Diploma in Theology

Purpose

This programme aims to produce learners who can use the knowledge, skills and values in the service and ministry - both lay and ordained - of Christian communities, community organisations and society. It serves a particular purpose in meeting the need of some churches and individuals for theological education that is comprehensive but can be done by those who do not have the entrance requirements for degree studies.

It aims to produce life-long theological learners who can respond with integrity and faith to current issues in African and international contexts. It is also intended to raise the consciousness of learners with respect to issues of justice such as gender, social disparity, disability and the environment, and enable them to contribute to the development of the society as a whole. The programme aims to get students to integrate knowledge of the Christian faith with essential skills to minister to and lead Christian communities and contribute to the development and transformation of the broader society, as well as develop the values of such leadership. Learners who wish to gain an understanding of the Christian faith and to develop their own spirituality will also benefit from this programme.

Rationale

The TEE Diploma in Theology will enable students who have a National Senior Certificate but not with a university entrance to further their theological studies. The Diploma will give them a comprehensive qualification in theology that will enable them to minister effectively in their church and community setting.

The Diploma: Theology aims to serve the education and training needs of the member-Churches represented on the College Council. It will do this through equipping students for ordained or lay ministry and by promoting personal development and leadership skills.

The programme aims to serve learners who desire

• To develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of Christian faith and practice.
• To develop skills in interpersonal relationships and skills to work in the community.
• Grow in personal faith. This will equip students for further studies in theology.

The TEE College Diploma: Theology is aimed particularly at learners who, for a variety of reasons, are not able to avail themselves of opportunities for full-time higher education studies. It is worth noting in this regard that on average potential TEEC students are significantly older than the norm for higher education in general and theological education in particular.

It is assumed that learners who are admitted to this programme can

• Read and write at the required higher education level.
• Learn from written study material.
• Formulate their own viewpoints in writing.
• Organise and process new information and viewpoints that they encounter.
• With guided support, take responsibility for their own intellectual progress.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance would be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner.

Access to the Qualification

Statutory requirements for access to higher education studies apply to this programme. "The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40 - 49%) or better in four recognised National Senior Certificate 20 credit subjects. Institutional and programme needs may require appropriate combinations of recognised National Senior Certificate subjects and levels of achievement".

Alternatively, a Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate: Theology will satisfy the minimum entry requirement.

The qualification consists of the following modules

Compulsory Modules

• Getting to know the Bible, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits.
• Systematic Theology 1: Understanding our Faith, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
• Ethics 1: Living our Faith, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
• Spirituality 1: Growing in Faith, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
• Church History 1: An Introduction, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
• Practical Theology 1: Christian Being and Doing, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.

Total compulsory credits = 120 credits.

Elective Modules

Learners are to choose 12 modules from the list below, of which at least 3 must be at NQF Level 7, to give an elective credit total of at least 240 credits.

NQF Level 6 modules

Choose no more than 9 of the following

• Old Testament 2: Exploring Politics, Prophets and Power, 20 credits.
• New Testament 2: Applying New Testament Narratives, 20 credits.
• Church History 2: Southern African Church History, 20 credits.
• Proclaiming our Faith, 20 credits.
• Worship and Celebration, 20 credits.
• Pastoral Care 2, 20 credits.
• A Christian response to HIV/Aids, 20 credits.
• Passing the Faith: Youth Ministry, 20 credits.
• Christian Leadership and Management, 20 credits.
• Systematic Theology 2: Doing Theology in context, 20 credits.
• Spirituality 2: Drawing closer to God, 20 credits.
• Ethics 2: Applying Ethical Principals, 20 credits.
• Teaching the Faith, 20 credits.
• Dialoguing with other faiths, 20 credits.

NQF Level 7 Modules

Choose no fewer than 3 of the following

• New Testament 3: Applying New Testament Literature, 20 credits.
• Systematic Theology 3: Wrestling with our Faith, 20 credits.
• Ethics 3: Moral Formation and Spirituality, 20 credits.
• Spirituality 3: A way of life, 20 credits.
• Church History 3: Growth and Change, 20 credits.
• Ecumenical Studies, 20 credits.
• Caring in Faith/pastoral Care and Counselling, 20 credits.
• Ministry for Transformation, 20 credits.

The Exit Level Outcomes for the Diploma: Theology are as follows. The courses together that make up the Diploma will equip the students to achieve the Exit Level Outcomes.

1. Identify and distinguish basic concepts and theories with regard to theology as a human and social science.
2. Integrate and apply the range of theological concepts and disciplines.
3. Critically compare and use theological and other sources to explore faith questions and proclaim Christian faith in context, particularly the African context.
4. Identify, evaluate and develop personal faith in context, particularly the African context.
5. Engage in and articulate critical and creative theological thinking and writing.
6. Play a moral and constructive role by developing and applying core human and Christian values to contexts, to facilitate moral decision-making and formation.
7. Facilitate pastoral ministry to individuals and communities and evaluate its effectiveness.
8. Promote, develop and evaluate transformative leadership in a faith community.
9. Participate constructively in multicultural communities.
10. Identify and formulate transformative responses to contemporary societal needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate critical insight into the various viewpoints related to theological issues.
• Apply basic concepts and theories contextually.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explain and use the unity and diversity of theological subjects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Interpret, compare and critically analyse biblical and other texts.
• Use other sources and disciplines when applicable to interpret biblical and other texts.
• Critically address faith questions.
• Communicate the Christian faith in context, particularly the African context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Give a critical account of the history and values of own faith community and own personal faith development.
• Integrate personal faith development with theological discourse and ministry in own faith communities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify, classify, analyse, compare and critically evaluate different theological theories, concepts and positions.
• Critically derive theological meaning from different theological views.
• Present and defend arguments combining insights gained from different theological genres.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate critical insight into the complexities of current moral issues.
• Identify and compare key human and Christian ethical norms and values.
• Integrate Christian norms and values with appropriate goals, consequences and virtues for moral decisions and actions.
• Appropriately engage learning and analysis into value-based decisions and actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Identify and analyse individual, group and societal areas in need of pastoral healing and other ministries.
• Integrate theological understanding in effective Christian pastoral ministry.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of pastoral ministry in particular contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Show an ability to evaluate, impart and encourage appropriate leadership forms and skills in a local faith community.
• Integrate theoretical and practical competencies in the development of a local faith community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Analyse the impact of cultural and religious differences on community relations.
• Demonstrate sensitivity towards different cultures and religions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Develop and use analytical skills to identify and explain the needs of society.
• Develop contextually relevant responses to these needs.
• Apply these responses by proposing and implementing transformational processes and programmes.

Integrated Assessment

• Assessment practices in the TEE College are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. Assessment instruments are designed with this in mind so that students from different contexts are able to complete them.
• TEE uses an integrated approach to assessment. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values are combined using both theory and praxis.
• Assessment of the core courses is integrated with theological knowledge and studies. It is relevant to the students' context and develops competencies needed to achieve the exit level outcomes and the purpose of the qualification.
• A variety of methods are used in assessment and practical assignments are given that are relevant and appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work.
• The assessments are integrated which means that the theoretical and practical components are assessed together. Continuous assessments are provided through: > Self assessment activities. > Practical projects. > Written assignments. > Written exams - in some courses. > These together cover both formative and summative assessment.
• Assessors assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
• Assessment ensures that all the outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.

TEE College has a Quality Assurance process in place whereby all assessors are regularly monitored. (See below under the section on Moderation).