Course Details for Graduate Certificate in Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 1, 2023
111.615/715 Interpreting the Bible
This course is an introduction to biblical interpretation, grammatico-historical exegesis, biblical genres, historical developments, historical-critical and literary-critical methods, and hermeneutical considerations, including hands-on experience in exegeting biblical texts.
123.615/715 Prophets
This course examines the nature of Old Testament prophecy, the language of prophecy, and the eighth century prophets with special reference to the book of Amos. Either a) exegesis of selections of the English text of Amos, or b) translation and exegesis of selections of the Hebrew text of Amos.
143.615/715 Gospels 2 (John)
This course is an introduction to modern study of the Fourth Gospel, including key critical issues and approaches, as well as important literary and theological themes in the Gospel. There will be exegesis of selected English texts (English Option) or translation and exegesis of selected texts in Greek (Greek Option).
205.615/715 Church: Theology and Practice
This course introduces students to ecclesiology: biblical and historical perspectives. Attention will be given to the development of the church’s self-understanding as the people of God and to a range of approaches to ministry and sacraments.
219.615/715 Ngākau Maia: Christian Confidence
This course explores how we can genuinely know and authentically live out the truth contained within the Biblical narrative. Recognising that all truth is indwelled truth leads to a posture of “proper confidence” in the gospel. This “proper confidence” is contrasted with alternative constructions of truth and meaning common in contemporary New Zealand society and beyond. The course provides and encourages the development of new examples and practical outworking’s of an indwelled gospel truth which is directly applicable to the student’s everyday experience.
310.615/715 Te Harinui: The History of Christianity in Aotearoa
This course explores the story of Christianity in Aotearoa, with particular attention to the spread of the Gospel among Māori and interactions between Christianity and New Zealand identity and institutions, and the contextualization of that story in Christian leadership in Aotearoa.
351.715 Research Topic 1: Christian Thought and History
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: Bible, Theology, or History. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
352.715 Research Topic 2: Practical Theology
This course provides an opportunity for preparing an extended research paper of 6,000 – 8,000 words on a topic not specifically covered elsewhere in a student’s programme of study. It requires the development of research skills and the ability to present a sustained argument on an issue of some complexity. A Research Topic may be proposed in any of the following subject areas: pastoral theology, practical theology, or missiology. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the head of school or delegate.
406.615/715 Models of Spirituality
This course explores a variety of significant traditions within Christian spirituality, including their biblical and historical origins, and considers their contribution to spiritual life in the contemporary world.
478.615 Practicum I
This course aims to build ministry awareness, leadership resilience, and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
479.715 Practicum II
This course aims to build ministry critical awareness, leadership resilience and competence in a field of the student’s choosing. Students are given scope to engage in an area of ministry or vocation in order to develop their proficiency in that field through reflective practice and field-based experience. The course focuses on embodied learning where specific fieldwork-related competencies are aligned to a student’s practicum goals.
480.615/715 Faithful Living: Intro to Reflective Practice
This course explores the dispositions and practices that are required to form life-long reflective practitioners. Students are introduced to a range of models of theological reflection and will evaluate and apply these within their context. Key theological themes and practices underlying ethical behaviour are explored and students will develop a contextualised code of conduct. Students are prompted to develop self- and other- awareness, and build resilience to the experience of receiving and processing feedback from others.
511.615/715 Pastoral Care in Community
This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of pastoral care in, through and beyond the local church. The course is grounded in vision of community as a paradigm for transformation and carries a fundamental commitment to care of the whole person. Within this relational frame, various approaches to pastoral care, care in life’s stages and transitions as well as care of the carers will be explored.
612.615/715 Majority World Theology
This course offers an introductory look at ‘local’ theologies. It considers how cultures bring differences of emphasis and insight into their reading of Scripture and ways in which evaluation is still required and possible as the Gospel is related to the worldviews of particular contexts.
653.715 Tikanga Rangahau
Working closely with the course co-ordinator this course offers the opportunity for in depth individual research on a particular aspect of Māori theology studied in the indigenous courses. The aim is to identify and become familiar with resources on the chosen topic, to strengthen knowledge base, and to comment and critique on findings.
This timetable is correct at the time of publication; however the College reserves the right to cancel courses, or alter lecture times should circumstances arise. Up to date information is available at any time by contacting the College.