Module descriptions of the Bachelor of Theology in Community Leadership 2009
Community Development

BASIC LEVEL (first year)

Christian Studies 1

Introduction to Philosophy and Worldviews

This module provides an introduction to worldviews in general with particular

focus on western philosophy and how philosophy has interacted with theology

and shaped our world.

History of Western and African Christianity

This module reviews the origins and growth of Christianity from the early church

through to the 20th century, focusing on the history of theology, the Church and

missions in the West and in Africa. The module will emphasise the dynamic

process of God’s providence sustaining Christian faith in diverse historical

contexts and will bring students to an awareness of how Christianity today has

been shaped by history.

Introduction to Theology This module is designed to introduce the student to the

methodology and discourse of systematic theology and provide a framework

within which to relate both the various theological disciplines (e.g. biblical

theology, historical theology, systematic theology) and the various doctrines of

the Christian faith. Special attention is given to the relationship between theology

and its cultural contexts, particularly within a South African context.

Theology of Mission

The biblical and theological foundations of mission are studied from creation to

Israel and then from Christ to the visions of the eschaton. An understanding of the

task of world evangelisation is developed. The influence of key movements and

mission paradigms will be explored, focusing in particular on current debates on

the nature of missions and evangelism.

Biblical Studies 1

Old Testament Foundations

This module is designed to introduce the learner to the scope of the Old

Testament, as a shared testimony, concerning its central character, Yahweh. The

module follows the ordering of the Hebrew Bible and is split over two terms.

Attention is given to historical background, interpretive issues related to literary

genre, and to the theology and integrity of the Old Testament. This module is an

important backdrop for New Testament Foundations.

New Testament Foundations

This module is designed to introduce the learner to the scope of the New

Testament, as the testimony of the early Church, concerning the crucified and

resurrected Jesus. The module follows the canonical order of the New Testament

and is split over two terms. Attention is given to historical background,

interpretive issues related to literary genre, and to the theology and integrity of

the New Testament.

Sociology I

Introduction to Sociology A and B

These modules provide an introduction to the principles, concepts, history, and major

approaches to the study of society. Special attention is given to major sociological

implications for the family, religion, government, education, and science.

Family and Development A and B

These modules will survey the themes of marriage development and family

issues. The student will be introduced to the dynamics of change within marriage

and the family as part of a developmental psychology framework.

Cultural Anthropology

This module seeks to introduce the student to the fundamentals of the science of

anthropology and its methods and techniques, especially as they relate to the

church and missions. The concepts of culture, worldview, social and kinship

structures, values and belief systems are examined.

Community of the Poor

In this module the student is introduced to poverty, particularly as it relates to

community development. Various definitions of poverty and causes of poverty

will be explored, as well as models for poverty alleviation.

Development and Mission

This module is an introduction to the ‘science’ of development and the

implications at global, national and community levels. The module seeks to

engage the students in the theories of development, and to survey the historical

and contemporary models of development. This is done against a background of

Christian mission.

Practical Theology I

Character of a Christian Leader

A particular emphasis is given to developing spiritual leadership through

understanding the “being” of leadership, the development of character which can

lead to more effective “doing”, and the skills in the practice of being a leader.

Christian Spirituality

This module provides an introduction to Christian Spirituality as it has unfolded

through time and explores different facets of contemporary spiritual life and

practice.

Interpersonal and Cross-cultural Communication

This is a foundational communications course introducing the study of human

communication processes within a variety of contexts. These include

interpersonal, cross-cultural, group and mass communication. Particular attention

will be paid to culture, gender and conflict management.

Reconciliation and Peace Making

The purpose of Reconciliation and Peace Making is to lay the foundation for a

biblical and theological approach to conflict management that will guide the

church and community leader in responding to interpersonal conflict both in the

church and in the community.

Psychology I

Introduction to Counselling A

In this module the student is introduced to counselling methodologies and

techniques. This module will focus on characteristics of an effective counsellor,

crisis counselling and specialised counselling needs.

Introduction to Counselling B

This module will provide a basic introduction to theoretical modalities and

techniques in psychology and counselling.

