John Wesley College Prospectus 2007 METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

Transcription

1 METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA JOHN WESLEY COLLEGE PROSPECTUS

2 METHODIST CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA JOHN WESLEY COLLEGE Offering the Diploma in Theology and Ministry (DipTh Min) and the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree through TEE College. Postal address: Street address: Private Bag X2144 Silverton South Africa 0127 (as from January 2007) 81 Pitts Avenue Weavind Park Pretoria 0184 Telephone: (+27) Fax: (+27) URL: Office hours: Monday Thursday: h00 Friday: h00 2

3 INDEX 1. Entrance requirements Page Seminary training Page Facilities Page Staff of John Wesley College Page Discipline Page Graduation Page Registration Process Page Fees and Payment options Page Calendar for 2007 Page Regulations of TEEC Page Choice of Course for the DipThMin Page DipThMin Regulations Page Choice of Courses for the BTh Page BTh Regulations Page Outcomes for the DipThMin and BTh Page Critical Cross-Field outcomes Page Examination timetable for 2007 Page Course Descriptions Page 22 3

4 INTRODUCTION John Wesley College is the Theological Seminary of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, offering theological education and formation for the Christian ministry, without regard to denomination. Situated in Pretoria, it combines the heritage of both the former Kilnerton Training Institute and John Wesley College of the former Federal Theological Seminary. 1. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS Methodist probationer ministers are stationed at the College by the Connexional Stationing Committee and normally need to have completed their Phase 1 training. If you are not a Methodist probationer, you need to be in possession of a Standard 10 (Grade 12) or equivalent to study for the diploma (DipTh Min), and a Matric Exemption certificate to study for the degree (BTh). A certified copy of your Grade 12 or Matric exemption certificate should be attached to the application. You cannot be registered without these documents. Your local minister (in the case of Methodist student) or a representative of your church (in the case of students from other churches) needs to endorse your application. This means that you need to be a full member of a Christian church. 2. SEMINARY TRAINING John Wesley College is a seminary, which means there are differences between our training system and that of a College, Technikon, University, or school. The word seminary comes from a word for a plot of seeds that is carefully tended in order for the plants to grow. As a person who is called to serve God in the church, you need to grow in particular ways: spiritually, academically, in community, personally, in practical ministry and in servanthood. The seminary programme caters for this growth to be facilitated: 2.1 Spiritual formation takes place, mainly in chapel services, Bible study meetings and meditation every morning at 07h30. We have occasional evening services. Students worship in churches in the area on Sundays. Obviously your personal devotional time is a very important part of your spiritual formation. 2.2 Academic formation (knowledge) takes place through the academic studies. If you register for 6 courses it means that you will be in class/chapel for about 20 hours a week, and you will be expected to work for another 20 hours on your own reading, studying and assignment preparation. The library is open to all students. Books are on loan for 24 hour periods, and reserved books can be consulted in the library. 4

5 Lectures and assignments are in the OUTCOME BASED EDUCATION (OBE) style, meaning that you will not just be taught theory. Rather, you will also learn what the theory means, and how it applies in your life and the community. Details about courses can be found from pages 22 forward. 2.3 Community (values) is an important part of the life in the church, and life in Africa. We need to learn to live together in harmony as people who come from rural areas and cities, men and women, younger and older, single and married, and people from various cultures. Each year the community decides on community events and organizations. 2.4 Personal formation (values) takes place through interaction with students and staff, guest speakers, personal interviews with staff, and the weekly formation classes where topics of a spiritual, academic, emotional, and moral nature are addressed. 2.5 Practical ministry formation (skills) takes place in class (OBE style work). Students are also required to join a congregation in Pretoria (of your choice, or in consultation with the Dean of Students if directed by the MCSA), to be part of the worshipping community, to observe another minister at work, and to have opportunity to practice the practical side of ministry. 2.6 Servanthood (values) is the basis of who we are as followers of Jesus and ministers who are called. Each person in the community has a task to perform, ranging from Communion Steward to Vegetable Gardener to Social Steward, etc. All students are expected to keep their own bedrooms clean and tidy. 3. FACILITIES The College is situated on the east side of Pretoria, near Silverton and near the Botanical Gardens. We annually negotiate to make use of the sports facilities of the CBC School. We have a church with a century-old history, a superb theological library with +/ books, classrooms, and computer and internet facilities for students. The College has residential facilities, which means we have bedrooms available and a dining room. The number of rooms available each year depends on how many Methodist probationers are stationed at the College by the church. All meals are provided for students in residence, and a washing machine is available for laundry. Bedrooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, bookshelf, and curtains. Students are required to bring their own sheets, blankets and pillows. There is a wall plug in each room, and students can bring radios, a computer, and study lamps. No fridges or stoves are allowed in the rooms. 5

