Bachelor of Theology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide graduates with professional knowledge, specific human skills and growth, and applied competency that provides for continued personal intellectual growth within the seminary setting, and to contribute to the preparation for ministry and meaningful contribution to the contemporary world.

The qualification will provide South Africa, and other countries, with qualifying learners in the field of Theology who are creative theological thinkers, and nurture in them the ability to draw critically on the biblical witness and Tradition of the Catholic Church. Throughout the programme, learners will develop a comprehensive understanding of the Christian Scriptures, Theology, and the History of the Church, and how to apply them in the contexts of their respective communities.

Further, the purpose of this qualification is to provide an intentional opportunity for personal growth and development through work-integrated learning and formation. These strands of the qualification encourage learners to see their studies as not only a time of academic and intellectual challenge, but also a period of ongoing spiritual, human, emotional and psychological nourishment, and growth.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to stimulate intellectual curiosity, encourage an open-minded view of the Christian faith, subjecting it to rigorous intellectual scrutiny for better comprehension and a meaningful contribution to the real situation of South Africa. It is also to encourage a willingness to critically engage with other academic disciplines on matters that affect humanity, with maturity and readiness to understand and appreciate opposing points of view.

Given the ever-increasing tendencies of religious competition and intolerance, as well as the sad history of South Africa previously characterized by various forms of discrimination, founded on erroneous Christian Theologies and misinterpretation of Sacred Scripture, the critical study of Theology can play an important role in promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence in South Africa.

Given its inevitable manifestation and expression through the political, social, and cultural history of South Africa, Christian Theology is embedded with great potential for healing the wounds of the past, thereby contributing toward the yearned-for-path to social reconciliation and restoration. It aims to broaden self-understanding and facilitate cultural engagement, and it plays a meaningful and constructive role in the current, ongoing social transition in South Africa. It also has immense value as the study of how people have thought and continue to think about the indispensable spiritual dimension of human existence.

The qualification assists learners to develop in-depth knowledge across broad areas of Theology in particular areas of interest. It develops research and communication skills and prepares qualifying learners for further theological studies. It is therefore envisaged that this qualification will contribute towards providing insight into how perceptions of human dignity influence value systems and contemporary culture, providing a structured professional learning pathway for current and aspirant theologians. It also promotes professional and academic development such that the qualifying learners are able to develop the skills, morals and ethical values needed to lead Christian communities. It helps towards the development of a contextual theory of practice about how faith communities should function within their own set of circumstances, articulating the knowledge they have acquired to generate insights and communicate them through clear reasoned arguments, and have a theologically informed basis for engagement and service in various diverse communities and world at large. The qualification will therefore provide benefits to the learners, Church communities and society at large.

Upon the successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners studying for Priesthood will, after ordination, work as Priests in the Church, while non-Priesthood-orientated learners may choose to work either within the Church structures, or any other equivalent institution or setting, both nationally and internationally.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate with endorsement , NQF Level 4.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Theology, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 480 Credits

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 110 Credits,

• Biblical Greek l, 7 Credits.
• Canon Law I, 7 Credits.
• Church history l, 7 Credits.
• Fundamental Moral Theology l, 7 Credits.
• Fundamental Theology I, 7 Credits.
• Sacred Liturgy l (Vat II and Documents), 7 Credits.
• Introduction to Sacred Scripture, 6 Credits.
• Spiritual Theology l, 7 Credits.
• Biblical Greek ll, 7 Credits.
• Canon Law ll, 7 Credits.
• Church History II, 7 Credits.
• Fundamental Moral Theology ll, 7 Credits.
• Fundamental Theology ll, 7 Credits.
• Sacred Liturgy ll (Calendar and Cults of Saints), 7 Credits.
• Pentateuch, 7 Credits.
• Spiritual Theology ll, 6 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 5 Credits (Select one module) 1st Semester

• African Theology, 5 Credits.
• Historical Books (Joshua - 2 Kings), 5 Credits.
• Liturgy of Hours, 5 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 5 Credits (Select one module) 2nd Semester

• Dealing with Alcoholism & Substance Abuse, 5 Credits.
• Parables, 5 Credits.
• Theological Method, 5 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 110 Credits.

• Biblical Archaeology, 7 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew I, 7 Credits.
• Canon Law lll, 7 Credits.
• Catechetics, 7 Credits.
• Church History lll, 7 Credits.
• Homiletics l, 6 Credits.
• Sacramentology l (Baptism and Confirmation), 7 Credits.
• Synoptic Gospels / Acts I (Mark/Matthew), 7 Credits.
• Biblical Hebrew ll, 7 Credits.
• Canon Law lV, 7 Credits.
• Christology/Soteriology, 7 Credits.
• Church History lV, 7 Credits.
• Fundamental Pastoral Theology l, 7 Credits.
• Homiletics ll, 6 Credits.
• Sacramentology ll (Eucharist), 7 Credits.
• Synoptic Gospels / Acts ll (Luke/Acts), 7 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 5 Credits (select one module)1st Semester

