Bachelor of Theology

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Theology is to enable learners who can critically apply focused analysis, knowledge and skills in the service and leadership - both lay and ordained - of public schools, Christian communities, Bible translators, community organisations and society. An integrated and systematic qualification of biblical and theological study gives learners a foundational knowledge of the major disciplines of Christian theology including biblical languages, bible translation, music ministry, child- and youth work and pastoral counselling.

The rationale of this qualification is to provide learners with

• The necessary advanced knowledge, research skills and applied competence within the discipline of Dogmatics, Catechetics, Church Polity, Ethics, Homiletics, Church and Dogma History, Liturgics, Missiology, New Testament, Old Testament or Pastoral Studies, to do advanced independent research and to act as leaders, educators, and facilitators in their communities and society at large.

Rationale

Learners may choose to specialise in biblical studies, pastoral ministry, and pastoral counselling or cross-cultural missions. This qualification prepares people bible teaching and leadership in a pastoral or cross-cultural ministry context. Most denominations recognise this qualification as fulfilling the academic requirements for ordination but may require additional training to meet their denominational requirements.

Mission organisations generally recognise this qualification as adequate training in biblical studies for missionary service, particularly those involving a bible teaching ministry. The qualification is designed to be more flexibly structured and is particularly appropriate to the needs of those considering teaching Religious Instruction and Life Orientation in secondary schools.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The outcomes of the qualification can be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the following criteria:

Formal prior learning

• Recognition of learners' prior accredited learning at the secondary level (matriculation certificate).
• Mature age exemption may also be recognised.
• Prior accredited learning at tertiary level that constitutes credit-bearing modules is also recognised, in particular qualifications obtained at various accredited theological institutions.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

Learners receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if they can produce a portfolio of evidence to show that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria. Learners consequently obtain the credits according to the assessment of the institution.

Evidence takes on a variety of forms, including previous local or international qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification at the honours level.

RPL for admission implies an assessment of cognate knowledge and skills gained through work experience or other qualifications. The assessment determines the level of skills and knowledge comparable to NQF Level 7 the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master additionally before being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the assessed learner into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelors studies.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 228 Credits

• Introduction to NT, History and Genl Canonics (NTES111), 8 Credits.
• Pastoral Counselling (PAST121), 8 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar II (SEMT121, 16 Credits.
• The Synoptic Gospels (NTES121), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Linguistic Skills (SEMT113), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar I (SEMT112), 12 Credits.
• Greek Grammar II (GRKS121), 16 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Ethics (ETIE121), 8 Credits.
• Introduction to the Old Testament I (OTES111), 8 Credits.
• Greek Language Competence (GRKS113), 16 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Church and Dogma History (KDGE121), 8 Credits.
• Narrative Text: The Early Prophets (OTES121), 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Theology (TEOL111), 8 Credits.
• Greek Grammar I (GRKS112), 12 Credits.
• Setswana 3rd Language (ATSN111), 12 Credits.
• Setswana 3rd Language (ATSN121), 12 Credits.
• Judicial and Church Latin (LATN122), 12 Credits.
• German Elementary 2 (GERM121), 12 Credits.
• German Elementary 1 (GERM111), 12 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 5,

• English (ENLL121), 12 Credits.
• Afr & Dutch Lang and Lit Study: Text & Context (AFLL121), 12 Credits.
• English (ENLL111), 12 Credits.
• NT: Introduction to Interpretation (BYBL122), 20 Credits.
• Afrikaans and Dutch (AFLL111), 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy (AGLE121), 12 Credits.
• English (ENLS111), 12 Credits.
• Intro to the Bible & Biblical World (BYBL111), 8 Credits.
• Social and Community Psychology (PSYC121), 12 Credits.
• Latin for Everyone, 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy (AGLA121), 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Psychology (PSYC111), 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 368 Credits