6 There is a lounge to every 7 bedrooms with chairs and a television set. The Catering Manager sets a well-balanced menu, taking different cultures into consideration. If you have allergies, you will need to supply a doctor s certificate in order for us to supplement the normal menu with your needs. 4. THE STAFF OF JOHN WESLEY COLLEGE. Principal: Dean of Students: Coordinator of training for Ordained Ministries (EMMU): Coordinator of training for Lay Ministries (EMMU): Librarian: Registrar: Treasurer: Catering and Residence Manager: Receptionist: Kitchen and catering staff: Cleaning and Support staff: Rev Dr. Neville Richardson (PhD) Rev Dr. Dion A Forster (PhD) Rev Madika Sibeko (MTh) Rev Ruth Jonas (MTh) Ms Lerato Lesolang (B Lib Sci) Mrs Anne Burmeister (BCom) Mrs Melanie Kasselman Mrs Sonette Engelbrecht Mrs Emily Tlokwe Sarah Melane Seipati Motlhasedi Dolly Mahlangu Norah Matlou Patricia Mdawe EmilySithole Hans Sithole Martha Skosana Julia Machaba 5. DISCIPLINE John Wesley is a Methodist College. All students need to abide by the Rules of the College and adhere to the Christian lifestyle and discipline. These will be presented to you during the Orientation week. The College Oversight and Discipline Committee will deal with all breaches of discipline; this could lead to suspension or expulsion from the College. In the case of a student being expelled from the College he or she will have to settle their college account in full. 6

7 6. GRADUATION Students who have successfully completed the requirements for the award of the Diploma in Theology and Ministry, or Bachelor of Theology degree, will be notified through TEE and by the Registrar of John Wesley College. The venue and date of the TEE graduation will be forwarded to successful candidates as soon as these details become available. 7. REGISTRATION PROCESS Application forms are available from the Registrar of John Wesley College. Please carefully note the closing date for applications. It is normally by the start of December. However it is advisable to register in October to avoid any possible delays. This date is clearly printed on the application form. Making application does not necessarily mean that you have been accepted to study at John Wesley College. Your application will be considered and you will be informed of the outcome in writing by the Registrar or Dean of Students of John Wesley College. A non-refundable registration fee will be payable upon application. Documents required On application, please submit: A certified copy of your South African ID document or passport. The original copy of your South African Matriculation document. Proof of Matriculation Exemption (in the case of registration for the BTh). Any other higher education certificates, diplomas, or degrees Two passport photographs. Your John Wesley College application form (including a comment and signature from your minister). The TEE Diploma or Degree registration form (available from the Registrar of John Wesley College). Proof of payment of the registration fee. Application dates Application for new and previously registered students must reach the College by no later than 4 December FEES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS : 2007 Registration fee R Admission Registration fee (non refundable) R Room Key Deposit (refundable) R Copier Key Deposit (refundable) R Full courses R

8 Half Courses R Greek for Ministry R Hebrew for Ministry R Greek and Hebrew for Ministry (Full course) R City and Guilds English course R Repeat fee one assessment R Repeat fee tw0 assessments R RPL credit applications per course R Hostel fee for the 32 week academic year R (per person sharing a room + meals) Deposits: R (single room + meals) The registration fee is payable with your registration form. The Admission Registration fee is payable once you have been notified of your acceptance to the seminary. Notes about payment and fees: A student will only be registered if he or she pays 40% of the tuition plus the R450 registration fee by the 4 th of December The key deposits need to paid in full during Orientation. The remainder of the tuition fee is then split as follows: o a further 40% of the course fees by the end of April o with full and final payment of the course fees (20%) by the end of June. o A 40% deposit for the residence accommodation must be paid by the opening of College, o a further 40% by the end of April and o the final 20% by the end of June. If you pay your fees (academic and residential) in full by the end of Orientation (i.e., the start of lectures) you will be given a 10% discount on the total amount. If you have not settled you account in full by the end of June the college will: o Ask you to leave the seminary and leave behind all materials from TEE College. John Wesley College reserves the right to cancel the courses the student registered for through TEEC in that year if necessary. o If the person who owes money is a candidate for the ministry of the MCSA the person will be withdrawn from the candidature process and will not be eligible to candidate until their account is 8

9 settled in full. Payments can be made in cash, by cheque or transfer into our bank Name of Account Methodist Church of SA EMMU Bank First National Bank Branch code (Lynnwood Branch) Account Number * Reference number YOUR Surname + year of studies (eg Xxxxx ) Example Cancellation of registration: Students who cancel their registration in writing before the date of the 1 st TEEC assignment is due will be charged a cancellation fee of 40% of the total Course fee. Courses cancelled after the 1 st assignment is due will have to be paid for in full by the student. Students will be charged a pro-rata fee for the cost of their residence (this will be based on the length of time that the student has been staying in residence). Please note that students who owe John Wesley College any money will not be eligible to candidate for the ministry of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa until their account is fully settled. 9

