Masters Subjects (MDiv/MTh)


Languages

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A510 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
This Course Unit introduces students to the basic elements of Biblical Hebrew. It enables students to read Hebrew Biblical texts with the use of dictionaries and grammars.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Memorize sufficient vocabulary to translate selected Biblical Hebrew passages
  2. Recognize basic Biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax
  3. Translate, parse and analyse simple Biblical Hebrew into English
  4. Use Biblical Hebrew dictionaries and concordances and
  5. Employ their knowledge to read critical exegetical commentaries on biblical texts.
A520 Introduction to New Testament Greek
This course unit introduces the student to the elements of New Testament Greek and enables the student to begin to develop professional skills in New Testament exegesis and translation.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate the knowledge of, and the ability to use, Greek vocabulary
  2. display competency in translating selected texts into English
  3. exhibit an ability to use dictionaries and concordances
  4. employ their knowledge to read critical exegetical commentaries on biblical texts.


Biblical

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B629 Wisdom and Poetry in Israel
This course unit contributes towards a major sequence in Biblical Studies for the BTh. It enables the student to study at depth particular books and passages from Old Testament Wisdom Literature.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. explain the structures, literary forms and contents of the selected books and passages of the Old Testament
  2. critically evaluate the principal forms and patterns of biblical poetry
  3. specify and appraise significant themes in the selected works
  4. determine the appropriate methodology in analysing and exegeting selected texts and
  5. apply the relevance of the Wisdom literature to the contemporary church and society.
B605 Old Testament Theology
This course unit seeks to introduce a Biblical Theology approach to the theology of the Old Testament (as distinct from a Systematic Theology approach) by exploring the approaches of key scholars in the field, the major themes in the theology of the Old Testament and themes that bridge and unify the Old and New Testaments.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a solid knowledge of the key themes of the theology of the Old Testament
  2. explain the various interpretive approaches used by recent scholars in developing their Old Testament theologies and the ways in which the Old and New Testaments cohere
  3. exhibit an advanced ability to write a formal exegetical essay on selected passages of the old Testament.
  4. integrate the material studied into a critical theological framework and
  5. evaluate the major themes of the Old Testament, (creation, covenant, kingship, etc.) for understanding and communicating the message of the Bible to the contemporary world.
B672 Romans
This course unit enables students to extend their critical abilities in Biblical research by studying in close detail one of the major texts of the New Testament. It enables student in AQF Level 7 Bachelor programs to complete a Biblical Studies major and students in AQF level 9 programs to advance beyond foundational Biblical Studies.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Critically account for the historical, socio-cultural and religious background of the Roman Christian communities.
  2. Appraise the principal theological arguments of Romans.
  3. Critically exegete selected passages from Romans
  4. Integrate into formal essay writing, critical scholarship on Romans and
  5. Employ their acquired knowledge in preaching, liturgy and spiritual and pastoral leadership.
B520 Introduction to the Old Testament
This course unit aims to introduce students to the literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes of the Old Testament. It seeks to provide a foundation for further biblical and theological study.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a general understanding of the overall structure and contents of the Old Testament
  2. identify the literary shape, themes, social and historical background of the individual books of the Old Testament
  3. employ critical methodologies in the interpretation of Old Testament texts.
  4. access secondary literature and
  5. convey the relevance of the Old Testament to Christian life and the contemporary world.
B530 Introduction to the New Testament
This course unit aims to introduce students to the critical study of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes. It seeks to provide a solid foundation for further biblical and theological study.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. articulate a thorough knowledge of the contents of the New Testament
  2. assess the historical, social and cultural context of the New Testament
  3. demonstrate well-developed skills in critical interpretation of New Testament texts
  4. integrate significant secondary literature into formal critical essays on the books of the New Testament and
  5. relate the fruits of New Testament studies to a range of life and ministry situations.
B657 Lukan Literature
The course unit enables students to study the two volume work Luke-Acts which encompasses a gospel and an early Christian theological history. It can complete a Biblical major for students in AQF Level 7 Bachelor programs or advance Biblical Studies for students in AQF Level 9 programmes.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Account at an advanced level for the complex historical, religious and social background of Luke-Acts.
  2. Explain the various literary forms used in the construction of Luke-Acts.
  3. Interpret the theological themes of Luke-Acts.
  4. Exegete select passages from the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles using appropriate methodologies and
  5. Construct liturgies, homilies or biblical discussion group materials on Luke-Acts.
B668 Gospel according to John
This course unit builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in the pre-requisite units. It examines the historical context, literary forms and theological content of the Gospel according to John, their application to Christian worship, teaching and spirituality.

