dialogue on the transformation of the church and
society in light of the growing global phenomena of "youth
culture". Secondly, it aims to equip students to reflect upon
the position of children and youth in their own context and to
gain a clearer understanding of the role of children and youth
ministry practitioners within such a context.
Comparative Religious Worldviews
This is an
introduction to the major world religions and their particular
worldviews. The uniqueness of Christ is presented against the
challenges of religious fundamentalism on the one hand, and
religious pluralism and secularism on the other.
Biblical Studies II
Biblical Hermeneutics
This module
investigates how scripture has been interpreted in the past, in
order to discover those methods most appropriate to exposition
and application. In addition, it seeks to develop knowledge of
and skills in the process of exegesis.
Pentateuch
A study of the first
five books of the Old Testament known as the Law (Torah) or
Pentateuch, emphasising the revelation of God in the history of
his chosen people.
Luke-Acts
Luke and Acts, which comprise more than 25% of the New Testament, are
studied as documents of the early church, looking specifically
at their context, purpose and theological messages. Exegesis of
representative passages is included.
Old Testament Writings
The study and
meaning of wisdom in the literature of the Old Testament are
investigated. Special attention will be given to the nature of
Hebrew poetry, literary structure and the importance of
developing a biblical theology of the wisdom writings. Exegesis
of representative passages is included.
Psychology II
Family Counselling A
This module provides
a theoretical overview of family development and dimensions of
healthy family functioning. These concepts are applied to the
student’s family of origin. The student will practice
intervention skills as a counsellor.
Family Counselling B
This module
addresses family intervention strategies and family therapy
models. It also examines some of the critical issues in regard
to family counselling in the African context.
Developmental Psychology A & B
These modules
provide an overview of the major theories of Developmental
Psychology. They aim to help the student understand the models
of human development from conception to adolescence and early
adulthood to death, to address contemporary concerns in
life-span development, and to enhance the awareness of
methodological approaches by which human development is
investigated.
Sociology II
Sociology of Institutions A & B
Sociological theory
is applied to important institutions in society such as the
family, religion and
community life.
Gender and Interpersonal Issues
This module focuses
on both the social and psychological implications of belonging
to a particular gender and examines the ways that a society or
culture defines how members of a particular gender act within
society, and whether those expectations enhance or hinder human
development.
Sociology of Youth Issues
This module aims to
provide an overview of contemporary issues facing the South
African youth in context of community and society. The module
discusses certain South African youth realities such as alcohol,
teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, gang violence, malnutrition, and
drug abuse. The module also addresses mental and social health
care challenges in the South African context in the mental
health sphere of rape and sexual abuse. Students will read and
evaluate perspectives provided by South African social
scientists and psychologists across the racial and cultural
spectrum in terms of youth culture.
Perspectives on Transformation
This module reviews
several perspectives on community development and the social
transformation process. The study covers development as
transformation, people-centred development, expanding access to
social power, development as responsible well being, and
development as a Kingdom response to powerlessness.
Faith Based Organisation’s (FBO’s) and Development
This is an
interactive module designed to prepare the student to develop
ways to support the development of human community in the larger
society. Special attention is given to the church as a
generator of community, the family as a nucleus of support for
the faith community, the church in modern and post-modern
society, the church as a community of moral conviction, and the
nature of communities for effective development.
Practical Theology II
Christian Leadership and Management
This module explores
the theory and practice of leadership and management in the
context of the church and faith-based organisations. Attention
will be given to issues such as the process of effectively
utilising and developing human resources, sharing control and
responsibility, teamwork, conflict management, strategic
planning and managing diverse communication styles.
Leadership in Development Projects
This module explores
the theory and practice of leadership and management in the
context of Christian mission and development projects.
Principles of Leadership
This module will
overlap with Christian Leadership and Management, but will focus
specifically on educational institutions rather than the church
and faith-based organisations.
Homiletics A
This module will
equip the student with the skills of public speaking and
specifically sermon preparation and delivery. Throughout the
module attention will be given to increasing the student’s
ability to express ideas clearly and competently in both written
and oral communication in preaching, giving the student a
comprehensive understanding of the theory and praxis of
expository preaching.
Constructive Conflict Resolution
Although conflict is
unavoidable, students can develop conflict resolution skills to
improve their personal relationships with others. This course
introduces students to the theory and practice of conflict
resolution and teaches them specific communication skills to
enhance their relationships. Students will have a chance to
explore their attitude toward conflict. It will also provide
them with a chance to reflect on their personal approach to
conflict. The course makes use of case studies to assist
students to reflect on the strategies, tactics and approaches
used during conflict situations. The course reflects a strong
emphasis on the link between communications behaviour and
conflict. Through this course students will understand the
causes of conflict, the effects of conflict and effective
strategies for managing conflict.
Christian Worship
This module explores
Christian Worship through the scriptures and the different
traditions of the church and examines the theory and practice of
worship in contemporary churches and life.
