Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with

1. An advanced knowledge of the historical and cultural world of the Bible and its rich diversity of texts;
2. Advanced practical competence in the interpretation of diverse Old and New Testament texts;
3. Advanced insight into the theological and ethical thrust of the Old and new Testaments;
4. Advanced reflective actualisation of insights from the ancient biblical world and texts so as to contribute meaning to modern society;
5. Advanced reflective competence in evaluating their own point of view and sensitivity facilitating inter religious dialogue with other religions in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All potential learners who are not in possession of an FEC need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning, which should give them access to the programme, must apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience in respect of a particular module or modules, must apply in writing to the Chairperson of the department offering the module or modules the learners wish to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principles of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not detrimental to the potential student and that his/her chances of success must be reasonable.

The Committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to, b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

To enrol for this qualification, potential learners must demonstrate that they have acquired basic intellectual competencies and practical skills to discuss, problematise and investigate the background and content of the Bible as Holy Scriptures of Christianity as well as contemporary ethical matters.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts in related fields, NQF Level 7.

The learner should be able to

1. Identify at an advanced level differences between modern industrialised culture and pre industrialised biblical cultures to prevent anachronism; interpret diverse OT and NT texts in 'own theological and ethical right' to prevent fundamentalism and biblicism; bridge the 'meaning gap' between the Bible and modern society;
2. Effectively work together, especially in multi-religious teams with regard to ethical matters;
3. At an advanced level administer biblical knowledge to enrich their own culture and those of others;
4. Demonstrate at an advanced level the ability to use the library competently and to critically evaluate large quantities of sources;
5. At an advanced level define their biblical insights and skills orally as well as in the learning context (university) so as to anticipate the requirements of the work place;
6. Use modern electronic aids and media (e.g. internet, computer programs, radio, television, video) at an advanced level to the benefit of research and society;
7. At an advanced level demonstrate an ability to comprehensively evaluate the biblical word to the benefit of the modern world;
8. At an advanced level demonstrate formally learnt strategies (e.g. proper time management, proper study methods, utilisation of electronic media, etc.) as well as life skills obtained informally;
9. Devise ethical principles at an advanced level to influence and change the ethics of society for the better;
10. At an advanced level demonstrate cultural and aesthetic appreciation of self and other, and cross-fertilise convictions, attitudes and values;
11. Construct leadership profiles on advanced level to serve for church, school and public opinion forming (whichever career);
12. Create at an advanced level ethically sound public opinion forums to further advance society.

The learner can/Does the learner

• Display at an advanced level, orally or in writing, the bridging between the biblical and modern world, through the creative utilisation of ancient biblical texts; this will be assessed as part of the formative and summative assessment;
• Reveal tolerance and open-mindedness during team efforts;
• On an advanced level reveal new acquired values and attitudes in terms of self-understanding and acceptance of others; this will be assessed during group discussions as part of the formative assessment;
• Demonstrate familiarity with the library and its sources of information; use them competently;
• Critically evaluate large quantities of theological and other source materials for assignment writing;

Display advanced skills of integration and interpretation of selected information by means of assignments or examinations;

• On an advanced level effectively communicate with fellow students and lecturers in an oral or written manner (as required), including the use of visual aids;
• Answer questions in detail, thereby illustrating an advanced ability to communicate properly;
• Demonstrate on an advanced level his/her advanced ability to use appropriate electronic media (e.g. biblical computer software) for exploring biblical sources of information;

Implement technology effectively while teaching religious matters in public or through the media of radio, television and video;

• Display on an advanced level the ability to recontextualise biblical reformative insights in diverse modern contexts (e.g. socio political, economical, domestic, etc), in assignment writing;
• On advanced display knowledge and skills obtained formally (lectures, group work) and informally (life) in assignments, tests, discussions and ultimately in examinations;
• Display advanced ethical knowledge and skills obtained formally (lectures, group work) and informally (life) to better the society; this will be assessed as part as the formative assessment (assignment);
• Reveal advanced cultural and aesthetic sensitivity by solving deadlock situations, imitated in assignments and discussions;
• Reveal through role play (in assignments and discussions) opinion-forming leadership;
• Reveal organisational and managerial skills so as to create public opinion forums.

Integrated assessment

Appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.

Continuous assessment practices from an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment

Practices that will be implemented.

A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, among others, written assignments and presentations in small groups. Self-assessment activities in study guides. Opportunities for peer assessment are included.

Summative assessment

Practices that will be implemented.

Integrated assessment

Focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of end of module final examinations.