The course acquaints the student with the basic information concerning the important people, events, and dates in the history of the Church from the Apostolic Age to the Medieval Period.
Fundamental Christian beliefs and teachings, including revelation, inspiration, the Godhead, angels, the devil and the origin of sin, creation, man’s original condition and fall, state of the dead, the Holy Spirit, and the incarnation, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Attention will also be given to angels and demons.
The formation of the Old Testament Canon. Basic literary features/problems associated with the three divisions of the Hebrew Bible (Torah, Neviim, Kethuviim). Questions of Jewish and Christian (Catholic and Protestant) positions about the Old Testament Canon and how they affect the interpretation of the Old Testament literature (e.g. the Septuagint, Apocrypha, Deutero-canon, etc). Attention will be given to the use of the Old Testament in African Independent Churches.
This course is an exploration of the challenges of and approaches to mission and evangelism in a 21st century, Western context. Students will be encouraged to develop and/or hone their own theology of mission and evangelism as well as formulate creative approaches to mission and evangelism within the Western cultural context. Particular attention will be given to evangelistic challenges, possible approaches to evangelism, congregationally based mission and issues of contemporary social concern.
The course is computer applications, specifically, word processing spreadsheets in Excel. It starts with keyboarding skills and speed typing. It then proceeds to equipping students with intensive hands-on course has been designed to provide students with a solid understanding of advanced Excel tools and concepts in order to increase their knowledge and productivity.
Introduction to and application of key principles of effective and efficient academic writing. This course will provide key techniques, guidelines and suggestions to improve your academic written communication. It will give hands-on experience in drafting, organising and revising academic texts.
Survey of biblical, theological, and historical approaches to prayer, the devotional life, and the person and work of God. Understanding the foundations upon which the world and society are built. It the proceeds to cover making the right decisions to get involved in transforming our world instead of the church being passive. It treats the need to re-position the mental attitude of the church regarding wealth and poverty. Attention will also be given to Daniel, his character, experience and exploits as God’s servant and agent of hope of society and nations.
Focus will be on Spiritual Formation from the experiences of Daniel and lessons that can be applied in pastoral leadership in church and society. Students will produce a reflection paper on how they can mirror Daniel. In a Journey Narrative, the student will write his/her own personal spiritual story (4-5 pages) and produce a 3-4 page review of a book selected for spiritual formation. The student will be required to submit a two-three (2-3) page paper on his/her notations and reflections of the audio messages from the General Overseer, Chairman, Moderator or Arch-Bishop of a Church. The student must include a statement of the percentage of the required messages that you listened to.
An historical study of the nature and the theological and Biblical foundations of the worship practices in Church. Included will be a study of the Biblical rationale for the type of worship called ―Praise and Worship‖ with a practical emphasis on training the student to be a Worship Leader. Attention will be given to the Pentecostal/Charismatic Renewal movement and the place of music in that context. In addition, the skill of formulating a Praise and Worship ―song service‖ and the practical application of leading that service will be demonstrated. Furthermore, a student will have Biblical knowledge of, justification for, and practical skills to effectively lead praise and worship.
The Growth of Christianity AD 700 to 1300. Christianity and Islam. The Papacy. The Religious Orders. Heresies, Avignon and Great Schism, Renaissance, Magic and Witchcraft: European and Ghanaian. The Rise and fall of scholasticism. Late Medieval Missions and Ghana.
Introduction to the doctrine of sin (hamartiology), doctrine of salvation (soteriology) and the doctrine of the end times (eschatology).
The history of the formation of the New Testament canon. Outstanding literary problems found in the Gospels (e.g., Synoptic Problem, Proto-Luke hypothesis). Questions of authorship, date, place, purpose of writing, contents, message, form of the New Testament books.
Introduction to morphology and grammar of New Testament Greek. Alphabet, rules of accents, conjugation, declension, forms of tenses, moods, other grammatical aspects, and basic vocabulary.
