Bachelor of Theology Honours in Biblical Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification, as a Postgraduate specialisation, is to prepare learners for research-based Postgraduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen learners' expertise. Learners acquire comprehensive, critical and systematic knowledge of Christian Theology. Learners choose a particular theological discipline and become conversant with contemporary theological discourse, which requires a high-level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. Furthermore, the qualification enables learners to develop their research capacity in the methodology and techniques relevant to theological disciplines.

Rationale

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) provides the basis for redress that underpins curriculum transformation and development in our post-apartheid South African society. Consequently, all qualifications should contribute to the social transformation and holistic development of learners.

Qualifications focus on healing the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. These values improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person.

Aligned with the Bill of Rights as encapsulated within the Constitution, this qualification lays a foundation for the achievement of these goals. It is sensitive to issues that promote inequality, such as poverty, race, gender, language, age, disability. The qualification enhances denominations, faith communities, partners of the Faculty of Theology and individuals engaged in ministry or community-related service. These include those in disadvantaged communities and regions with classical reformation-determined theological education that provides for:

(i) Thorough grounding in knowledge, theory, and (moral) principles;

(ii) A higher level of skills and a broader range of competencies associated with professional requirements; and

(iii) Adequate preparation for further Postgraduate studies. However, due to various constraints and obligations, a growing number of potential learners are deprived of the opportunity that allows for addressing the need for the mentioned theological education.

The qualification is professionally-orientated and is designed and taught through distance learning, thus bridges the physical, transactional and epistemic distance in teaching and learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL applies according to the Recognition of prior learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Health Science manages the process. Assessment of Learners is against NQF Level 7 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Theology, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits

• New Testament Exegesis, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to the Interpretation of the Old Testament and the Pentateuch, 16 Credits.
• Honours Mini Dissertation, 48 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits (Choose Six)

• Doctrine of Scripture to the Doctrine of Sin, 8 Credits.
• Principles and Practice of Preaching, 8 Credits.
• The Ecumenical and Reformed Confessions, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Reformed Church Polity, 8 Credits.
• Liturgical Practice, 8 Credits.
• Human Rights, 8 Credits.
• Principles and Practice of Preaching, 8 Credits.
• Creative Biblical Instruction, 8 Credits.
• A Christian Theology of Religions, 8 Credits.
• The Synoptic Gospels, 8 Credits.
• Narrative Text: The Early Prophets, 8 Credits.
• Home Visitation and Counselling, 8 Credits.

1. Integrate knowledge of and engagement with Theology as a human and social science and a critical understanding and application of theories relevant to Theology.
2. Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines (the theological encyclopaedia).
3. Critically compare and use theological and other sources in an integrated manner to explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context.
4. Critically interact with their context and people with differing views, and exhibit a more advanced Degree of critical self- awareness.
5. Engage in articulate critical and creative theological thinking at a more advanced level.
6. Develop and apply core human and Christian values to contexts, and critique all value systems.
7. Develop and critically evaluate insights arising from the various theological disciplines that may contribute to the development of Christian ministry and life.
8. Interrogate varying theological disciplines to develop critical thinking concerning issues of power and leadership in church and society.
9. Demonstrate sensitivity to and interact constructively with, multicultural and multi-faith communities, from a theological perspective.
10. Apply the insights of one or more disciplines to identify and critique issues of church and society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Review and interrogate the theories associated with Theology as a social science.
• Critically reflect and appraise the application of relevant theological theories to society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Distinguish between and apply theological concepts regarded as the theological encyclopaedia.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify, analyse and synthesise relevant materials of biblical sources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Portray the ability to develop and communicate independent and defensible theological worldviews in oral and written format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify complex problems to contemporary ethical issues and propose possible solutions based on research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Give an insightful and critical account of the history and values of their faith community and their faith development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Conceptualise a research project through the practical process of data collection, critical analysis and interpretation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Apply advanced analytical skills to identify, explain and respond appropriately to issues of church and society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines by incorporating theory and praxis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Apply advanced analytical skills to identify, explain and respond appropriately to issues of church and society.

Integrated Assessment

In the assessment of qualifications taught on digital-mediated environments, the emphasis is on the optimal usage of the digital learning platform for ongoing formative assessment.

Procedures are stipulated to receive, record, process, and turn around assignments within a time frame that allows students to benefit from feedback before the submission of further assessment tasks.

The study unit, modules and qualification exit levels include a variety of formative assessment tasks such as tests and quizzes, participation tasks, formal formative tests, online tests, assignments and examinations. There are typically two to three smaller assignments per module per semester, and one major written assignment and small participation tasks (e.g. reading to be done and short questions regarding the reading). The participation mark is part of formative assessment, and the examination is a summative assessment. The ratio between the formative and summative assessments varies from module to module, but it is between 70:30 and 50:50. Summative assessment goes through internal moderation checks.