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. describe the historical, cultural and religious background of the Johannine community
  2. identify the principal literary forms in the Fourth Gospel and show how they communicate their theological content
  3. exegete selected passages from the Fourth Gospel
  4. access and use significant secondary literature for the critical study of the Fourth Gospel and
  5. apply insights gained from the Johannine Gospel to contemporary Christian worship, teaching and spirituality
New Testament Theology
This course unit seeks to introduce the student to the theology of the New Testament by tracing the development of some of its central ideas.

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of main New Testament theological themes, with specific reference to each of the major blocks of New Testament materials
  2. display a perceptive understanding of the differing methodologies of several prominent New Testament theologians
  3. show effective critical evaluation of the various approaches used by these scholars in developing their theology
  4. integrate the material studied into a critical theological framework and
  5. display a critical appreciation of the contributions of these scholars to the development of New Testament theology today.


Church History

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H500 Introduction to the Study of Christian History
This course unit introduces the student to the discipline of church history and provides an overview of significant historical periods and themes and the variety of methodological approaches to them.

At the end of this unit students will be able to

  1. Demonstrate solid knowledge of a number of key events in the Church’s past
  2. Understand and articulate a number of approaches to researching, constructing and interpreting the past
  3. Distinguish between primary and secondary source materials and use such sources critically and appropriately
  4. Show with precision how historical knowledge provides a necessary context for theological studies and
  5. Construct and support a coherent and historical argument in written form that demonstrates capacity for critical thinking and analysis, and utilises the methodological conventions of the discipline.