This course is an introduction to communication which emphasizes storytelling, body language and the practical skill of public speaking. The first part of the course covers storytelling. It discusses the style of storytelling, the tone, and timing to better engage your audience. This course will help you craft a compelling narrative, inspire others to follow your lead, and connect with diverse audiences. The second part treats what body language is, about different emotions, how to read body language and how to use the information in effective communication in ministry. The students will learn about cultural differences as it pertains to body language, the power of first impressions and intuition and how to ask the questions and be an active listener.
The third part includes techniques to lessen speaker anxiety, and the use of visual aids to enhance speaker presentations. Its goal is to prepare students for success in typical public speaking situations and to provide them with the basic principles of organization and research needed for effective speeches.
The course comes in two parts. The first part of the course treats Critical Thinking. The components of this part are critical writing, informal logic, and epistemology. The content of the course is largely philosophic, but most of the application exercises will be centered on topics related to leadership. Students will analyze ideas in texts and lectures, learn how to critique and construct arguments, and analyze problems in complex systems. They will also examine the ways that powerful groups and people can influence notions of truth.
The second part of treats Creative Thinking. This part is designed to enhance students‘ understanding of the concepts of creative thinking and to inspire and influence them with new ways of looking at problems and resolving them. The content will include both historic and contemporary examples of innovative companies and highly creative individuals who are leaders in creative endeavours and enterprises. Students will also be given opportunities to discover and express their imagination in various areas of creativity and engage in meaningful creative activities individually as well as in teams. They will find that working together in teams with members with different talents will enhance your individual creativity.
Historic development of the Protestant Reformation from the 16th century to its impact on the world and the church today. The course examines the lives and teachings of leading Reformers including, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin and Knox. And traces the Reformation movements in various nations. Attention will also be given to the rise of the major Protestant movements (Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anabaptism and Puritanism). The aim of the course is to apply the Reformation ideas of faith alone, grace alone and Christ alone to the Christian life and ministry.
Continuation of BDIV 108, covering remaining morphological and grammatical rules of New Testament Greek. Practice in reading and translation of simple texts from the Gospel of John.
An introduction to the basic principles of biblical Hebrew with emphasis on morphology, phonology and syntax.
A general introduction to the historical, sociological and religious world in which the Old Testament was produced, as well as the discipline of Old Testament Theology. The course is an analytical study of the Old Testament and its themes and the theology that can be derived from these. The goal is to obtain a better understanding of the whole of the Old Testament, particularly of the God of the Old Testament and His working through history and the nation of Israel, in order to better understand the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus Christ.
Introduction to theories and practices of preaching in pastoral and liturgical settings. Students will study the various dynamics of preaching (theological, hermeneutical, pastoral, exegetical, ethical, liturgical) and their relation to the regular practice of preaching. The aim of the course is to help students understand what is required to preach effectively and to practice what they understand. Recitation sessions provide opportunity for students to preach and have their efforts recorded on video for playback and critique by the lecturer.
The course discusses methods and interpretative principles involved in discerning the meaning of the biblical text. Topics covered include essential steps in interpreting the Bible, the variety of methods and approaches available to the contemporary student of Scripture, historical and theological issues arising out of the interpretative task, the relationship between the Testaments, word studies and literary genre. Students learn to use standard tools of biblical research.
Examination of the factors underlying the emergence of the Christian religious understanding and practices of African-descended peoples worldwide and their response. The aim of the course is to investigate whether the church among African descended people worldwide, has been able to address the various circumstances from which they emerged. The course focuses on historic and contemporary experiences of Africans (present inhabitants of the African continent) and African-descended peoples in the Americas, particularly the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
The course will discuss the factors behind the emergence of the Christian church on the African continent and in the African diaspora and how the church has responded in these various socio-theological contexts. We will give attention to the influence of slavery on Christianity in the Americas, the influence of apartheid on Christianity in South Africa and the influence of colonialism on Christianity in Africa. The course will explore their religious understanding and practices, including music, mode of worship, art, preaching, among others, in order to appreciate the factors that gave birth to their ―theologies‖ and spirituality.
Discussions will also include the emergence of black theology in South Africa where the main concern was liberation from apartheid while African theology developed in other parts of the African continent. Mention will be made of the African’s desire for liberation from malevolent spiritual forces evident in their films, music, prayers, proverbs, maxims and sayings.