10 Lost student card : R Please budget around R250 per course to purchase text books. This is not compulsory but recommended. 9. CALENDAR : 2007 JANUARY 29 Private students register 30 Jan 2 Feb Orientation MARCH 17 Graduation 20 College closes Easter Holiday (Easter April) APRIL 10 College opens 27 Freedom Day (Public Holiday) MAY 01 Worker s Day (Public Holiday) JUNE 14 College closes JULY 17 College opens AUGUST 09 Women s Day (Public Holiday) SEPTEMBER Long weekend (Lectures resume 25 September) OCTOBER 04 Valedictory service / Leavers Dinner 08 Exams begin OCT / NOV 22 Oct 9 Nov Leavers seminar In general the College calendar follows the Gauteng school holidays. 10. REGULATIONS OF THE THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BY EXTENSION COLLEGE Since John Wesley College offers the TEE Diploma in Theology and Ministry, and the Bachelor of Theology and Ministry Degree, it is necessary to include the regulations for the TEE DipThMin and BTh below. The Diploma in Theology and Ministry (DipThMin) is designed to: prepare you for Christian ministry in a variety of mainline Christian churches; provide the knowledge, skills and values you will need to help you do theology in your context; help you think more deeply and critically about Scripture, the Church and a variety of contexts; 10

11 enable you to put into practice - in church and community contexts - what you are learning; stimulate and develop your personal spirituality as you learn to incorporate your studies into your life and ministry; develop academic disciplines and competencies that will enable you to continue to study beyond this diploma should you so wish. give you the required courses needed to candidate for the ministry of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa We recommend that: you study a maximum of five courses at a time if you are a full time student; you set aside at least six hours study time per week per course (of which at least two hours per week will be spent in class); you give yourself more study time before assignments are due, as you may have to do practical work away from your desk; The Bachelor of Theology (BTh) degree is designed to: prepare you for Christian ministry in a variety of mainline Christian churches; provide the knowledge, skills and values you will need to help you do theology in your context; help you think more deeply and critically about Scripture, the Church and a variety of contexts; enable you to put into practice - in church and community contexts - what you are learning; stimulate and develop your personal spirituality as you learn to incorporate your studies into your life and ministry; develop academic disciplines and competencies that will enable you to continue to study beyond this degree should you so wish. give you the required courses needed to candidate for the ministry of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa extend your theological competence further than is possible in a diploma; begin to equip you for a role in ministerial training and theological education. We recommend that: you study a maximum of five courses at a time if you are a full time student; you set aside at least six hours study time per week per course (of which at least two hours per week will be spent in class); you give yourself more study time before assignments are due, as you may have to do practical work away from your desk; GENERAL INFORMATION PERIOD OF REGISTRATION DipThMin and BTh registrations take place from 1 October 2006 to 4 December NO registrations will be accepted thereafter. No registration will be accepted from a student who has previously been expelled from another educational institution, or a student who owes money to either John Wesley College or the TEE College. 11

12 REGISTRATION FORMS Registration must be on the official registration form for both John Wesley College and TEEC. New students should obtain the form from the College in good time to register before the closing date. It remains the student s responsibility to obtain a registration form from the College in due time. ADDITIONAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS Students may normally register with John Wesley College for the TEE BTh if they are in possession of a South African Matriculation Exemption document or the equivalent. Students over the age of 45 will be able to acquire such exemption on application to the Recognition of Prior Learning Committee of TEE College through the Registrar of John Wesley College. No BTh Degree registration will be processed without submission of a BTh registration form, proof of payment and the original of your South African Matriculation document or a notarised copy. a certified copy of your Identity Document (ID). NOTE: Because of the value of these documents, they must be brought to JWC with the other Registration documents, or sent by registered post. STUDENT NUMBER AND STUDENT CARD A TEEC student number will be allocated to each student enrolled at the College. This number should be quoted to the registrar at JWC whenever it is necessary to make contact with TEEC. A John Wesley College Student Card is issued upon registration. The card must be visible when on the College campus and it is required when making use of the Library and as confirmation of registration. Discounts at bookshops, trains, etc. are also available at some places. Please note that entry into the examination room will depend on you showing your TEEC Student Card and identity document with a photograph identifying you. Replacement fee for a lost TEEC student card is R30.00, excluding postage, and R30.00 for a lost JWC student card. APPLICATION FOR RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) Application forms for RPL are available on request from the Registrar of John Wesley College. Once you have completed the application form, you must bring it to the Registrar with the following: o o A fee of R is the initial application fee. Your original transcript or academic record of the courses passed at another institution. Once your application form has been received and checked, the JWC registrar will forward it to the TEE RPL Committee. If more information is required from you, a request for such will be made in writing by the RPL Secretary of TEE. Once the RPL committee has made a decision, you will be notified in writing. 12