• Diocesan & Religious Spirituality
• Pastoral Counselling
• The Environmental Crisis: a challenge for Moral Theology

Elective Modules, Level 6, 5 Credits (select one module) 2nd Semester

• Inculturation: Theological Foundations & Practical Implementation
• Pastoral Supervision
• The Psychology of Death & Bereavement

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 115 Credits

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL), 50 Credits.
• Fundamental Pastoral Theology ll, 5 Credits.
• Pastoral Psychology, 5 Credits.
• Bio-Medical Ethics, 7 Credits.
• Ecclesiology and Mariology, 7 Credits.
• Letter to the Hebrews, 7 Credits.
• Sacramentology lll (Marriage & orders), 7 Credits.
• Missiology, 6 Credits.
• Patristics, 7 Credits.
• Old Testament Prophets, 7 Credits.
• Doctrine of the Trinity, 7 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 5 Credits

• Biblical Method and Hermeneutics, 5 Credits.
• New Evangelization and African Crises, 5 Credits.
• Women in the Mission of the Church, 5 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 108 Credits

• Ecclesiology and Ecumenism, 8 Credits.
• Johannine Writings, 8 Credits.
• Pauline Corpus l, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology l, 15 Credits.
• Sacramentology lV (Penance and Anointing), 8 Credits.
• Sexual, Marital and Family Morality, 8 Credits.
• Social Moral Theology, 8 Credits.
• Eschatology, 8 Credits.
• Pauline Corpus ll, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology ll, 15 Credits.
• Virtue, Sin and Grace, 7 Credits.
• Wisdom and Psalms, 7 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 7 Credits (Select one module)1st Semester

• Apocalyptic Writings [Daniel and Revelation], 7 Credits.
• Deuterocanonical, 7 Credits.
• Vatican II: A Theological Event, 7 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 5 Credits (Select one module) 2nd Semester

• CRISPR and the Dignity of Human Life, 5 Credits.
• Exorcism, Deliverance and Indigenous Religion, 5 Credits.

1. Integrated knowledge of, and engagement with, theology as a human and social science, and a critical understanding and application of theories relevant to theology.
2. Develop, evaluate and articulate critical theological thinking in relation to sacred scripture, Christian spirituality and faith, world religions, and the history of Christian church teaching within the contemporary context.
3. Compare and use theological and other sources in an integrated manner to explore faith questions and proclaim the Christian faith in context.
4. Undertake and interpret in-depth analysis of specific existential contexts in order to formulate appropriate theological and pastoral responses relevant to the context.
5. Development of their personal faith in critical interaction with their context and people with differing views and exhibit a more advanced degree of critical self-awareness.
6. Engagement in and articulation of critical and creative theological thinking at a more advanced level.
7. Play a moral and constructive role by developing and applying core human and Christian values to contexts and being critical of all value systems.
8. Development and critical evaluation of insights arising from the various theological disciplines that may contribute to the development of Christian ministry and life.
9. Apply and interrogate varying theological disciplines to develop critical thinking concerning issues of power and leadership in church and society.
10. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Review and interrogate the theories associated with theology as a social science.
• Critically reflect and appraise the application of relevant theological theories to society.
• Distinguish between and apply theological concepts regarded as the theological encyclopaedia.
• Identify, analyse, and synthesise relevant biblical and theological materials and sources.
• Portray the ability to develop and communicate independent and defensible theological worldviews in oral and written format.
• Identify complex problems to contemporary ethical issues and propose possible solutions based on research.
• Conceptualise a research project through the practical process of data collection, critical analysis, and interpretation.
• Give an insightful and critical account of the history and values of their faith community and their personal faith development.
• Apply advanced analytical skills to identify, explain and respond appropriately to issues of the Church and society.
• Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines by incorporating theory and praxis.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Integrated assessment centres on

• The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts of each module.
• The application of Philosophy theory to a practical context.
• The balance between the conceptual and contextual, and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
• The development of the analytical competence capabilities of the learner.
• The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.
• The development of effective writing that reflects careful attention to language, logic, and subtleties of reasoning.

The ability to read and interpret philosophical texts.

The assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the programme modules.

These assessment methods include

• Written assignments.
• Presentations.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem-solving in the written examination.
• Self-assessment activities in the programme material.

Formative assessment

The scheme of work includes tests and assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and a limited number of outcomes.

Summative assessment

Examinations or equivalent assessments such as a portfolio to determine a representative selection of the outcomes assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessments also test the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated assessment

All assessments will attempt to integrate knowledge, critical thinking skills and attitudes and applied competence.

Principles of assessment

• Appropriateness: The method of assessment is suited to the performance assessed.
• Fairness: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence.
• Manageability: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
• Integration into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
• Validity: The assessment focuses on the relevant academic standards.
• Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible.
• Authenticity: The examiner is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
• Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required academic standard can be repeated consistently.
• Systematic: Planning and recording are sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
• Open: Learners can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence.
• Clear: Assessed candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
• Consistent: The same examiner would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other examiners.