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:
Memorize sufficient vocabulary to translate selected Biblical Hebrew passages
Recognize basic Biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax
Translate, parse and analyse simple Biblical Hebrew into English
Use Biblical Hebrew dictionaries and concordances and
Employ their knowledge to read critical exegetical commentaries on biblical texts.
Introduction to New Testament GreekA520
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:
demonstrate the knowledge of, and the ability to use, Greek vocabulary
display competency in translating selected texts into English
exhibit an ability to use dictionaries and concordances
employ their knowledge to read critical exegetical commentaries on biblical texts.
Biblical
Wisdom and Poetry in IsraelB629
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:
explain the structures, literary forms and contents of the selected books and passages of the Old Testament
critically evaluate the principal forms and patterns of biblical poetry
specify and appraise significant themes in the selected works
determine the appropriate methodology in analysing and exegeting selected texts and
apply the relevance of the Wisdom literature to the contemporary church and society.
B605 Old Testament TheologyNT501
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:
demonstrate a solid knowledge of the key themes of the theology of the Old Testament
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
exhibit an advanced ability to write a formal exegetical essay on selected passages of the old Testament.
integrate the material studied into a critical theological framework and
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 RomansNT501
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:
Critically account for the historical, socio-cultural and religious background of the Roman Christian communities.
Appraise the principal theological arguments of Romans.
Critically exegete selected passages from Romans
Integrate into formal essay writing, critical scholarship on Romans and
Employ their acquired knowledge in preaching, liturgy and spiritual and pastoral leadership.
B520 Introduction to the Old TestamentNT501
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:
demonstrate a general understanding of the overall structure and contents of the Old Testament
identify the literary shape, themes, social and historical background of the individual books of the Old Testament
employ critical methodologies in the interpretation of Old Testament texts.
access secondary literature and
convey the relevance of the Old Testament to Christian life and the contemporary world.
B530 Introduction to the New TestamentNT501
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:
articulate a thorough knowledge of the contents of the New Testament
assess the historical, social and cultural context of the New Testament
demonstrate well-developed skills in critical interpretation of New Testament texts
integrate significant secondary literature into formal critical essays on the books of the New Testament and
relate the fruits of New Testament studies to a range of life and ministry situations.
B657 Lukan LiteratureNT501
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:
Account at an advanced level for the complex historical, religious and social background of Luke-Acts.
Explain the various literary forms used in the construction of Luke-Acts.
Interpret the theological themes of Luke-Acts.
Exegete select passages from the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles using appropriate methodologies and
Construct liturgies, homilies or biblical discussion group materials on Luke-Acts.
B668 Gospel according to JohnNT501
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:
describe the historical, cultural and religious background of the Johannine community
identify the principal literary forms in the Fourth Gospel and show how they communicate their theological content
exegete selected passages from the Fourth Gospel
access and use significant secondary literature for the critical study of the Fourth Gospel and
apply insights gained from the Johannine Gospel to contemporary Christian worship, teaching and spirituality
New Testament TheologyNT501
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:
Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of main New Testament theological themes, with specific reference to each of the major blocks of New Testament materials
display a perceptive understanding of the differing methodologies of several prominent New Testament theologians
show effective critical evaluation of the various approaches used by these scholars in developing their theology
integrate the material studied into a critical theological framework and
display a critical appreciation of the contributions of these scholars to the development of New Testament theology today.
Church History
H500 Introduction to the Study of Christian HistoryNT501
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
Demonstrate solid knowledge of a number of key events in the Church’s past
Understand and articulate a number of approaches to researching, constructing and interpreting the past
Distinguish between primary and secondary source materials and use such sources critically and appropriately
Show with precision how historical knowledge provides a necessary context for theological studies and
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
T6xx Readings in Selected TheologiansNT501
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:
Thoroughly understand the historical context and methodological approach of selected theologians.
Comprehensively identify the primary concerns of selected theologians
Analyse/critique/compare, at an advanced level, the writings of at least two theologians.
Accurately and creatively employ the chief insights of selected theologians in answering contemporary questions in theology and
Systematically evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of the writings of selected theologians and substantiate their stances.