Theology

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T6xx Readings in Selected Theologians
This graduate course unit enables students to appreciate, via a detailed study of the key works selected theologians, that theology is an evolving and historically embedded discipline.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Thoroughly understand the historical context and methodological approach of selected theologians.
  2. Comprehensively identify the primary concerns of selected theologians
  3. Analyse/critique/compare, at an advanced level, the writings of at least two theologians.
  4. Accurately and creatively employ the chief insights of selected theologians in answering contemporary questions in theology and
  5. Systematically evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the writings of selected theologians and substantiate their stances.
T5xx Triune God and Revelation
This graduate unit builds on the knowledge and skills learned in the introductory unit in theology. It prepares the student for more specialised study at higher levels through a study of the nature, attributes and creative work of the Triune God as this is made known to us through his self-revelation.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the literature and the major theological doctrines (Revelation, Trinity, God the Father, Creation, Providence) relevant to this unit
  2. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ways that the Church has understood the interaction between the self-revealing God and creation
  3. Critically analyse a range of primary and secondary literature dealing with God’s self-revelation and his interaction with creation
  4. Critically evaluate key issues arising from their study of God’s self-revelation in the light of our contemporary cultural and religious setting and
  5. Synthesise this knowledge and apply it to pastoral situations arising within their ministry setting.
T633 Focused Study in Trinitarian Theology
The purpose of this graduate unit is enable students to build upon their prior theological learning via a study of a significant issue in Trinitarian theology.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Display a perceptive knowledge of the broader historico-theological framework that give rise to major issues in Trinitarian theology
  2. Display a profound knowledge of the issue under examination together with the relevant developments in scholarship
  3. Evaluate recent scholarship on the Trinitarian question
  4. Critically analyse the manner in which many questions in Trinitarian theology hold social implications
  5. Compose a graduate-level research paper focused on a major question in Trinitarian theology that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the relevant literature and developed analytical skills
T5xx Ecclesiology
This graduate unit introduces students to a central theme of theology, viz. that faith is lived within a community of believers.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Determine the sources of ecclesiology
  2. Interpret the nature and mission of the church
  3. Critically analyse recent writing in ecclesiology
  4. Critique influences shaping the contemporary church and
  5. Apply fundamental principles in ecclesiology to contemporary pastoral situations.
T5xx Pneumatology and Ecclesiology
This graduate unit seeks to explore the classical understanding of the Person and Work of the Spirit, the doctrine of the Church, the Means of Grace and our Christian Hope. It prepares students for specialized study in these areas.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the major historical and contemporary developments in pneumatology, ecclesiology and eschatology
  2. Critically discuss how these theological doctrines are integrated into the life of the church
  3. Critically evaluate the theological literature relevant to this unit
  4. Analyse the influences currently shaping the church’s understanding of these doctrines and
  5. Critically apply the results of their study of these doctrines to contemporary pastoral situations.
T5xx Christology and Soteriology
This graduate course unit is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of the person and saving work of Jesus Christ. It also explores the relevance of this understanding in the light of contemporary Christian thought and discipleship.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a developed understanding of the person and work of Christ in the New Testament;
  2. Develop critical awareness of the evolution of Christological and soteriological doctrine.
  3. Comprehensively analyze source documents and theological literature relevant to Christology and Soteriology;
  4. Critically and thoroughly explore issues in Christology and Soteriology in the context of contemporary culture and religion; and,
  5. Creatively apply Christological and Soteriological insights to the Christian spiritual life and Christian discipleship.
T6xx Major Questions in Christology
This graduate course unit enables students to build upon their prior theological learning via a study of significant questions in Christology.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Thoroughly understand the social and cultural forces that give rise to major questions in Christology.
  2. Discern at an advanced level the philosophical and anthropological complexion/underpinnings of major questions in Christology.
  3. Demonstrate intimate familiarity with a range of advanced theological/philosophical literature that is pertinent to major questions in Christology.
  4. Employ their understanding of major question in Christology to contribute to current debates in theology.
  5. Produce graduate-level research that is focused on a major question in Christology that demonstrates advanced analytical skills.
Evangelism
Is this another ‘How to reach your neighbours with the gospel course? Not quite. There are many good courses out there that can help Christians build bridges to speak to non-Christians about their faith. This course wants to go further. It wants to equip students to think through the deeper dimensions of what it means to become and be a Christian in the light of the whole message of the Bible. What are some of these ‘deeper issues’? They entail things like ‘predestination’ and God’s election; the definition, role and place of faith; who we are as humans – free to choose for God or doomed in our sinfulness. Then there are also further aspects such as the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation etc. What about the context in which we are to proclaim the gospel? Students will be focusing on a context in which they are interested in – such as cross cultural communication, youth, pastoral etc.By the completion of this unit, the students will be able to:

  1. give a theological account of the relationship between election and evangelism;
  2. develop a Christological model for the ordo salutis;
  3. develop a strategy for evangelism through the local church;
  4. share their faith practically with unbelievers in the light of a deep understanding of current secular and religious world-views and
  5. reflect a critical personal response to the lectures and to the praxis of evangelism.
Hermeneutics/ Interpretation
This course unit enables students to explore what it means to minister in the Church in the modern world. This course unit aims to introduce students to the history, goals and general principles of biblical interpretation with attention paid to the recognition and interpretation of the various literary genres in the Old and New Testaments.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. display a thorough knowledge of hermeneutical principles
  2. exhibit a perceptive understanding of the critical approaches used in interpreting Scripture
  3. demonstrate well-developed skills in the application of hermeneutical principles to biblical texts and
  4. show a critical appreciation of the diversity of interpretation of the Scriptures within the Christian tradition.