13 A fee will be charged per credit granted. ACADEMIC RECORDS Transcripts of Academic Records are available through the JWC registrar for a fee of R30.00 per transcript, excluding postage. Please note that it takes at least a week s notice to prepare the record. RE-REGISTRATION FOR COURSES IN WHICH THE OUTCOMES WERE NOT OBTAINED Students who have not achieved the outcomes, or who have not completed a course, are allowed to re-register under certain conditions. Contact the Registrar of JWC for details. No postponements are allowed. DELIVERY OF COURSE MATERIAL Your course material will be sent to JWC. Once received by the seminary the Dean of Students, or the course facilitator will distribute it to you. You will be expected to collect your materials in person and sign for them upon receipt. If you do not receive your course material within one month of your registration, please contact the Registrar of JWC. RECEIPT OF COURSE MATERIAL When you receive your material, please check it against the Confirmation of Registration form and packing slip immediately. Errors must be brought to the attention of the Registrar of JWC within a week, she will then notify the despatch department at TEE. Incorrect or duplicate material must be brought back to the Registrar, unmarked, as soon as possible. REPLACEMENT OF LOST/DAMAGED/STOLEN COURSE MATERIAL You will be charged for the replacement as well as postage or faxing of any course material, assignments or tutorial letters replaced during the year. This does not apply to serious printing errors. These will be rectified by the College. COPYRIGHT OF TEEC COURSE MATERIAL All TEE course material is protected by copyright (see the copyright page in the course material) and may not be reproduced or printed either in part or as a whole, nor may any material be used for profit. Regulations for the DipThMin and BTh John Wesley College offers the DipThMin and BTh degrees. It is important that you familiarise yourself with the regulations and requirements for these two qualifications. The following pages are extracted from the TEEC Yearbook for

14 CHOICE OF COURSES - DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY FUNDAMENTAL COURSE Credits 6000 Developing skills for theological study 10 CORE COURSES 6001 Doing ministry for a change Engaging with people pastorally and ethically Growing spiritually, thinking theologically Interpreting texts: Bible and other Christian sources Practising Christian leadership and management Facilitating Christian responses to HIV/AIDS 12 ELECTIVE COURSES (all elective courses are 24 credits) 6103 Working with Old Testament texts and contexts Working with Old Testament texts and contexts Working with New Testament texts and contexts Working with New Testament texts and contexts Exploring our Christian foundations 6156 Exploring Christian growth and change 6157 Exploring our contemporary Christian heritage 6158 Exploring our African Christian heritage 6243 Wrestling with our faith 6245 Discovering our Christian world 6261 Living an ethical faith 6276 Journeying in faith 6281 Working with other faiths 6372 Proclaiming our faith 6373 Celebrating our faith 6375 Caring in faith 6377 Teaching the faith 6378 Reading the faith through women's eyes Stream Working with sources Engaging with the Christian Faith Applying Theology in Ministry 14

15 TEEC DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY and MINISTRY REGULATIONS Accreditation and Registration TEE College is fully accredited by the Council for Higher Education [CHE] to offer the TEEC Diploma in Theology and Ministry and the Bachelor of Theology degree. Both qualifications are at Level 6 of the National Qualifications Framework. Who may take the diploma qualification? Those persons who have passed Grade 12 / Standard 10 or the equivalent. Those persons who have an incomplete Diploma in Theology and wish to enter the Diploma in Theology and Ministry. (Note: Only courses passed with 50% or more can be credited into the DipThMin). Credits required for completion To complete the 256 credit Diploma in Theology and Ministry, you must: complete the Fundamental course, or receive credit for Prior Learning (10 credits); complete all six Core courses (126 credits); complete sufficient Elective courses to earn at least 120 credits. Because all of our current elective courses are 24 credits, this means that you will need to do 5 Elective courses; complete at least one Elective course in each of the three streams. Streams Elective courses are divided into the following three streams: 1. Working with sources 2. Engaging with the Christian Faith 3. Applying Theology in Ministry If you wish to have your Diploma endorsed in one of the streams, you would need to take three electives in your chosen stream. 15

16 CHOICE OF COURSES - BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY FUNDAMENTAL COURSE Credits 7000 Developing skills for theological study 10 CORE COURSES 7001 Doing ministry for a change Engaging with people pastorally and ethically Growing spiritually, thinking theologically Interpreting texts: Bible and other Christian sources Practising Christian leadership and management Facilitating Christian responses to HIV/AIDS 12 ELECTIVE COURSES (all elective courses are 24 credits) 7103 Working with Old Testament texts and contexts Working with Old Testament texts and contexts Working with New Testament texts and contexts Working with New Testament texts and contexts Exploring our Christian foundations 7156 Exploring Christian growth and change 7157 Exploring our contemporary Christian heritage 7158 Exploring our African Christian heritage 7243 Wrestling with our faith 7245 Discovering our Christian world 7261 Living an ethical faith 7276 Journeying in faith 7281 Working with other faiths 7372 Proclaiming our faith 7373 Celebrating our faith 7375 Caring in faith 7377 Teaching the faith 7378 Reading the faith through women's eyes 7401 Write an academic report [12 credits in any stream, depending on emphasis] Stream Working with sources Engaging with the Christian Faith Applying Theology in Ministry 16