This course is an introduction to the history, literature and theology of the New Testament. It addresses the background of the New Testament, historical issues of date, authorship and occasion, literary issues of genre, structure and content, and theological themes that are unique to the book.
The continuation of Biblical Hebrew Grammar I, including some reading of selected portions of the Hebrew Old Testament.
Revision of Greek Grammar. The course focuses on the translation and exegesis of passion narrative in Mark 14-16 and Luke 22-24. Translation and exegesis of portions of the Pauline epistles. Translation assignments may be done in English of any other language approved by the lecturer. Building on prior knowledge, this course will equip students to become independent exegetes of the Greek New Testament.
The course equips students with the dynamics of the urban area and how to plant healthy churches that will be self-governing, self-propagating and self-supporting. Attention will be given to reaching the lost in multi-housing communities.
The historical development of the church in West Africa. It explores the growth and the spread of the church and the role of the missionary movement in the planting and spread of Christianity. Major players, both foreign and indigenous and their contributors in this spread and growth are studied. The challenges the church faced in the period are also explored.
The history of the doctrine of the church from the first century. It examines the nature, forms, polities, marks, and functions of the church, including an examination of the church as an evangelical fellowship and the promise of an Evangelical ecclesiology, with a view toward a practical vision for doing church work in today's world. The evangelical revival transformed the church in the twentieth century, and now, more than ever, several questions are being confronted: "What is the nature and importance of the church in God’s overall plan of redemption? What precisely is the church? What should the church be doing as we enter the new millennium with all of its problems and promise?" With these programmatic questions in mind, the nature of the church as an evangelical fellowship is explored. A 21st century evangelical ecclesiology is developed.
The meaning and importance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper is also explicated. The riches of biblical, historical, and contemporary theology are kept in mind with a view toward a practical vision for doing church in today’s world. The emerging challenges to the doctrine of the church are discussed, including contemporary issues regarding marriage and ordination.
A study of exegetical methodology for preaching, teaching and scholarly research from the text of the Hebrew Bible. Selected narrative passages form the basis of the exegetical study.
The socio-religious setting of Ghanaian Pentecostalism. The History of Pentecostalism; Spirituality, Theology and Practices of Pentecostalism. Pentecostalism and Ghanaian social life.
Introduction to Arabia in the 6th Century, life of the Prophet, the spread of Islam, Islamic Sacred Texts, beliefs and practices (Articles of Faith and Pillars of Islam), Islamic groups i.e. Sunnis, Shites, Ahmadiyya, Ahlus Sunna, Tijaniyya etc. Aspects of Islam in Ghana, Misconceptions about Islam e.g. jihad, women, Shariah etc.
This course will aid students to develop competency in pastoral ministry through a study of being called to a church, beginning a pastoral ministry, building relationships, leading a church, and leaving a church field. Practical ministry matters, as well as theological and philosophical considerations, will include training in planning preaching, administrating the ordinances, performing weddings, conducting funerals and ordinations, visiting, counseling, and sustaining spiritual growth.
Ethical approaches to premarital, marital, and divorce and remarriage counseling. This course will also include a careful consideration of the ethics of inter-gender relations for both the pastor and church members within the context of normal church life. The ethical and legal concerns surrounding church discipline, leadership conflicts, and church divisions will also be presented with an emphasis on methods of conflict resolution.
Student will reflect upon, measure, and monitor the diligent work of continual spiritual formation that directs and empowers pastoral ethical life. We will examine the warning signs of spiritual corrosion that lead to moral failure, and we will explore the far-reaching impacts of clergy ethical failure. Students will be equipped and challenged by the readings and course work to develop a personal code of ethics as a Christian minister. The course product will afford students to take away broad principles of personal conduct that will help monitor and guide Christian ministry for years to come.
Major religious traditions associated with South, Southeast and East Asia. Students will be introduced to the histories, sacred texts and practices of Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Shinto, Taoism, Confucianism and other religions, students will gain some understanding of the variety and complexity of living religious traditions in the modern world. Students will be encouraged to explore the relationship and connections to the Christian tradition of these major religious traditions. Approaches to Christian missiology among Oriental religious communities.