Community Mobilisation
To “own” something
means taking responsibility for it. Ownership of community
projects is vital for sustainable development. But how is it
done? To mobilise the community in line with positive
development activities is an aim of most development project.
This module will look at best practices and bad practices in
this regard to highlight the value of community participation as
a prerequisite for community mobilisation.
Homiletics B
The purpose of this
module is to expose the student to various styles of topical and
evangelistic preaching models. The aim of this exercise is to
increase the student's awareness of the importance of these
homiletical methods in the preaching process. Finally, the
module is designed to increase the student's ability to read,
analyse and evaluate their own and their peers' topical and
evangelistic sermons competently.
Resource Mobilisation
The course will
outline the important difference between fundraising and
resource mobilisation, and why development efforts have focused
on the latter. It introduces a framework to understand resource
mobilisation as three key components – resource providers,
resources and mechanisms for resource mobilisation. This
framework is then used to relate these three components to the
local community context – what kind of resources are needed,
what kind of mechanisms work, and what kind of resource
providers exist. The course seeks to introduce the learners to
the conceptual framework for resource mobilisation, as well as
the process of studying the resource mobilisation environment
they work in as community workers.
Christian Studies III
Ethics and Contemporary Theology
Contemporary Theology: A study of selected theologians of the twentieth century
who have influenced contemporary theological thinking. Attention
is given to theological movements, which have influenced the
church.
Ethics:
Designed to help the student build a Christian world and life
view. Biblical, theological and non-theological studies are
integrated so that the student can respond to current moral,
intellectual and social questions
Pastoral Care and Counselling II & Practical
This module applies
the approaches and skills learnt in Pastoral Care and
Counselling I to specific crises, such as illness, dying,
bereavement, mental illness and family breakdown. Institutional
ministries that deal with these issues are visited and in the
second half of the module the students will gain practical
experience in one such institution.
Church Planting and Urban Mission
Church Planting
is an in-depth introduction to the practice of planting churches
both locally or internationally, with special reference to
cross-cultural contexts. The module deals with the theological
rationale of church planting. Case studies will be used.
The
Urban Mission section
is a study of the sociology of the urban environment including
aspects of analysis and research. Strategies for Christian
mission in this context will be reviewed. Attention will be
given to the unique South African situation. Practical
assignments and fieldwork will form part of the module.
Discipleship of Children and Youth
Special
consideration is given to approaches of discipleship, which lead
to personal growth and development as applied to children and
youth. (This includes raising the student’s own awareness.)
Doctrines of Christ and Future; Doctrines of Spirit and Unity
The first part of
the module introduces the student to the themes of God's plan of
salvation, the person and place of Jesus Christ, and the
significance of Christ for the future. The second part of this
module introduces the student to the contemporary ecumenical
movement and issues faced by the church as it lives in the power
of the Spirit. The aim throughout is to provide theological
resources for personal life and pastoral ministry.
Psychology and Christian Worldviews
This module
investigates the relationship between Psychology and the
Christian faith. The endemic fear and scepticism within the
Christian community towards contemporary psychology demands some
redress at both an academic and theological level to test the
validity of such scepticism. This module will help steer the
student through essential philosophical questions that need to
be raised to arrive at a place of awareness and relevance in
regard to the relationship between Psychology and the Christian
faith.
Organisational Leadership and Management
Organisational
Leadership and Management explores the theory and practice of
leadership and management in the context of the church and other
community-based and faith-based organisations. The management
component of the module will examine practical issues such as
strategic planning, organising meetings, and effective
team-building.
Faith Development and Spiritual Formation and Mentoring
Faith Development:
The first half of this module is designed to explore how people
make meaning out of life's experiences. The primary theory of
James W Fowler is given special attention. Consideration is
given to the application of this theory to the general areas of
developmental psychology, the theology of Christian formation
and maturity.
Spiritual Formation and Mentoring:
The second half of the module brings together the theory and
practice of Christian spiritual formation and the art of
spiritual mentoring.
African Traditional and Islamic Worldviews
African Traditional Worldview:
An overview of African Traditional Religion is given with
special reference to South Africa. This will include a study of
the African Independent Church movements with a view to
understanding traditional modes of spirituality and their
relevance for the contemporary church in Africa.
Islamic Worldview:
An overview of the
Islamic religion is given, once again with special reference to
South Africa. An understanding of Islamic worldview and culture
will be studied in light of the perceived clash of Christian and
Islamic civilisations in the world today.
Biblical Studies III
Early and Latter Prophets
Early Prophets:
Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings provide the basis for a survey
of Israel's history from conquest to exile. Special emphasis is
given to the investigation of the relationship between Israel's
historical traditions and its theological appropriation of these
traditions around such themes as election, law, the land and
leadership.