17 TEEC BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY REGULATIONS Accreditation and Registration TEE College is fully accredited by the Council for Higher Education [CHE]. The TEE Bachelor of Theology is registered on the National Qualifications Framework as a Level 6 qualification. Who may take this degree qualification? All new TEEC students wishing to do a Degree who have a valid South African Matriculation Exemption. Those who have an incomplete Diploma and have a Matriculation Exemption. Those who have a Matriculation Exemption, have completed the Diploma in Theology (formerly the Joint Board Diploma) and who want to upgrade the Diploma to a Degree. Such persons must contact the Registrar before applying as conditions do apply. Credits required for completion To complete the 364-credit Bachelor of Theology, you must: complete the Fundamental course, or receive credit for Prior Learning (10 credits); complete all six Core courses (126 credits); complete sufficient Elective courses to earn at least 228 credits. Because all of our current elective courses are 24 credits, this means that you will need to do 9 Elective courses plus the compulsory course Write an Academic Report. complete at least two Elective courses in each of the three streams. Streams Elective courses are divided into the following three streams: 1. Working with sources 2. Engaging with the Christian Faith 3. Applying Theology in Ministry If you wish to have your Degree endorsed in one of the streams, you would need to take at least four electives in your chosen stream and do your Academic Report in that stream as well. Studying for non-qualification purposes If you do not intend to study for the Diploma in Theology and Ministry or for the Bachelor of Theology Degree, but are simply taking individual courses for interest or further knowledge, you are free to take whichever courses you want. 17

18 If you are a new student to John Wesley College, we strongly recommend that you register as soon after the 1 st October as possible and no later than the 4 th of December Doing this will enable you to start familiarising yourself with the course materials so that you are well prepared for the start of lectures in OUTCOMES FOR THE TEEC DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY and the BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY DEGREE By the end of this programme, you should be able to: identify and distinguish basic concepts and theories with regard to Theology as a Human and Social Science; apply and integrate a range of theological concepts and disciplines; use and critically compare theological and other sources to explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context; identify, evaluate and develop your personal faith in context; engage in and articulate critical and creative theological thought and writing; play a constructive moral role by developing and applying core human and Christian norms and values to contexts, to facilitate moral formation and decision-making; facilitate Christian pastoral ministry to individuals and communities, and evaluate its effectiveness; promote, develop and evaluate transformative leadership in a faith community; participate sensitively in multi-cultural and multi-faith communities; identify and formulate transformative responses to contemporary societal needs. 18

19 CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES These are the most essential overall outcomes. All education and training programmes, including ours, are designed to achieve them. The right hand column describes the specific criteria for the TEEC qualifications. Critical cross-field outcomes A student who obtains the Diploma in Theology and Ministry or Bachelor of Theology Degree (Level 6) can: 1. Identify and solve problems, make responsible decisions, demonstrate critical and creative thinking. 2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community. 3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. 5. Communicate effectively, using Associated assessment criteria In the form of tasks in study material, written assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies and examinations, students will be assessed on their ability to: demonstrate the ability to: use central methods of enquiry of Theology as a human and social science; do responsible Biblical interpretation by applying recognised exegetical methods in specific contexts and by critically evaluating other interpretations; approach problems of historical and systematic interpretation in theology by analysing theologies in relation to their respective ecclesial, cultural, economic, social and political contexts; address church and community problems by using creative contextual approaches to ministry. demonstrate evidence of: understanding the importance of a moral and constructive role in a faith community and the community at large; the ability to communicate and interact effectively in a group context. demonstrate the ability to: utilise requisite study skills and learning strategies; self-evaluate, identify and address own learning needs; organise their own study plans; think independently. demonstrate the ability to: use library and other resources effectively to complete tasks; construct an academic essay by integrating information from a variety of sources; act responsibly as a scholar (i.e. by using recognised reference techniques and by avoiding plagiarism); critically evaluate theological theories, experiences and examples. demonstrate the ability to: produce persuasive forms of written, oral and new media 19

