Objectives
The course is ecumenical and aims to deepen the understanding and expression of Christian faith. Unlike courses in Religious Studies, which look at religion from the perspective of other disciplines such as philosophy, anthropology, psychology or history, it is specifically the study of Christian traditions and thought. However, it examines theology alongside, and in dialogue with, other fields of study and other issues which are critical to contemporary society and culture. The degree does not of itself qualify a person for ordination in any church but it can be used to fulfil a part of ordination requirements. Learning outcomes At the completion of this award graduates will have a broad understanding of the academic study of Christian traditions and thought, and to the capacity to make connections between them and other disciplines, in the context of contemporary society.
Course description
The Bachelor of Theology aims to deepen the understanding and expression of Christian faith.
This course is inter-disciplinary, combining biblical studies, church history, systematic theology and Christian ethics with an optional stream comprising professional ministry studies such as pastoral care, Christian education and preaching. And it is ecumenical, dealing with the Christian tradition in all its diversity.
What will I study?
Refer to the program of study.
Why study Theology at Flinders?
The Bachelor of Theology at Flinders:
* brings the insights of the Christian Scriptures and traditions to bear on contemporary concerns such as the environment, the economy, multiculturalism, health and welfare
* offers an intellectually rigorous study of the Christian faith from the perspective of Christian traditions and thought
* provides a thorough grounding in the breadth of theological scholarship that recognises the diversity of the Christian tradition
* develops an understanding of theology in dialogue with other fields of study, including philosophy, social justice, ecology, ethics and women's studies.
Career opportunities
What can I do with my Bachelor of Theology degree?
Study a language
Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of 1 extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.
The Bachelor of Theology requires four years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time).
The course is offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities, Law and Theology.
Enrolment in the honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the school/department being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [November, 2008]
To qualify for the Bachelor of Theology a student must complete 144 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study*, comprising:
* 37.5 units of Biblical Studies topics,
* 37.5 units of Historical and Systematic Theology topics,
* either 33 units of Pastoral Studies topics or 33 units of non-Theology topics, and
* a further 36 units chosen from the following areas of study: Biblical Studies; Historical and Systematic Theology; Pastoral Studies or Biblical Languages.
Non-Theology topics can be selected from any offered by the University provided entry and course requirements are met. At least 21 units must be from one discipline and at least 24 units must be at higher than First Year.
* Students who commenced studies for the degree before 2002 may, with the approval of the School Board, complete it under the appropriate pre-2002 structure. (Students who completed their studies before 1992 without qualifying for the degree but whose studies now fulfil necessary requirements (or are deemed by the Board to be sufficient) may apply to be awarded the degree.)
The programs for the:
* Biblical Studies
* Historical and Systematic Theology
* Pastoral Studies
* Biblical Languages
components are set out below.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year and some topics are offered in various internal/external modes as indicated.
BIBLICAL STUDIES
First Year
37.5 units comprising:
THEO1001
Introduction to Exegesis: Old Testament and New Testament Texts [I/E]
4.5
THEO1101
Interpreting the Old Testament [I/E]
4.5
THEO1201
Interpreting the New Testament [I/E]
4.5
Second and Third Years
24 units from the following (at least one Third Year topic must be completed and both Old Testament and New Testament topics must be represented):
THEO2102
Old Testament Exegesis: Israel's Response to Exile
6
THEO2104
Old Testament Exegesis: Pentateuch [I/E]
6
THEO2105
Genesis [E]
6
THEO2203
New Testament Exegesis: The Pauline Letters
6
THEO2207
Synoptic Studies and the Gospel of Mark
6
THEO2208
Synoptic Studies and the Gospel of Luke
6
THEO2209
New Testament Exegesis: The Book of Acts
6
THEO2210
Rainbow-Coloured Jesus
3
THEO2211
'Digging up the Bible': Theology and Archaeology in Dialogue
3
THEO2212
Matthew [E]
6
THEO2213
1 and 2 Corinthians [E]
6
THEO2214
Romans [E]
6
THEO2215
