Course Details for Graduate Diploma of Theology
Distance Learning campus
Semester 1, 2019
106.515 Hebrew 1
This course explores an introductory study of biblical Hebrew, including basic vocabulary and key points of grammar. Note for 2024: For distance learning it is strongly encouraged that students attend the two weekly classes (as per the Henderson Theology timetable) via Zoom to get the most out of the course.
108.515 Greek 1
This course is an introductory study of the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis. Note for 2024: For distance learning there will be two online classes each week during the evenings on Mondays and Thursdays 7-9pm. Attendance is strongly encouraged to get the most out of this course.
111.615 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.
115.515 Reading the Bible
This course aims to introduce the broad shape of the biblical story and show how the Christian gospel is integral to biblical theology. It explores the unity, diversity and central themes of the Bible to make sense of the relationships between the Bible, theology, and all of life.
125.615/715 Psalms
This course studies the growth of the Psalter, its present shape, theological significance and emergence and use as the Bible’s book of praise and prayer.
140.515 Reading the New Testament
This course aims to develop and apply a broad understanding of New Testament foundations, and their interpretation and application within church, mission, and community contexts.
142.615/715 New Testament: Luke
This course involves a detailed study of the text of Luke’s Gospel; theology and critical issues of Luke’s Gospel. Exegesis of selected English texts, or translation and exegesis of selected texts in Greek.
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.
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.
211.615/715 Theological Ethics
This course introduces students to ethical decision-making and Christian ethics, including the biblical underpinnings of ethics, morality, justice, and virtue. It is also an introduction to individual and social ethics, and concepts of justice, virtue and vice.
215.515 Beginning Theology
This course aims to integrate and apply theological reflection, providing opportunities for learners to develop skills for working with biblical texts in appropriate leadership, church, mission, or community contexts.
307.615/715 History of New Zealand Christianity
This course is an in-depth survey of the development of Christianity in Aotearoa New Zealand, from the arrival of Samuel Marsden in 1814 until the present day.
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.
403.615/715 Spirituality for Ministry
This course builds on the topics and spiritual disciplines introduced in 401 Formation. The focus is on developing approaches to life and ministry which will help to maintain balance, sustainability and growth in ourselves and others. The term “ministry” here has the broad sense of using our gifts and our time for God’s service, whatever our context.
463.615 Ministry in Context
This course offers an intensive exploration of the minister’s sense of call in relation to their current ministry and local context. Contextual theory meets practice through the experience of ministry, mentoring, specific models of reflective practice, and a formal exploration of the student’s current context supported by integrative tutorials.
466.715 Philosophy of Ministry
This course seeks to draw together student’s prior internship courses, and wider academic learning through the formulation of a personal philosophy of ministry. Ministry experience along with formal reflection will foster the clarification of ministry skills, knowledge and personhood while integrative tutorials seek to prepare students to transition into new ministry environments.
505.515 Christian Leadership & Mission
This course aims to explore and evaluate a range of mission, church, and community-based programmes and applies faith-based principles in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Learners will reflect on how personal and communal expressions of faith can enhance the wellbeing of others in a range of social and cultural contexts.
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.
585.715 Research Topic
This full-year 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 in their final year. 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 subject area. Only one Research Topic may be credited to a BMin, a BTheol or a GradDipTh. The research topic may only be undertaken with the approval of the Head of School.
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.
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.