20 visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. 6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health/wellbeing of others. 7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. 8. Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. 9. Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities. 10. Show cultural and aesthetic awareness across a range of social contexts. 11. Explore education and career opportunities. communication; express theological insights creatively in their first language and in terms of their culture and worldview. present work in an acceptable academic style. demonstrate the ability to: use the internet and other electronic media for theological research; formulate concrete and creative responses to community and environmental problems. demonstrate the ability to: show respect for personal, cultural, and theological diversity, in the context of a pluralistic society; identify the connection between problems of a particular faith community and larger communities. show: awareness of how personal biases influence one's knowledge of and attitude to people and situations; how engagement with different types of sources fosters different learning strategies. demonstrate: commitment to the well-being of society by developing well-informed ethical stances on community issues; a responsible and constructive understanding of society. demonstrate: sensitivity towards social diversity and divergent opinions; awareness of the role of cultural differences in Biblical interpretation; the ability to understand the cultural and contextual roots of differences between theologies; co-operation with people of other churches and theologies, and demonstrate awareness of other religions and how co-operation in societal issues could be realised. demonstrate the ability to: compare and evaluate various options for further study; 20

21 12. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities. become involved accountably in Christian community and society with a view to employment as a church or community worker. demonstrate the ability to: identify and use the skills necessary for church development and growth; identify and use the skills of social analysis, inter-personal sensitivity, imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, and community involvement, which may lead to the creation of employment opportunities outside church circles. EXAMINATION TIMETABLE - OCTOBER 2007 COURSE NO. DATE TIME Growing Spiritually, thinking theologically 6/7003 Monday October Interpreting Texts: Biblical and other sources 6/7004 Tuesday October Working with NT Texts and Contexts 1 6/7122 Tuesday October Exploring our Christian Foundations 6/7155 Monday October Wrestling with our Faith 6/7243 Wednesday October You will find the name, address and telephone number of your marker on your Assignment Covers, which you will receive with your course material. 21

22 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS The following pages contain descriptions of each of the available courses and some detail about their assessment. Please note that in every course, the final piece of work, whether it is an assignment or an exam, is externally assessed. This means that your marker will forward it to a senior academic, who will ensure quality of marking and parity. 22

23 COURSE 6000/7000: Developing skills for theological study Credits: 10 Fundamental credits Advisory: Sequence of Courses This course is the fundamental course for both the DipThMin and the BTh, and must be taken in the first year of registration, unless you have achieved the course outcomes in prior learning. If so, you must apply for recognition of prior learning to the College's RPL Committee. This course may be taken at the same time as other courses e.g. 6/7004. Course Description: This course will help you develop skills relevant to the successful study of all the theological courses you will undertake in the future. It combines study skills for adult distance learning, with an introduction to thinking critically and reflecting theologically. It will equip you with the basic building blocks needed before embarking on the study of theology. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Manage time, environment and materials related to study Read, analyse and respond to texts relevant to theological study Gather, select and organise information for a variety of purposes Demonstrate skills in critical thinking and analysis Special conditions: There are two possible registration periods for this course. You must register between 1 October and the 15 January for the first registration of the year, or between 1 March and the 15 June for the second registration period. Those who register between 1 October and 15 January should register for this course along with their other choices. It is the only course with two registration periods. This allows for those who enquire about study after the registration date closes, to begin study before the next year. The assignment dates relate to the 2 registrations: 1 st Registration 1 October to 15 January 2 nd Registration / 1 March to 15 June Assignment 1 15 March Assignment 2 15 June Assignment 1 15 August Assignment 2 15 October 23

24 COURSE 6001/7001: Doing ministry for a change Credits: 26 Core credits Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students should have completed several Core courses prior to this course. The biblical basis of Course 6/7004 and the pastoral and ethical foundation of 6/7002 would be of most benefit. Course Description: This course will focus on the basis of all Christian ministry: transforming mission. Building on the mission of Jesus, other biblical models of mission, and selected historical examples of mission, it will help you to assess your personal sense of mission and evaluate that of local churches. A major part of this course will be to learn and use transformation skills with a chosen group or community, to transform aspects of injustice on the basis of Christian principles, informed by a mission perspective. NOTE: This course involves a lot of practical work and community involvement so you should plan for more time away from your desk. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Outline the changing understanding of mission in church history Describe and evaluate mission-focused churches Define personal mission in relation to the mission of Jesus Analyse the basic needs and dynamics of a community and identify aspects that need transformation Design a process to address issues of transformation in a community Apply Christian insights on transformation from the perspective of the mission of God (missio Dei) Implement a process addressing issues of transformation in a community Assignment 1 30 March Assignment 3 30 August Assignment 2-30 June Assignment 4-17 October 24