Introduction to Psychology A

A survey of persons, ideas, and principles in the scientific studies of human

behaviour is given. The historical development and current status of psychology and

investigative activities and significant findings are reviewed.

Introduction to Psychology B

This module is a continuation of Introduction to Psychology A. The module

identifies and explains factors of personality, together with patterns of abnormal

behaviour. The module also examines the interface between sociology and social

psychology.

Ancient Languages I

Biblical Greek A and B

These modules aim to enable the student to acquire an understanding of Greek

grammar and vocabulary. Special attention is given to utilising lexicons.

Biblical Hebrew A and B

These modules introduce the script, vocabulary and grammatical structure of

biblical Hebrew to enable students to read the Old Testament text with the aid of

language tools. This module includes reading of selected texts from a variety of

genres.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (second year)

Christian Studies II

Doctrine of Humanity and the Church

This module explores what it means to be human, emphasising the theological

significance of being created in God’s image, and the nature and effects of sin

upon humanity. The doctrine of the Church, formed and empowered by the Holy

Spirit, is investigated focusing on its nature, ministry and mission. Throughout

the module attention is given to the spiritual, ethical and social implications of

these doctrines for the Christian faith.

Pastoral Care and Counselling I

This module is an introduction to the practical theology of pastoral care and

counselling. The nature of practical theology, pastoral care and the relation

between theology and psychology are explored. Models and techniques of the

pastoral conversation are learnt and practiced and a sense of pastoral identity is

developed.

Contemporary Issues in Mission

This is an interactive module designed to introduce students to the great breadth

of mission related activities and opportunities around the world. Selected

contemporary issues in missiology are debated. Practical and realistic

consideration is given to the students' personal role in mission, whatever and

wherever that might be.

Doctrine of the Triune God

Key concepts and issues in the Christian doctrine of the Triune God are examined.

Special attention is given to the attributes and works of each person in the Godhead.

Pastoral Care and Counselling I Practical

This practical will be completed in an institutional setting. An understanding of

the role of the pastoral counsellor in a therapeutic team will be developed and

pastoral ministry skills will be applied to people in need.

Discipleship of Children and Youth

Special consideration is given to approaches of discipleship, which lead to

personal growth and development as applied to children and youth. (This includes

raising the student’s own awareness.)

Comparative Religious Worldviews

This is an introduction to the major world religions and their particular

worldviews. The uniqueness of Christ is presented against the challenges of

religious fundamentalism on the one hand, and religious pluralism and secularism

on the other.

Biblical Studies II

Biblical Hermeneutics

This module investigates how scripture has been interpreted in the past, in order

to discover those methods most appropriate to exposition and application. In

addition, it seeks to develop knowledge of and skills in the process of exegesis.

Pentateuch

A study of the first five books of the Old Testament known as the Law (Torah) or

Pentateuch, emphasising the revelation of God in the history of his chosen people.

Synoptic Gospels

This module is a focused study of one of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark,

Luke-Acts) within its historical and literary context and places a significant

emphasis on the descriptive task (exegesis of representative passages within the

specified Gospel) to note distinctive theological themes. Special attention is also

given to the synthetic task of locating the Gospel within the broader canon of the

NT Gospels.

Old Testament Writings

The study and meaning of wisdom in the literature of the Old Testament are

investigated. Special attention will be given to the nature of Hebrew poetry,

literary structure and the importance of developing a biblical theology of the

wisdom writings. Exegesis of representative passages is included.

Sociology II

Sociology of Institutions A and B

Sociological theory is applied to important institutions in society such as the

family, religion and community life.

Gender and Interpersonal Issues

This module focuses on both the social and psychological implications of

belonging to a particular gender and examines the ways that a society or culture

defines how members of a particular gender act within society, and whether those

expectations enhance or hinder human development.

Sociology of Youth Issues

This module aims to provide an overview of contemporary issues facing the

South African youth in context of community and society. The module discusses

certain South African youth realities such as alcohol, teenage pregnancy,

HIV/AIDS, gang violence, malnutrition, and drug abuse. The module also

addresses mental and social health care challenges in the South African context in

the mental health sphere of rape and sexual abuse. Students will read and evaluate

perspectives provided by South African social scientists and psychologists across

the racial and cultural spectrum in terms of youth culture.