T5xx Triune God and RevelationNT501
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:
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the literature and the major theological doctrines (Revelation, Trinity, God the Father, Creation, Providence) relevant to this unit
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ways that the Church has understood the interaction between the self-revealing God and creation
Critically analyse a range of primary and secondary literature dealing with God’s self-revelation and his interaction with creation
Critically evaluate key issues arising from their study of God’s self-revelation in the light of our contemporary cultural and religious setting and
Synthesise this knowledge and apply it to pastoral situations arising within their ministry setting.
T633 Focused Study in Trinitarian TheologyNT501
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:
Display a perceptive knowledge of the broader historico-theological framework that give rise to major issues in Trinitarian theology
Display a profound knowledge of the issue under examination together with the relevant developments in scholarship
Evaluate recent scholarship on the Trinitarian question
Critically analyse the manner in which many questions in Trinitarian theology hold social implications
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 EcclesiologyNT501
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:
Determine the sources of ecclesiology
Interpret the nature and mission of the church
Critically analyse recent writing in ecclesiology
Critique influences shaping the contemporary church and
Apply fundamental principles in ecclesiology to contemporary pastoral situations.
T5xx Pneumatology and EcclesiologyNT501
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:
Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the major historical and contemporary developments in pneumatology, ecclesiology and eschatology
Critically discuss how these theological doctrines are integrated into the life of the church
Critically evaluate the theological literature relevant to this unit
Analyse the influences currently shaping the church’s understanding of these doctrines and
Critically apply the results of their study of these doctrines to contemporary pastoral situations.
T5xx Christology and SoteriologyNT501
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:
Demonstrate a developed understanding of the person and work of Christ in the New Testament;
Develop critical awareness of the evolution of Christological and soteriological doctrine.
Comprehensively analyze source documents and theological literature relevant to Christology and Soteriology;
Critically and thoroughly explore issues in Christology and Soteriology in the context of contemporary culture and religion; and,
Creatively apply Christological and Soteriological insights to the Christian spiritual life and Christian discipleship.
T6xx Major Questions in ChristologyNT501
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:
Thoroughly understand the social and cultural forces that give rise to major questions in Christology.
Discern at an advanced level the philosophical and anthropological complexion/underpinnings of major questions in Christology.
Demonstrate intimate familiarity with a range of advanced theological/philosophical literature that is pertinent to major questions in Christology.
Employ their understanding of major question in Christology to contribute to current debates in theology.
Produce graduate-level research that is focused on a major question in Christology that demonstrates advanced analytical skills.
EvangelismNT501
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:
give a theological account of the relationship between election and evangelism;
develop a Christological model for the ordo salutis;
develop a strategy for evangelism through the local church;
share their faith practically with unbelievers in the light of a deep understanding of current secular and religious world-views and
reflect a critical personal response to the lectures and to the praxis of evangelism.
Hermeneutics/ InterpretationNT501
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:
display a thorough knowledge of hermeneutical principles
exhibit a perceptive understanding of the critical approaches used in interpreting Scripture
demonstrate well-developed skills in the application of hermeneutical principles to biblical texts and
show a critical appreciation of the diversity of interpretation of the Scriptures within the Christian tradition.
Pastoral
P508 Pastoral Ministry in ContextNT501
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:
Identify and discuss pastoral issues that arise throughout the life cycle
Reflect on the application of pastoral theology to pastoral issues
Explain principles of ethical behaviour and self-care in pastoral ministry
Formulate appropriate interventions for issues that arise in pastoral ministry and
Reflect on personal responses to issues that arise in pastoral ministry
P503 Supervised Ministry 1NT501
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:
identify the key features of the support systems necessary to maintain a successful placement
demonstrate a critical understanding of the issues involved in interacting within the mentoring and classroom situation
incorporate the supervisory process and personal journaling as a means of critical self-evaluation
demonstrate a sound level of practical involvement and initiative in the process of practical church ministry and
appreciate the value and process of being mentored as means of personal growth.