With the growth of the online and internet ministries, the Christian educational establishment needs to develop skills and competency in this rapidly emerging area of missiology. The fast-growing media of communication in cyber space has become extremely relevant as many are migrating there for publicity, business and socialization. Cyber Ministry refers to the use of the Internet in Christian Ministry – for networking, soul-winning, church services, publishing, counseling and education.
The course examines religious phenomena and concepts of God, miracles, truth claims of religion, faith reason, and religious traditions, the problems of evil and suffering, the afterlife, and religious ethics. One assesses the relationship of religion and philosophy and the perspective of philosophy for an understanding of religious experience. Whether philosophy of religion can remain separate from particular religious traditions and their sacred sources (Vedas, Torah, Sutras, Bible, etc.) is an issue that will arise in the course.
This course will offer an introductory study of Islam: its main teachings and beliefs. It will explore a variety of topics such as the Islamic understanding of God, prophet(s), revealed scripture(s), angels and eschatology. Discussion will include Islamic religious practices such as profession of faith, prayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage. As a comparative study, special emphases will be given to the investigations of Jesus by Muslims and Christians— students will study the birth, mission, death, resurrection and eschatological role of Jesus in Christianity and Islam—and the closely related matter of the life and status of his mother Mary. The student will also examine how Muslim apologists employ these teachings and develop apologetic methods to respond to these views.
This course exposes students to the indigenous African foundations of the religious beliefs and practices of African communities living in Africa and the Diaspora. The course explores such issues as the concept of God, religion, values and philosophy of pre-Christian African societies. The course explores the theological ideas and the ritual forms of African communities such as the Asante, Ga, Fon, Ewe, Ibo, Yoruba and Mende of West Africa, and the peoples of Central, East and Southern Africa and how these ideas and practices have contributed to the shaping of outside religions that have flowed into Africa. Since the Africans populations were transported to the USA, Caribbean and Latin America as slaves, extended their religious beliefs and practices to their new homes, this course will provide students with insights into the beliefs and practices of such African centered Caribbean and Latin-American religious traditions as Vodou, Candomble and some religious forms and expressions of Africans in the diaspora.
The course discusses surveying moral terrain, life at the margins, family, sexuality and reproduction, Christian social ethics. It course treats the Biblically-informed perspectives on contemporary issues facing the church and the minister: divorce, abortion, euthanasia, genetic control, sex, war, racism, ecology, personal lifestyle, and the church‘s responsibilities. Through the examination of the Christian ethic, the student will gain a biblical understanding of an infallible authority in the realm of moral life and ethical reflection.
The development of contextually appropriate models for effective counselling; involvement in counselling demonstrations, visits to mental health institutions and other hospitals; specialization in areas such as marriage counselling, children and youth counselling, pastoral gerontology and bereavement counselling.
Evangelical revivals and evangelistic thrusts within Christianity from the 20th century to the present are the focus of this course, especially noting their distinctive character, causes and effects, theological underpinnings, and the unique role of the Holy Spirit in promoting revival. What Christians did to bring birth to the revivals and why they could not sustain it. These norms, issues and questions will be examined from biblical and theological perspectives in an effort to arrive at a viable and practical model that can be applied within a contemporary ecclesiastical and personal context.
Discussions will also include the ―reactionist and anti-denominational posture of founders of 20th century Christian ministries and movements, their strengths and weaknesses and what we can learn to strengthen the church today. How to pastor a revival and work with God as He brings change and revitalization to His church are also covered.
This course analyses the biblical accounts of origins and controversial historical claims in light of modern scientific findings in various disciplines.
Examination of the relationship between religion and politics across the continent of Africa. The main aim the course is to understand how religion affects politics and vice versa. The course also explore religions in Ghana and how Christians may respond and be part of the public square.
The course uses the knowledge in basic Greek grammar to further develop the student‘s skills in reading and interpreting New Testament Greek through a detailed study of more extensive sections of the Paul‘s First Epistle to the Corinthians and his Pastoral Epistles in Greek. Students will be required to produce short commentaries in the gifts of the Spirit or various ministries within the church.