Digging up the Church: Religion, Culture and Contexts in the Lycus Valley
3
THEO3001
Biblical Hermeneutics [E]
6
THEO3103
Old Testament Exegesis: The Writings
6
THEO3104
Old Testament Exegesis: Wisdom
6
THEO3106
Old Testament Exegesis: The Prophets
6
THEO3107
Interpreting Creation Texts of the Bible
3
THEO3108
Ecology and the Bible
3
THEO3206
New Testament Exegesis: After Paul
6
THEO3208
Voices of Jewish Christianity
6
THEO3209
Passion of Jesus, Passion of Christians
6
THEO3210
Study Tour, Lands of the Bible
6
THEO3212
New Testament Exegesis: Johannine Literature
6
THEO3213
The Pleasure of the Text
3
THEO3214
Texts, Artifacts and Culture
6
I/E = Internal and External mode
E = External mode only
HISTORICAL AND SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY
First Year
37.5 units comprising:
THEO1301
Faith and Revelation [I/E]
4.5
THEO1303
Humanity and Grace [I/E]
4.5
THEO1401
Early Church History [I/E]
4.5
Second and Third Years
THEO2301
The Person and Work of Christ [I/E]
6
THEO3322
Introduction to Christian Ethics
3
and either
THEO2402
Medieval Church History [I/E]
6
or
THEO2403
Reformation Church History
6
or
THEO2404
Church in the Modern World
6
9 other units from the following:
THEO2303
Anglican Studies
3
THEO2304
Liturgical Year: Theology and Celebration
3
THEO2305
Eucharist: Theology and Celebration
3
THEO2306
The Christian Life: A Protestant Perspective
6
THEO2307
Orientation to the Uniting Church in Australia [E]
6
THEO2308
Creation Spirituality [E]
6
THEO2310
Fathers and Heretics [E]
6
THEO2311
Introduction to Feminist Studies in Theology [E]
6
THEO2402
Medieval Church History
3
THEO2403
Reformation Church History
3
THEO2404
Church in the Modern World
3
THEO2405
Soul-Stirrings - A History of Christian Spirituality [E]
3
THEO2407
Service as Good News - The Diaconate in History [E]
6
THEO3302
Sex, Ethics and Christianity
6
THEO3307
Woman, Man and God
6
THEO3309
Church and Ministry
6
THEO3310
Sacraments
6
THEO3313
History, Destiny and Hope
6
THEO3315
Theology of God the Trinity
6
THEO3318
Bio-Medical Ethics
6
THEO3319
Responding to Aboriginal Theologies
6
THEO3321
Church, Ministry and Sacraments
6
THEO3323
Making Moral Decisions
3
THEO3324
Indian and Chinese Spiritual Paths
3
THEO3325
Abrahamic Faith Traditions
3
THEO3326
Justice, Society and the Human Person: Contemporary Christian Social Thought
3
THEO3327
Philosophy and Christian Thought
6
THEO3328
Sex, Marriage and Family in Christian Ethics
6
THEO3329A
Quest for the Spirit: Exploring Theology and the Arts
6
THEO3410
Early Christian Writings
3
I/E = Internal and External mode
E = External mode only
PASTORAL STUDIES
First Year
33 units comprising:
THEO1502
Sociology for Ministry [I/E]
4.5
and
THEO1507
Introduction to Pastoral Care [I/E]
4.5
Second and Third Years
24 units from the following:
THEO2303
Anglican Studies
6
THEO2502
Evangelism [I/E]
6
THEO2504
Christian Pastoral Care
6
THEO2505
Homiletics
6
THEO2506
Christian Education
6
THEO2507
Liturgy and Worship
6
THEO2510
Youth Ministry
6
THEO2517
Family and Children's Ministry
6
THEO2519
Pastoral Care in a Hospital Setting 1 [I/E]
6
THEO3501
Supervised Field Education
12
THEO3501C
Supervised Field Education (Part 1)*, and
6
THEO3501D
Supervised Field Education (Part 2)*
6
THEO3503
Advanced Homiletics
6
THEO3504
Approaches to Theological Reflection
6
THEO3505
Christian Spirituality
6
THEO3506
Formation for Christian Ministries
6
THEO3507
Leadership in the Christina Church [I/E]
6
THEO3508
Pastoral Care in a Hospital Setting 2 [E]
6
THEO3509
Practicum
12
THEO3510
The Mission and the Church [I/E]
6
* Students must enrol in Part 1 and Part 2 to complete the requirements of this topic.
I/E = Internal and External mode
E = External mode only
BIBLICAL LANGUAGES
Students may choose the following topics of which up to 6 units may be included in the Biblical Studies stream or as part of the non-Theology component of the degree.
THEO2701
Biblical Greek 1 [I/E]
6
THEO2702
Biblical Hebrew 1 [I/E]
6
THEO2703
Reading Theological German
6
THEO3701
Biblical Greek 2
6
THEO3702
Biblical Hebrew 2
6
THEO3703
Biblical Greek 3
6
THEO3704
Biblical Hebrew 3
6
I/E = Internal and External mode
E = External mode only
OTHER DISCIPLINES
33 units comprising:
* 9 units of Level 1 topics (2 x 4.5 units) from another discipline
and either
up to 24 units from the following:
THEO2701
Biblical Greek 1
6
THEO2702
Biblical Hebrew 1
6
THEO2703
Reading Theological German
6
THEO3701
Biblical Greek 2
6
THEO3702
Biblical Hebrew 2
6
THEO3703
Biblical Greek 3
6
THEO3704
Biblical Hebrew 3
6
OR up to 24 units from other disciplines. Students must complete 21 units from one area of study and at least 24 units at levels more advanced than First Year.
Students not enrolling in the Other Disciplines stream may include 6 units from Biblical and Theological Languages in their course of study. Three units of this will be counted as part of the Systematic Theology stream.
I/E = Internal and External mode
E = External mode only