P602 Supervised Ministry PracticumNT501
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:
demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the interaction between the theory and practice in ministry
display perceptive understanding of the implications of the interplay between the practice of ministry, the church’s traditions and the contemporary culture
critically evaluate the ministry gifts and leadership of both themselves and others
assess areas of their own ministry that require further development and growth in light of reading and advanced levels of supervision and mentoring and
apply a critical appreciation of the place of advanced skills of supervision.
P501 Intro to Pastoral Theo & MinistryNT501
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:
demonstrate advanced knowledge of the contemporary complex issues relating to the practice of pastoral care
present a critical evaluation of the role of the human sciences in pastoral theology and ministry
apply advanced critical skills and insights of biblical and theological scholarship to the practice of ministry
demonstrate mastery of complex theological reflection in the practice of ministry and
Use technical and communication skills to independently analyse professional practice.
P606 Strategic Thinking and Decision MakingNT501
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:
display perceptive understanding of individual and organisational purpose and mission in the light of a Christian worldview
research and analyse an organisation and its environment
generate creative and effective organisational plans
anticipate, identify and solve organisational problems and
show a critical appreciation of the need for strategic thinking for organization.
Worship
L520 Preaching 1NT501
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:
apply theological and theoretical principles to distinguish quality preaching of homilies/sermons
appraise a service of worship and explain the place of the homily/sermon
differentiate between written discourse and oral discourse and explain their interrelationship
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 contextNT501
This graduate course unit examines preaching in its social and cultural context.At the end of this unit students will be able to:
appraise contemporary social and cultural context, extrapolate future trends, and forecast future trends in preaching
generalise the principles underlying effective preaching in particular contexts
creatively design sermons or homilies incorporating variations in style and structure
critique sermons or homilies with reference to their social and cultural context and
preach sermons or homilies that effectively communicate in different contexts.
Spirituality
S502 – Christian SpiritualityNT501
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:
Construct a developed understanding of what is meant by the term ‘spirituality’ in light of contemporary pursuits in spirituality;
Categorise and critique the historical and cultural influences upon the development of Christian Spirituality;
Substantiate the specific nature of Christian Spirituality and personally formulate its primary characteristics at the service of leading others in spiritual formation;
Interpret various historical and contemporary kinds of spiritual disciplines or practices within the Christian tradition within their biblical and theological frameworks; and
Apply insights from a variety of expressions in Christian spirituality to their own spiritual formation and practice.
Ethics
E500 PrinciplesNT501
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:
Distinguish and clarify the sources of Christian ethics
Explain the central concepts and principles in Christian ethics
Describe the key developments in the history of Christian ethics
Demonstrate a familiarity with the literature of Christian ethics and
Reflect on ethical issues in an integral way in the light of the various elements of Christian moral reasoning.
Generic/Research Units
Xx691 Research Project/MethodologyNT501
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:
demonstrate thorough preparatory knowledge of the area chosen within the disciplines being studied
demonstrate sophisticated skills of researching within a discipline and across disciplines where applicable
critically evaluate the topic under consideration using the methodologies of the subject area/s
integrate the topic being studied into a wider theological framework
show a critical appreciation of the pertinent theological, ministerial and social implications of the topic and
demonstrate thorough ability to develop a Research Proposal.
Xx792 Independant Guided StudyNT501
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:
determine for themselves a question to be posed or a topic to be investigated in the particular subject area
choose and defend a satisfactory method for resolving the question or for researching the topic
develop a detailed bibliography for the area of their Research
exhibit sophisticated competence in descriptive, critical and analytic skills with respect to the topic of their research and
produce a critical piece of research work which is clearly expressed and persuasively argued.
Xx794 Issues In…NT501
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:
determine for themselves a question to be posed or a topic to be investigated in the particular subject area
demonstrate thorough critical knowledge of the area chosen for consideration
evaluate critically and in detail the issue using the methodologies appropriate to the subject area and
show a critical appreciation of the pertinent theological, ministerial and social implications of the issue.
Xx796 Research EssayNT501
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:
demonstrate a comprehensive and in-depth knowledge of the topic chosen
demonstrate advanced skills in researching a topic
write an extended essay which expounds the topic systematically employing the appropriate methodology
appreciate the complexity and ramifications of research and
rom the presentation of a proposal through to supervision and finally the external review of the results by experts in the field.