The course will focus on research methods with application to the study of theology. The primary goal of the course is to provide broad practical understanding and competency in social science methods applied to theological research. Topics covered include conceptual issues, ethics, literature review, research design, techniques for data collection, tools for data analysis, sampling, various qualitative methods of data collection and analysis and publication. Basic statistical methods will be covered. Students will be introduced to the use of software in data analysis (NVIVO for qualitative research).
Overview of financial management, receipts and payments, bank reconciliation, assets management, investment, budgeting, financial statements and auditing. The aim of the course is to expose students to church financial management principles and practices. This is a comprehensive and yet practical treatment of the subject.
A fundamental description of family forms and issues across the life course, guided by historic and contemporary perspectives. It explores family interaction, relationships and gender role expectations.
The course, Bachelor of Divinity Dissertation I, is a 3-credit hour is the first of a two-part research project required for the degree. Students will be required to present their first chapter of their project work.
Variety of current seminar topics and provides them with the opportunity to evaluate components of good public seminars. The topics may be any aspect of theology and religion and must be approved by the instructor in advance. In this course, you will participate in five activities that will hone your oral presentation skills: observation, question, critique, research, and presentation.
Each student will do at least one oral presentation of the first chapter of the Bachelor of Divinity Dissertation research. The length of presentation will be 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a 10-minute period for questions. Attendance at each seminar is mandatory for all students enrolled. It is expected that students will actively participate by asking questions of the speaker. The effort by students to meet these expectations will be considered in the determination of your final grade. Students receive a grade only after completing a public seminar on their own research (final research seminar). Due dates will be established for topics, abstracts, and announcements. Failure to meet deadlines will also be taken into account in final grading.
New Testament interpretation which will provide students with the basic exegetical tools required to interpret and appropriate the biblical text. The student will learn to recognize and work with the different literary genres of the New Testament and will gain an overview of various hermeneutical approaches to Scripture. In the process, the student will be introduced to various research tools, methods, resources and practical skills for interpretation in order to appropriate the New Testament well in our contemporary context. (Biblical Studies Elective)
The course covers the reading and exegeting of texts in Genesis and Exodus with special focus on Joseph and Israel in Egypt. Students will be taught the skills required for the close reading and analysis of biblical texts and the principles and procedures of literary analysis.
The course explores Egyptology, story of Joseph and of Israel’s exodus. Students are introduced to the basic of Middle Egyptian language (Hieroglyphics). The study of Egypt includes the Pharaohs from Joseph to the Exodus, the gods of Egypt, and the religion of Egypt at the time of the Exodus. Focus is also on the exegesis of relevant Hebrew texts (Genesis 37, 39-50 and Exodus 1-14). Different styles of commentary and analysis will also be explored, and students introduced to a range of exegetical and analytical skills and tools. (Biblical Studies Elective)
This course provides an opportunity to use the skills learned of elementary Hebrew grammar to engage in depth with the language and interpretation of a selection of longer texts from the Prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible with special attention to Daniel, Isaiah, Joel and Zechariah. The primary emphasis is the exegesis of the texts, but attention will also be paid to textual and philological questions. (Biblical Studies Elective)
Religious and ethical concepts of Ancient Judaism. Texts both from Palestine and the Diaspora will be chosen, ranging from the Second Temple period until the Rabbis. How God imagined and experienced in Ancient Judaism; The degree to which this religion can be labelled as monotheistic; How creation was conceptualized; How God and creation was correlated with evil in the cosmos, in human life and the demonic realm; Which role the law played; Which central ethic concepts were relevant; How key ritual and social practices shaped every day‘s life. Attention will also be given to the plurality of Ancient Judaism: Students will familiarize themselves with different religious-political currents /parties like Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Baptismal sects, and first century Christianity. (Biblical Studies Elective)
An introduction to the aims, methods and principles of Christian education, with special attention given to educational-mission the field. Includes practice in planning the religious educational activities of the church. A consideration of the various factors which influence the teaching and learning process. Students will engage in a critical analysis of how faith is formed through the teaching ministry of the Church. (Pastoral Studies Elective)