• Dogmatics: Christology to Eschatology (DOGM221), 16 Credits.
• Creative Biblical Instruction (KATE212), 8 Credits.
• Dogmatics: Scripture & Doctrine on Sin (DOGM211), 16 Credits.
• Greek Grammer III and Semantics (GRKS211), 16 Credits.
• Greek Composition and NT Textual Criticism (GRKS221), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar III (SEMT211), 16 Credits.
• Human Rights (ETIE211), 16 Credits.
• Scriptural Fundamentals of Homiletics (HOML211), 8 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Grammar IV (SEMT221), 16 Credits.
• Reform & Modern Church & Dogma Hist (KDGE221), 16 Credits.
• Pastoral Treatment of Marriage and Family (PAST221), 16 Credits.
• Mission as an Africa Initiative (MISS221), 16 Credits.
• Prophetic Literature (OTES221), 16 Credits.
• Mission and Counselling (MISS213), 8 Credits.
• Early Christian & Medieval Church (KDGE211), 16 Credits.
• Development of Pastoral Skills (PAST211), 8 Credits.
• Philosophy (PHIL221), 16 Credits.
• Introduction to NT Exegesis & Context of NT (NTES211), 16 Credits.
• Intro to the Interpretation of the Old Test & Pentateuch (OTES211), 16 Credits.
• Acts, General Epistles, Hebrews & Pauline (NTES221), 16 Credits.
• Relationship between Mission & Theology (MISS211), 8 Credits.
• Biblical Foundations of Catechetics (KATE211), 16 Credits.
• Latin Authors & Roman History I (LATN211), 16 Credits.
• Ontology (PHIL211), 16 Credits.
• Elements of Liturgics (LITK221), 16 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 6

• Afrikaans and Dutch Language and Literature Study (AFLL211), 16 Credits.
• Afrikaans and Dutch: Frameworks for Language and Literary Stu (AFLL222), 16 Credits.
• OT: Introduction to Interpret of OT (BYBL212), 16 Credits.
• Understanding the Cultural World (WVCS221), 12 Credits.
• Development Psychology, 16 Credits.
• English (ENLL211), 16 Credits.
• English (ENLL221), 16 Credits.
• NT: Revelation of the Kingdom (BYBL222), 16 Credits.
• Personality Psychology (PSYC212), 16 Credits.
• Positive Psychology (PSYC221), 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 320 Credits

• Biblical Hebrew Textual Study and Comp Textual Study (SEMT322), 8 Credits.
• Old Testament: Special Themes (OTES321), 16 Credits.
• Theory of Intercultural Comm of the Gospel (MISS312), 8 Credits.
• Pastoral Cases in Counselling (PAST311), 16 Credits.
• Missionary Apologetics (MISS311), 16 Credits.
• Interpretation of the Writings (Ketubim) (OTES311), 16 Credits.
• Key Themes of Revelation History (NTES322), 8 Credits.
• Pastoral Treatment of Stress, Trauma and Inner Healing (PAST321), 16 Credits.
• Intercultural Communication of the Gospel (MISS321), 16 Credits.
• Introduction on Interpretation of Old Testament (OTES322), 8 Credits.
• Relevant Ethical Themes (ETIE311), 16 Credits.
• Dogmatics: Institution of Calvyn (DOGM321), 8 Credits.
• Dogmatics: Value of Modern Theologians (DOGM311), 16 Credits.
• Greek Translation and Textual Analysis (GRKS322), 8 Credits.
• Greek Translation and Textual Analysis (GRKS312), 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Theological Hermeneutics (HERM322), 12 Credits.
• Person of the Pastoral Counsellor (PAST322), 24 Credits.
• Elements of Liturgics (LITK221), 16 Credits.
• Key Themes of Revelation History (NTES321), 16 Credits.
• General Canonics, Pauline Epistles (NTES311), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Language Structure and Textual Study (SEMT312), 8 Credits.
• Church History: the Reformation (KDGE321), 16 Credits.
• Textual Criticism of the Old the New Testament (TEKS321), 12 Credits.
• South African Church History (KDGE311), 16 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 7

• Church History: The Reformation (KDGE312), 12 Credits.
• Psycho Pathology (PSYC311), 16 Credits.
• Prophetic, Poetic and Wisdom Literature (Bybl312), 20 Credits.
• Research and Psychometry (PSYC312), 16 Credits.
• Applied Psychology (PSYC322), 16 Credits.
• Basic Counselling and Ethical Conduct (PSYC321), 16 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew Textual Study and Comp Textual Study (SEMT322), 8 Credits.
• Old Testament: Special Themes (OTES321), 16 Credits.
• Theory of Intercultural Communication of the Gospel (MISS312), 8 Credits.

1. Interpret, integrate and apply Christian sources in context;
2. Understand their communities, in the light of the history of Christianity, and position themselves responsibly in their contexts;
3. Analyse information critically, and articulate and communicate effectively;
4. Evaluate and apply Christian theology and ethics personally and within the community;
5. Practise and evaluate ministries in the faith organisation,
6. Initiate and develop a Christian ministry presence in the wider community.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies are integrated by nature and take the form of assignments and tests. The assessment also includes a mini-dissertation. Formative assessment: 70% of the module mark. Integrated summative assessment in the form of a formal examination forms 30% of the pass mark. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual, as well as group context, may also be employed. Learners are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills to ensure that they are competent for the workplace. The qualification has a Work Integrated Learning component.