25 COURSE 6002/7002: Engaging with people pastorally and ethically Credits: 22 Core credits. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed or received RPL for Course 6000/7000, and will normally also have done Course 6/7004. Course Description: This course will help you to develop the basic skills of pastoral care within a clear moral framework, and competency in applying those skills in church and community. It will also provide you with the tools for making sound ethical decisions that are contextually appropriate and grounded in the Christian gospel. Video/DVD: An introduction to Christian Ethics is available on video and DVD at R100.00, excluding postage. The presentation is by Professor Dr Louise Kretzschmar of UNISA and is highly recommended. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Compare and contrast approaches to Christian ethics in a range of contexts Apply and critique basic models of ethical decision making Evaluate and apply approaches to the Bible in Christian Ethics Describe and engage in personal moral formation Identify and display qualities of a pastoral care giver Describe and evaluate key principles and skills of pastoral care Apply and critique key principles and skills in a range of contexts Describe and apply the principles of forgiveness and reconciliation Assignment 1 11 April Assignment 2 11 June Assignment 3 11 August Assignment 4 11 October 25

26 COURSE 6003/7003: Growing spiritually, thinking theologically Credits: 24 Core credits. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed or received RPL for Course 6000/7000, and will normally also have done Course 6/7004. Course Description: This course will help you to develop the basic skills of theological and spiritual reflection in relation to a range of Christian doctrines and practices. You will also exercise these skills in your own Christian journey and in the contexts in which you minister, and ensure that your beliefs and lifestyle agree with one another. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Outline and evaluate classical and contemporary models of Christian spirituality Demonstrate the relevance and applicability of various models to the Southern African context Identify and address key personal aspects of spiritual formation Describe and critique key Christian doctrines in a range of contexts Outline and analyse a range of ways of constructing theology Compare and contrast interpretations of key doctrines Apply key Christian doctrines to contemporary contexts Assignment 1 4 April Assignment 3-4 August Assignment 2 4 June Examination - Monday 8 October 9:00 26

27 COURSE 6004/7004: Interpreting texts: Bible and other Christian sources Credits: 30 Core credits. Note that this course is much larger than any other course in the Diploma/Degree, so plan well. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must be in the process of completing or have completed or received RPL for Course 6000/7000. Course Description: This course will help you to apply exegetical and hermeneutical skills to Old and New Testament texts and to two post-biblical documents: the Didache and the Nicene Creed. It will also help you to describe, evaluate and interpret for others in your own context, the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Video/DVD: An introduction to the skill of Exegesis (interpreting texts) is available on video and DVD at R100.00, excluding postage. The presentation is by Rev James Massey, Principal of TEE College and Mr Hilton Tayler, tutor. It is highly recommended. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: analyse the process by which Christian texts emerge in historical contexts interpret texts in their contexts apply texts in contemporary situations using broadly recognised hermeneutic methods analyse the historical, religious, social and political background to the life of Jesus describe and critically compare the different Gospel presentations of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth critically analyse the significance of the person of Jesus Christ within the context of first century Judaism and of the emerging Christian community interpret the person and teaching of Jesus for people within the student s own context using recognised hermeneutic methods Assignment 1 22 March Assignment 3-22 August Assignment 2 22 June Examination Tuesday 9 October 9:00 27

28 COURSE 6005/7005: Practising Christian Leadership and Management Credits: 12 Core credits Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must normally have completed, or received RPL for Course 6000/7000 and 6/7004 or be completing these courses. Course Description: This course will help you develop your skills in administration and management - including financial management - in church contexts. It aims to develop skills, heighten accountability and increase competence and efficiency. It does not, however, provide accountancy skills. Outcomes: If you successfully complete this course, you should be able to: Describe key principles of Christian leadership Evaluate models of Christian leadership in context Evaluate own experiences of leadership Outline, apply and assess basic management structures in a church Assignment 1 10 March Assignment 2 10 August 28

29 COURSE 6006/7006: Facilitating a Christian response to HIV/AIDS Credits: 12 Core credits Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must normally have completed, or received RPL for Course 6000/7000 and 6/7004 or be completing these courses. Course Description: This course explains the causes and effects of HIV/AIDS and explores theological, ethical, pastoral and spiritual issues related to the pandemic. It is also a practical course which contains tools and skills to equip you and your church for this important ministry. It is designed to enable you to get involved in the AIDS ministry of your church or community, or to initiate one, if this does not exist. Outcomes: If you successfully complete this course, you should be able to: Analyse and critique definitions of HIV/AIDS Present and assess a Christian theological perspective on the disease Organise and facilitate programmes in response to the epidemic Evaluate the impact of programmes Assignment 1 10 June Assignment 2 10 October 29

30 COURSE 6103/7103: Working with Old Testament texts and contexts 1 Credits: 24 Elective credits Course Material: TEE College supplies you with the required workbooks. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed all the Core courses, or be completing them in the same year as signing up for this course. In particular, Course 6/7004 Interpreting Texts: Bible and other Christian sources or equivalent must have been completed before this course is undertaken. Course Description: This course will develop skills in relating the modern context/situation/issues/problems to the Old Testament and vice versa. To do this, you will need to become aware of your contemporary situation/ issues/problems/context, as well as the situations that gave rise to the Old Testament passages, and then to discover in the passages principles that can be a prophetic word for today. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Describe the characteristics of the genre of prophecy Outline the historical and socio-political contexts of biblical prophecy and interpret prophetic texts according to their internal criteria Apply prophetic texts in contemporary contexts Describe the characteristics of the genre of wisdom Outline the historical and socio-political contexts of wisdom literature Interpret wisdom texts according to their internal criteria Apply wisdom texts in contemporary contexts Assignment 1 1 May Assignment 2 1 August Assignment 3 2 October There is no examination 30