The nature and history of chaplaincy ministry, including the chaplaincy’s identity, purpose, and ethical and legal parameters. The course will examine the biblical and theological foundations of a ministry of presence, which often comprises the core of chaplaincy ministry. The course focuses on the contexts in which chaplains minister, the types of tasks they perform, and the challenging issues that they will face ministering in various settings outside the scope of the traditional church's ministry, such as the military, the workplace, hospitals and retirement homes, prisons, and rescue missions or homeless shelters. Students will go on field visits. Chaplains from hospitals, armed forces and other organizations will be invited to interact with students in seminars. (Pastoral Studies Elective)
Introduction to church administration and management of non- profit organizations. It is designed to inform and educate students regarding management principles, procedures, techniques, theory, and practice for leading and managing churches and non-profit organizations. The course applies a problem-solving approach to the subjects of management, administration, supervision, organization, leadership, church government, finance, and legal issues relevant to ministers and lay leaders. (Pastoral Studies Elective)
Development of a Christian perspective on reality; the differences between Christian thought and Secular Humanism, the New Age Cults and Post-Modern Philosophical perspectives; extrapolation of a biblically grounded world-and-life viewpoint. (Christian Theology Elective)
Classic texts and representative schools in political theology, beginning with Augustine and moving through the medieval period, including exploration of the social and political thought of Reformed, Catholic, and Anabaptist traditions. Exploration of these texts and theological traditions in the first term will inform discussion of contemporary twentieth and twenty-first century movements, schools of thought and societal issues in the second term. Through both terms of study students will become familiar with the key debates and intellectual frameworks that have shaped the twentieth and twenty first century theological sub-discipline of Political Theology. (Christian Theology Elective)
A consideration of theological movements of the twentieth century including neo-orthodoxy, evangelicalism, process theology, post-Vatican II Roman Catholic theology, and modern luminaries like Moltmann and others. Surveys of some popular contemporary theologies and their impact on the church's witness in West Africa. Some areas that are studied are Liberation Theology, Feminist Theology, Prosperity Theology. In engaging these theologies the central question of the course is that if the good news which the church announces is anchored in its past but must also make itself answerable to the urgent questions of the moment such as poverty, development, human and rights how does the church address current issues in relevant ways while at the same time remaining faithful to the historical shape of the gospel. Students evaluate each of the theologies in the context of its relevance to the African and the Ghanaian situation today. (Christian Theology Elective)
Develop students’ understanding of how to continue their personal development through the process of self-reflection and ministerial attachments. The focus is on enhancing and identifying personal and professional areas of growth for ministry. Students participate in supervised ministry in a church-based or other ministry setting. Students will be challenged to integrate theory, theology, and traditions with their practice of ministry experiences and to establish goals to foster growth to the next level of professional competency and skill development primarily through the planning, implementation and evaluation of a Professional Ministry Development Project.
Students are required to fill in an industrial placement logbook (Blue Book) over the period of their study in the university. This book is a receptacle for information on internships in churches and parachurch organisations, first aid training, health and safety training, leadership seminars, research seminars, business plan, membership of professional bodies, spoken or non-verbal language, physical training, etc.
An introduction to introduction to the laws relating to the church and the clergy. It is designed to inform and educate students regarding legal issues relevant to the church, ministers and lay leaders. It will provide basic understanding of general legal principles and the application of the law, both common and statutory, to given circumstances. The reading will involve case studies. Though not designed to be a law school module, this course will assist the student in the analysis of legal issues and provide the basis for sound judgment and decision in church life.
The church in the 21st century finds itself changing through its engagement with social media, communication through websites, its use of digital technology in worship, pastoral practice, missions and theological education. This new emerging digital culture demands fresh theological conversation and new approaches. The response to this call for a new study is what digital theology is about. It involves the reflection on the digitization of society and its implications for Christian faith and practice.
This course explores digital culture and its impact on contemporary Christian religious understanding and practice. Attention will also be given to the impact digital culture is making on the world of faith and discipleship, our contemporary engagement with the Bible and other sacred texts in digital form.
The course, Bachelor of Divinity Dissertation II, is a 3-credit hour is the second of a two-part research project required for the degree. The number of words required for the dissertation is between 12,000 - 15,000.