Latter Prophets:
The literary structure and theological significance of the
latter prophets are examined with attention being given to
seeing the prophets within their own historical context and in
light of the New Testament. Exegesis of representative passages
is included.
Pauline and Johannine Writings
This section on
Pauline Writings is
exegetical in nature and is dedicated to the task of
understanding Paul's theology and pastoral ministry in the light
of Pauline epistles. It examines the distinctive contributions
of the Apostle Paul to New Testament Theology.
The
Johannine Writings
are studied under the following inquiries: authorship, date,
provenance and destination. The relationship of the epistles to
the fourth gospel is examined.
Biblical Theology and Contemporary Worldviews
This module provides
a review of influential contemporary worldviews in order to
understand and engage the world from a biblical perspective.
Senior Project Paper
Research on a topic
of the student’s choice which includes a consideration of
pertinent biblical material and attention to contemporary
ministry application.
Psychology III
Research Methodology
This is a
foundational module presenting basic research and statistical
methodologies in preparation for graduate studies in Human
Sciences.
Theories of Personality
This module aims to
provide an overview of theories concerning the shaping of
personality. It will examine the influences – both personal
and environmental – that impact on personality development. A
particular dimension of this is the impact of child-rearing
practices on the shaping of personality. The module endeavours
to incorporate certain South African cultural realities in the
shaping of worldview, norms and practices. The second part of
the module will examine personality traits, and theories behind
personality traits. Students will also have an opportunity to
receive an evaluation based on a personal personality inventory.
Abnormal Psychology
An applied final
year module focusing on conceptualisation and treatment in the
field of abnormal psychology, as follows: Classification and
Diagnosis; Clinical Assessment Procedures; Therapy Models.
Group Therapy Skills
A foundational
module focusing on various treatment programmes currently
utilised in mental health settings, as follows: group therapy;
social-learning treatment programmes; recreational therapy;
after care procedures.
Senior Project Paper
The Senior Project
Paper is a theory and reflection paper based upon the final year
student’s practical counselling fieldwork experience in a
community setting. The student will need to demonstrate mastery
of theoretical counselling modalities utilising case studies
derived from practical counselling experience gained whilst
working in the community.
Sociology III
Community Research Methods
This module aims to
orientate the student to participatory research (i.e., its
tools, techniques and methodologies), with the goal of helping a
community identify a problem, collect and analyse information,
and act upon the problem in order to find solutions and to
promote social and political transformation. The module will
implement participatory tools of secondary resources, direct
observation and semi-structured interviewing.
Urban Development and Rural Development
In 2008, for the
first time in history, more than half the world’s population,
3.3 billion people, will be living in urban areas. Many of these
urbanites will be poor as is the case with their rural
counterparts from where so many of them tried to escape. Poverty
is much more concentrated in urban areas though and cities will
see more slum growth and social disruption than ever before. Yet
no country in the industrial age has ever achieved significant
economic growth without urbanisation. Therefore cities are
regarded as the drivers of modern economy and the creators of
wealth. On the other hand, rural areas always have provided the
primary sources for food and other essentials for human survival
and prosperity. These two, urban and rural habitats, are
therefore in close symbiosis and need to be developed as such.
In this module the student is introduced to the complex
triangular relationship of population (human society),
environment (habitat) and development (need for sustainable
livelihoods) and how this relationship and its constituent
components are differentially affected in urban and rural areas.
The need for policy intervention in this regard is expounded. In
the first module (A) the emphasis is more on policy while in the
second module (B) more attention is directed to theoretical
understanding. In both instances we will inquire about practical
application from a faith point of view.
Community Development in Practice
This module covers
the field of development from a sociological point of view with
an emphasis on both the theoretical and practical facets of the
developmental process. These themes will be related to current
development challenges in SA and will be studied against the
background of global trends as well as specific community
issues. Whilst strong emphasis will be placed on a holistic and
people-centred orientation to development theory and praxis, the
economic prerequisites and requirements for development will
also be stressed. Theoretical insights will be translated into
skills required for hands-on community development.
Senior Project Paper
This module provides
an opportunity for third 3rd year Community
Development students to research and write a major paper about a
topic of interest in their field.
Practicals
Leadership Fieldwork
Fieldwork is a
practical (usually community-based) extension of the academic
programme in a defined module of study in Christian leadership.
Fieldwork is a multidisciplinary application of what has been
learned theoretically. It measures the practical capabilities
of the student within a field or sphere of learning.
Counselling Fieldwork
Fieldwork is a
practical (usually community-based) extension of the academic
programme in a defined module of study in Psychology. Fieldwork
is a multi-disciplinary application of what has been learned
theoretically. It measures the practical capabilities of the
student within a field or sphere of learning
Community Development Fieldwork
Fieldwork is a
practical, community-based extension of the academic programme
in a defined module of study in Community Development.
Fieldwork is a multidisciplinary application of what has been
learned theoretically. It measures the practical capabilities
of the student within a field or sphere of learning.
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