Perspectives on Transformation

This module reviews several perspectives on community development and the

social transformation process. The study covers development as transformation,

people-centred development, expanding access to social power, development as

responsible well being, and development as a Kingdom response to

powerlessness.

Faith Based Organisations (FBO’s) and Development

This is an interactive module designed to prepare the student to develop ways to

support the development of human community in the larger society. Special

attention is given to the church as a generator of community, the family as a

nucleus of support for the faith community, the church in modern and postmodern

society, the church as a community of moral conviction, and the nature of

communities for effective development.

Practical Theology II

Leadership and Empowerment

This module explores the theory and practice of leadership in the context of the

church and faith-based organisations. Attention will be given to issues such as the

process of effectively utilising and developing human resources, sharing control

and responsibility, teamwork, conflict management, strategic planning and

managing diverse communication styles.

Leadership in Development Projects

This module explores the theory and practice of leadership and management in

the context of Christian mission and development projects.

Homiletics A

This module will equip the student with the skills of public speaking and

specifically sermon preparation and delivery. Throughout the module attention

will be given to increasing the student’s ability to express ideas clearly and

competently in both written and oral communication in preaching, giving the

student a comprehensive understanding of the theory and praxis of expository

preaching.

Constructive Conflict Resolution

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of conflict resolution

and teaches them specific communication skills to enhance their relationships.

Students are provided with the opportunity to explore their attitude toward

conflict and to reflect on their personal approach to conflict. The module makes

use of case studies to assist students to reflect on the strategies, tactics and

approaches used during conflict situations and emphasises the link between

communications, behaviour and conflict.

Christian Worship

This module explores Christian Worship through the scriptures and the different

traditions of the church and examines the theory and practice of worship in

contemporary churches and life.

Community Mobilisation

To “own” something means taking responsibility for it. Ownership of community

projects is vital for sustainable development. But how is it done? To mobilise

the community in line with positive development activities is an aim of most

development project. This module will look at best practices and bad practices in

this regard to highlight the value of community participation as a prerequisite for

community mobilisation.

Homiletics B

The purpose of this module is to expose the student to various styles of topical

and evangelistic preaching models. The aim of this exercise is to increase the

student's awareness of the importance of these homiletical methods in the

preaching process. Finally, the module is designed to increase the student's ability

to read, analyse and evaluate their own and their peers' topical and evangelistic

sermons competently.

Resource Mobilisation

The module will outline the important difference between fundraising and

resource mobilisation, and why development efforts have focused on the latter. It

introduces a framework to understand resource mobilisation as three key

components – resource providers, resources and mechanisms for resource

mobilisation. This framework is then used to relate these three components to the

local community context – what kind of resources are needed, what kind of

mechanisms work, and what kind of resource providers exist. The course seeks to

introduce the learners to the conceptual framework for resource mobilisation, as

well as the process of studying the resource mobilisation environment they work

in as community workers.

ADVANCED LEVEL (third year)

Christian Studies III

Ethics and Contemporary Theology

Ethics: This module is designed to help the student build a Christian world and life

view. Biblical, theological and non-theological studies are integrated so that the

student can respond to current moral, intellectual and social questions.

Contemporary Theology: A study of selected theologians of the twentieth century

who have influenced contemporary theological thinking. Attention is given to

theological movements, which have influenced the church.

Pastoral Care and Counselling II and Practical

This module applies the approaches and skills learnt in Pastoral Care and

Counselling I to specific crises, such as illness, dying, bereavement, mental

illness and family breakdown. Institutional ministries that deal with these issues

are visited and in the second half of the module the students will gain practical

experience in one such institution.

Church Planting and Urban Mission

Church Planting is an in-depth introduction to the practice of planting churches

both locally or internationally, with special reference to cross-cultural contexts.

The module deals with the theological rationale of church planting. Case studies

will be used.