Oral Examination: Candidates for the Bachelor of Divinity degrees of would be examined orally (in person) on their dissertation and on subjects relevant to it. In exceptional circumstances the Faculty Board may, on sufficient grounds submitted by the examiners, allow the candidate to be orally examined online. Their final seminar will consist of their B.D. Dissertation oral defense (Viva Voce). The length of their presentation will be 35 to 45 minutes, followed by a 15-minute period for questions.
Re-examination: Candidates who have not satisfied the examiners for the degree at the first examination may be permitted by the appropriate Graduate School Board, on the recommendation of the examiners, to submit their thesis or folio in a revised form on one occasion only. Such candidates will be required to submit their thesis or folio in a revised form within one calendar year. If the examiners find the revised thesis or folio acceptable no further oral examination is required.
Candidates who at the first examination submit a satisfactory dissertation but fail to satisfy the examiners in an oral examination may be permitted by the appropriate Faculty Board, on the recommendation of the examiners, to submit themselves for a second oral examination within six months.
This course introduces the field of Biblical Archaeology to the student. Archaeology, as a science, is defined, examined and evaluated in light of its contributions to an understanding of Biblical events and History. Students are taught to think critically about certain purported claims of Archaeology which are contrary to the Scripture. (Biblical Studies Elective)
This course covers the history of Rome in the first century CE from Augustus and the formation of empire to the reign of Domitian and its relevance to Christianity in the first century. Through ancient readings and modern scholarly interpretations, students will meet the ancient Romans: emperors, soldiers, commoners, builders, writers and philosophers. The times of Jesus, the response of the Caesars to Christianity and the persecution of the Christians and the fall of Jerusalem will be given attention. (Biblical Studies Elective)
The aim of the course is to train students to read, understand, and analyse Hebrew and Greek texts. Students will be taught the skills required for the close reading and analysis of biblical texts and the principles and procedures of literary analysis.
Reading of selected Hebrew texts (one OT, one Mishnah, One Qumran and the Siloam Inscription and Hezekiah‘s Tunnel) and Greek texts (Susanna, one LXX, one Pauline Epistle, and/or apocryphal texts like Acts of Paul and Tecla; Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians). Different styles of commentary and analysis will also be explored, and students introduced to a range of exegetical and analytical skills and tools. (Biblical Studies Elective)
The course treats conceptual frameworks and cognitive theories about death, dying, and grief. To increase affective development and sensitivity to issues concerning death, dying, and grief. It is designed to help the student become aware and sensitized to one‘s personal assumptions, biases, attitudes, and reactions to death, dying, and grief. Classes will include discussion on coping with loss and bereavement, supporting others in their struggle to deal with death issues and finding meaning and personal growth through encounters with death, loss of loved ones, loss of health, loss of property, and grief. (Pastoral Studies Elective)
Dynamics of community development in general, and Christian community development in particular. Emphasis will be on Community Development for Missions activities such as; poverty reduction, community engagement, Christian advocacy and policy making, social entrepreneurship and project management. The focus of this course is to introduce basic skills in the field of community development to enhance the capacity of the pastor/participant to effectively promote and participate in the holistic and sustainable development agenda of the communities of their congregants. (Pastoral Studies Elective)
This course thoroughly covers hymns and studies the more philosophical aspects of liturgy. It covers the development and use of music for worship, with emphasis on hymns. The course will outline the historical threads of hymnody and liturgy. Prominent hymn writers and derivations of tunes will be studied. (Pastoral Studies Elective)
Examination of Christian theological formation in Africa against the background of African cultures and religions as well as in light of its contemporary context. Attention will also be given to Christian theologizing in Africa. (Christian Theology Elective)
A study of the history and teaching of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit within the context of the New Testament, the theological teachings of the Early Church Fathers, and contemporary theological expressions of the Holy Spirit’s supernatural gifts. Attention will also be given to charismatic Christianity in Africa and particularly, Ghana. (Christian Theology Elective)
Biblical and theological perspectives of land care, environmental conservation, and the use of green technologies. Foundation in eco-theology and eco-spirituality to ground an effective faith response in today’s world. Christian response to Green theology and ecological ethics. (Christian Theology Elective)
