Course Details for Graduate Certificate in Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 2, 2023
120.515 Reading the Old Testament
This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of Old Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.
122.615/715 Pentateuch
This course engages students in detailed exegesis of the English [or the Hebrew] text of selected parts of the Pentateuch, as well as studies in the theology of the Pentateuch with particular focus on the book of Deuteronomy.
201.515 Engaging Theology
Aim: To explore systematic theology and teach learners to think theologically. It examines God’s self-revelation, how that revelation can be understood, and why it is foundational for Christian faith. To then explore the arrangement of this revelation into a set of core beliefs and their application to everyday living.
202.615/715 Christology
This course examines traditional and contemporary theologies of the person and work of Christ, theology of revelation and Scripture.
220.615/715 Special Topic: The Epistle to the Hebrews
This course focuses on the exegesis of the Epistle to the Hebrews. It places the book in its setting in the first century and as part of the New Testament and helps students to gain a thorough appreciation of its background, content, argument, and theology. The book’s relevance for and application to the twenty-first century church is investigated.
308.515 Christian History: Our Story
This course offers a survey of major developments in the history of Christianity from the early church through to the 21st century with attention to the life and thought of key individuals.
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.
401.515 Formation
This course aims to help learners reflect on personal and communal spiritual formation, through engagement with Scripture, theological understandings and a variety of Christian spiritual traditions. This reflection will include (1) evaluation of key aspects of their own formation, (2) evaluation of their experiences of personal and communal strategies intended to facilitate spiritual growth, and (3) the development of spiritual practices which will strengthen their contribution to enhancing human wellbeing within their own social and cultural contexts.
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.
540.615/715 Making Disciples that Last
This course explores the key relational aspects of effective youth ministry with an emphasis on developing young people personally and spiritually. Students will gain a deeper understanding of relationships between aspects of youth culture and the discipleship of young people. Topics covered in the course include biblical and theological understandings of discipleship, cultural and personal identity formation, family dynamics, adolescent human development, and appropriate communications and mentoring strategies.
561.615/715 Introduction to Preaching
This course helps prepare students to preach biblical sermons that witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. Preaching is an event where we participate with the triune God in faithfully proclaiming the Gospel so that people may faithfully respond.
617.615/715 Mercy, Justice, and Social Transformation
This course identifies the theological and global realities of suffering, injustice and need. It affirms the holistic nature of God’s mission to the world and the call to express mercy and justice, seeking to bring social transformation through community, national and international aid and development. This course seeks to develop creative approaches to holistic social transformation through engagement with theology, history and contemporary interventions.
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.