The Urban Mission section is a study of the sociology of the urban environment

including aspects of analysis and research. Strategies for Christian mission in this

context will be reviewed. Attention will be given to the unique South African

situation. Practical assignments and fieldwork will form part of the module.

Discipleship of Children and Youth

Special consideration is given to approaches of discipleship, which lead to

personal growth and development as applied to children and youth. (This includes

raising the student’s own awareness.)

Doctrines of Christ and Future; Doctrines of Spirit and Unity

The first part of the module introduces the student to the themes of God's plan of

salvation, the person and place of Jesus Christ, and the significance of Christ for

the future. The second part of this module introduces the student to the

contemporary ecumenical movement and issues faced by the church as it lives in

the power of the Spirit. The aim throughout is to provide theological resources

for personal life and pastoral ministry.

Psychology and Christian Worldviews

This module investigates the relationship between Psychology and the Christian

faith. The endemic fear and scepticism within the Christian community towards

contemporary psychology demands some redress at both an academic and

theological level to test the validity of such scepticism. This module will help

steer the student through essential philosophical questions that need to be raised

to arrive at a place of awareness and relevance in regard to the relationship

between Psychology and the Christian faith.

Organisational Leadership and Management

This module explores the theory and practice of leadership and management in

the context of the church and other community-based and faith-based

organisations. The management component of the module will examine practical

issues such as strategic planning, organising meetings, and effective teambuilding.

Faith Development and Spiritual Formation and Mentoring

Faith Development: The first half of this module is designed to explore how

people make meaning out of life's experiences. The primary theory of James W

Fowler is given special attention. Consideration is given to the application of this

theory to the general areas of developmental psychology, the theology of

Christian formation and maturity.

Spiritual Formation and Mentoring: The second half of the module brings

together the theory and practice of Christian spiritual formation and the art of

spiritual mentoring.

African Traditional and Islamic Worldviews

African Traditional Worldview: An overview of African Traditional Religion is

given with special reference to South Africa. This will include a study of the

African Independent Church movements with a view to understanding traditional

modes of spirituality and their relevance for the contemporary church in Africa.

Islamic Worldview: An overview of the Islamic religion is given, once again with

special reference to South Africa. An understanding of Islamic worldview and

culture will be studied in light of the perceived clash of Christian and Islamic

civilisations in the world today.

Sociology III

Community Research Methods

This module aims to orientate the student to participatory research (i.e., its tools,

techniques and methodologies), with the goal of helping a community identify a

problem, collect and analyse information, and act upon the problem in order to

find solutions and to promote social and political transformation. The module

will implement participatory tools of secondary resources, direct observation and

semi-structured interviewing.

Urban Development and Rural Development

This module seeks to explore in depth the dynamics that are involved in cities as

unique spaces of social interaction on the one hand, and those involved in rural

areas on the other. Urban social development issues are discussed from various

perspectives, including economic, social and political factors that impact urban

life. The module accords special attention to the impact of urbanisation on the

poor, elderly, youth, and other marginalised groups. It also seeks to help students

outline the challenges facing rural development in developing countries and in

South Africa in particular. Specific themes discussed are the role of the rural

areas in the social and political economy of developing societies, and current

approaches towards the management of these areas. The various issues and

themes are explored through field-based reflection, lectures and group

discussions.

Community Development in Practice

This module covers the field of development from a sociological point of view

with an emphasis on both the theoretical and practical facets of the developmental

process. These themes will be related to current development challenges in SA

and will be studied against the background of global trends as well as specific

community issues. Whilst strong emphasis will be placed on a holistic and

people-centred orientation to development theory and praxis, the economic

prerequisites and requirements for development will also be stressed. Theoretical

insights will be translated into skills required for hands-on community

development.

Community Development Senior Project Paper

This module provides an opportunity for final-year Community Development

students to research and write a major paper about a topic of interest in their field.

Community Development Fieldwork

Fieldwork is a practical, community-based extension of the academic programme

in a defined module of study in Community Development. Fieldwork is a

multidisciplinary application of what has been learned theoretically. It measures

the practical capabilities of the student within a field or sphere of learning.