Pastoral

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P508 Pastoral Ministry in Context
This unit develops the student’s knowledge and experience of pastoral ministry, providing opportunities for personal development and critical insight into appropriate interventions for specific ministry situations. It is intended that this unit will expand the student’s capacity to reflect theologically on their response to complex pastoral situations.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Identify and discuss pastoral issues that arise throughout the life cycle
  2. Reflect on the application of pastoral theology to pastoral issues
  3. Explain principles of ethical behaviour and self-care in pastoral ministry
  4. Formulate appropriate interventions for issues that arise in pastoral ministry and
  5. Reflect on personal responses to issues that arise in pastoral ministry
P503 Supervised Ministry 1
This course unit incorporates learning experiences at a practical level as well as giving opportunity to reflect on both the practice and theory of ministry. This reflection occurs with both an appointed supervisor and mentor as well as the formal classroom situation. The mentoring would be with experienced ordained pastors or those in recognised specialist ministries.

At the end of the unit students should be able to:

  1. identify the key features of the support systems necessary to maintain a successful placement
  2. demonstrate a critical understanding of the issues involved in interacting within the mentoring and classroom situation
  3. incorporate the supervisory process and personal journaling as a means of critical self-evaluation
  4. demonstrate a sound level of practical involvement and initiative in the process of practical church ministry and
  5. appreciate the value and process of being mentored as means of personal growth.
P602 Supervised Ministry Practicum
This course unit is designed for those involved in the practice of ministry and builds upon previous theoretical and practical skills and knowledge. The practicum occurs with an appointed supervisor. The mentoring would be with suitably qualified experienced ordained pastors or those in recognised specialist ministries.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the interaction between the theory and practice in ministry
  2. display perceptive understanding of the implications of the interplay between the practice of ministry, the church’s traditions and the contemporary culture
  3. critically evaluate the ministry gifts and leadership of both themselves and others
  4. assess areas of their own ministry that require further development and growth in light of reading and advanced levels of supervision and mentoring and
  5. apply a critical appreciation of the place of advanced skills of supervision.
P501 Intro to Pastoral Theo & Ministry
This course unit is an introduction to pastoral and practical theology for ministry. It is also an opportunity to overview the biblical and theological foundations of ministry. Common aspects of ministry will be considered.

At the end of the unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate advanced knowledge of the contemporary complex issues relating to the practice of pastoral care
  2. present a critical evaluation of the role of the human sciences in pastoral theology and ministry
  3. apply advanced critical skills and insights of biblical and theological scholarship to the practice of ministry
  4. demonstrate mastery of complex theological reflection in the practice of ministry and
  5. Use technical and communication skills to independently analyse professional practice.
P606 Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
This course unit aims to develop strategic thinking for organisational planning. It focuses on the role of leaders as strategic thinkers whose influence will impact the future of an organisation and its stakeholders.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. display perceptive understanding of individual and organisational purpose and mission in the light of a Christian worldview
  2. research and analyse an organisation and its environment
  3. generate creative and effective organisational plans
  4. anticipate, identify and solve organisational problems and
  5. show a critical appreciation of the need for strategic thinking for organization.


Worship

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L520 Preaching 1
This graduate course unit seeks to establish a theology of preaching that provides an adequate theoretical foundation to preaching practice and introduces students to the foundational skills needed for the preparation and delivery of homilies / sermons.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. apply theological and theoretical principles to distinguish quality preaching of homilies/sermons
  2. appraise a service of worship and explain the place of the homily/sermon
  3. differentiate between written discourse and oral discourse and explain their interrelationship
  4. demonstrate a range of preaching styles and 5) prepare and deliver sermons / homilies that are creative and exhibit a basic structure that fits the context.
L620 Preaching and context
This graduate course unit examines preaching in its social and cultural context.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. appraise contemporary social and cultural context, extrapolate future trends, and forecast future trends in preaching
  2. generalise the principles underlying effective preaching in particular contexts
  3. creatively design sermons or homilies incorporating variations in style and structure
  4. critique sermons or homilies with reference to their social and cultural context and
  5. preach sermons or homilies that effectively communicate in different contexts.