31 COURSE 6104/7104: Working with Old Testament texts and contexts 2 Credits: 24 Elective credits Course Material: TEE College supplies you with the required workbooks. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed all the Core courses, or be completing them in the same year as signing up for this course. In particular, Course 6/7004 Interpreting Texts: Bible and other Christian sources should normally have been completed before this course is undertaken. Course Description: This course will enable you to further your understanding of how stories are constructed and to develop skills in writing stories, using biblical and other passages as a basis. You will also explore appropriate ways in which Biblical poetry may be interpreted and used in group and individual contexts as a means of strengthening spiritual life. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: describe the differences between reader-centred, author-centred and text-centred methods of analysis describe and analyse how narrative passages are constructed describe and analyse the characters in narrative passages describe and analyse the setting of narrative passages write narratives describe the characteristics of the genre of Biblical poetry explore poetic texts according to the internal criteria of the genre apply poetic texts in contemporary context Assignment 1 1 May Assignment 2 1 August Assignment 3 2 October There is no examination 31

32 COURSE 6122/7122: Working with New Testament texts and contexts 1 Credits: 24 Elective credits Course Material: TEE College supplies you with the required workbooks. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed all the Core courses, or be completing them in the same year as signing up for this course. In particular, Course 6/7004 Interpreting Texts: Bible and other Christian sources should normally have been completed before this course is undertaken. Course Description: This course will be useful if you wish to be grounded in the art of interpreting the biblical texts in an ethical, responsible way in different contexts. This course will also enable you to apply the tools of biblical interpretation to discover and evaluate the theological principles used by the early Church to deal with the problems which confronted it and apply them to problems in today's Church, your community and the world. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: explain basic theories of biblical and other textual interpretation assess and apply different approaches to hermeneutics construct creative contextual interpretations of biblical texts describe the situations that gave rise to a selection of the letters of the NT summarise and evaluate the arguments and theological responses of the letter writers. apply the arguments and theological principles to issues which you have identified within today s Church, your own community and the world. Assignment 1 1 May Assignment 2 1 August Examination Tues. 16 October 9:00 32

33 COURSE 6131/7131: Working with New Testament texts and contexts 2 Credits: 24 Elective credits Course Material: TEE College supplies the required workbooks and textbooks. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed all the Core courses, or be completing them. In particular, Course 6/7004 Interpreting Texts: Bible and other Christian sources should normally have been completed. Course Description: The course covers a general study of Hebrews and the general epistles (James; 1 and 2 Peter; Jude; 1,2 and 3 John) as well as a detailed study of the Johannine literature with exegesis of selected chapters in the Gospel of John and Revelation. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Describe the situations that gave rise to the Johannine literature in the New Testament Summarise and evaluate the arguments and theological responses of the writer(s) of this literature Apply the arguments and theological principles to issues which the learner has identified within today s Church, own community and the world Describe the characteristics of the genre of biblical apocalyptic Outline the historical and socio-political contexts of biblical apocalyptic Interpret and apply apocalyptic texts according to their internal criteria and in contemporary contexts. Assignment 1 1 May Assignment 2 1 August Assignment 3 2 October There is no examination 33

34 COURSE 6155/7155: Exploring our Christian foundations Credits: 24 Elective credits Course Material: TEE College supplies you with the required workbooks. Advisory: Sequence of Courses Students must have completed all the Core courses, or be completing them in the same year as signing up for this course. In particular, Course 6/7004 Interpreting Texts: Bible and other Christian sources should normally have been completed before this course is undertaken. Course Description This course will introduce you to the history of Christianity from the time of the New Testament until the split between Western and Eastern Christianity. You will gain insight into the culture of Christendom in Western Europe, and ways in which Christian faith and political expression became entangled. It will also be of value for those who wish to work with the classical Christian spiritualities, and their relevance to the contemporary world. Outcomes: If you complete this course successfully, you should be able to: Describe and analyse key Christian concepts, movements and developments associated with the 1 st millennium Locate those concepts, movements and developments in their historical, geographical, and socio-cultural context Describe and evaluate the dynamics of the interaction between religion and the social and political context Assess the early foundations of patterns of worship and Christian practice, and their contemporary relevance Assignment 1 24 April Assignment 2 24 July Examination Mon. 15 October 9:00 34