Spirituality

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S502 – Christian Spirituality
This graduate course unit develops a comprehensive introduction to, and overview of, the topic of Christian Spirituality focussing on its biblical, theological and historical premises and practice from a denominational perspective.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Construct a developed understanding of what is meant by the term ‘spirituality’ in light of contemporary pursuits in spirituality;
  2. Categorise and critique the historical and cultural influences upon the development of Christian Spirituality;
  3. Substantiate the specific nature of Christian Spirituality and personally formulate its primary characteristics at the service of leading others in spiritual formation;
  4. Interpret various historical and contemporary kinds of spiritual disciplines or practices within the Christian tradition within their biblical and theological frameworks; and
  5. Apply insights from a variety of expressions in Christian spirituality to their own spiritual formation and practice.


Ethics

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E500 Principles
This unit introduces students to theological reflection on the ethical aspects of Christian life and discipleship. It also provides the graduate student with a methodological basis for further studies in Christian ethics.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Distinguish and clarify the sources of Christian ethics
  2. Explain the central concepts and principles in Christian ethics
  3. Describe the key developments in the history of Christian ethics
  4. Demonstrate a familiarity with the literature of Christian ethics and
  5. Reflect on ethical issues in an integral way in the light of the various elements of Christian moral reasoning.


Generic/Research Units

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Xx691 Research Project/Methodology
This course unit builds on the theological background, capacity and interests of a student and prepares her / him to pursue broad research, often of a survey nature, into an area or topic within a discipline or across disciplines. This course also incorporates a Research Methodology with a view to prepare students for the Research Essay (xx796).

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate thorough preparatory knowledge of the area chosen within the disciplines being studied
  2. demonstrate sophisticated skills of researching within a discipline and across disciplines where applicable
  3. critically evaluate the topic under consideration using the methodologies of the subject area/s
  4. integrate the topic being studied into a wider theological framework
  5. show a critical appreciation of the pertinent theological, ministerial and social implications of the topic and
  6. demonstrate thorough ability to develop a Research Proposal.
Xx792 Independant Guided Study
This course unit enables Masters students with initiative and creativity to pursue ideas and areas of interest in the subject area. It affords the student an opportunity to continue to develop independent research and study skills.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. determine for themselves a question to be posed or a topic to be investigated in the particular subject area
  2. choose and defend a satisfactory method for resolving the question or for researching the topic
  3. develop a detailed bibliography for the area of their Research
  4. exhibit sophisticated competence in descriptive, critical and analytic skills with respect to the topic of their research and
  5. produce a critical piece of research work which is clearly expressed and persuasively argued.
Xx794 Issues In…
This course unit enables Masters students who desire to pursue a particular issue or issues in a subject area to deepen their understanding, develop their skills of research and increase their appreciation of the related values.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. determine for themselves a question to be posed or a topic to be investigated in the particular subject area
  2. demonstrate thorough critical knowledge of the area chosen for consideration
  3. evaluate critically and in detail the issue using the methodologies appropriate to the subject area and
  4. show a critical appreciation of the pertinent theological, ministerial and social implications of the issue.
Xx796 Research Essay
This course unit enables students who have generally excelled in their coursework to research and write in an area of specialisation and to demonstrate an ability to pursue further research at the Masters honours and doctoral levels. Applicants for Sydney College of Divinity research degree programs are required to have completed this unit at distinction or demonstrate equivalence in achievement.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the topic chosen
  2. demonstrate advanced skills in researching a topic
  3. write an extended essay which expounds the topic systematically employing the appropriate methodology
  4. appreciate the complexity and ramifications of research and
  5. rom the presentation of a proposal through to supervision and finally the external review of the results by experts in the field.
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