DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC, CHRISTIAN AND COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS STUDIES, KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE POSTGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES

Transcription

1 DEPARTMENT OF ISLAMIC, CHRISTIAN AND COMPARATIVE RELIGIOUS STUDIES, KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE POSTGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES LIST OF TEACHING STAFF AND AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION S/n Names Qualifications Areas of Specialization Status 1. Prof. D.O. Babalola B.A., M.A., M.Div. Church History and Professor (Andrews), Ph.D. (Ibadan) Christian Theology 2. Prof. R.W. Omotoye B.A., M.A. (Ife), Ph.D. Church History, Professor, (Ibadan), Cert. Ecumenical Ecumenical Studies and Sabatical Studies (Geneva) Inter-Faith Relations 3. Prof. A.M. Okorie P.D.S. (Ibadan), B.Th. New Testament and Old Professor, (NBTS), B.A. (Furman), M.Div., Ph.D. (Louisville) Testament Studies Adjunct 4. Dr. L.B. Akande N.C.E. (Minna), B.Ed (Zaria), M.A., Ph.D. (Ilorin) Church History, Interaction of Religions Lecturer I INTRODUCTION The National Universities Commission (NUC) has presented in 2011 the first set of Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) for postgraduate programmes for learning and accreditation of the programmes. Consequently, the KWASU postgraduate programmes in Christian Studies follow accordingly. PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of the programmes is the imperativeness of understanding that man is not made of flesh alone and the need to focus on spiritual as an integral part of life which itself is privy to another life. In addition, the philosophy is to train and develop scholars who will have the ability to critically interpret religious reality. OBJECTIVES (i) (ii) (iii) To deepen the students analytical understanding of religious traditions and indepth study of specific areas. To promote the students careers in teaching, administration and service to community and humanity. To give the candidates thorough grounding in major areas of Christianity with a view to harmonious living in society, particularly in the Nigerian and African contexts. DEGREES OFFERED 1. M.A. Christian Studies 2. Ph.D. Christian Studies AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION 1. Old Testament

2 2. New Testament 3. Church History 4. Christian Theology ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS M.A. Programme All candidates must possess the minimum of five ordinary level credit passes, including English Language, Christian Religious Studies, and any three of the Arts and Social Science Subjects. Candidates must also possess a good Bachelors degree (B.A./B.Ed.) in Religious Studies/Theological Studies with at least Second Class Lower Division or equivalent obtained from a recognized university. Further, all candidates shall be subjected to a selection process. Candidates wishing to specialize in Biblical Studies must possess a working knowledge of Hebrew language for Old Testament or Greek language for New Testament. Ph.D. Programme Candidates must possess a good Master s degree in Religious Studies/Theological Studies from a recognized university, with a CGPA not below 60%. DURATION OF PROGRAMES M.A. The full-time M.A. programme would run for a minimum of three semesters, and a maximum of four semesters. The part-time M.A. programme would run for a minimum of six semesters and a maximum of eight semesters. Ph.D. The full-time Ph.D. programme would run for a minimum of six semesters, and a maximum of eight semesters. The part-time Ph.D. programme would run for eight semesters and a maximum of ten semesters. REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION M.A. Programme Students must take and pass a minimum workload of 33 compulsory credits (including 6 credits for dissertation and 3 credits for seminar). Ph.D. Programme Students must take and pass a minimum workload of 34 credits, including the 15 compulsory course credits, 9 credits for the thesis, 4 credits for seminars and 6 credits from elective courses in any area(s) of Christian Studies. COURSE EVALUATION Minimum of 75% attendance; 40% of continuous Assessment and 60% of Examination; minimum pass mark for M.A. and Ph.D. courses shall be 50%; successful oral defence of thesis/dissertation before an external examiner; and other regulations as may be provided by the University Postgraduate School. A student with CGPA below 2.50 on a fivepoint scale or 2.00 on a four-point scale after the second semester will be advised to withdraw. STUDENT SUPERVISION A supervisory committee shall consist of one supervisor for the Master s and two supervisors for the doctoral programmes. One of the Ph.D. supervisors shall be designated the main supervisor. Also, offering of courses at the M.A. and Ph.D. levels is subject to the availability of staff. 2

3 M.A. COURSE OUTLINES A: Old Testament Course Code Title Credits Status CHS 801 Advanced Research Methods 3 C CHS 803 African Christian Theology 3 C CHS 805 Advanced Hermeneutics and Exegesis 3 C CHS 811 Inter-Testamental History and Literature 3 C CHS 813 Old Testament Theology 3 E CHS 815 The Books of Psalms and Wisdom 3 E CHS 810 Advanced Hebrew 3 C CHS 812 Old Testament in African scholarship 3 C CHS 814 The Old Testament in Recent Study 3 C CHS 816 Archeology in Palestine 3 C CHS 888 Seminar 3 C CHS 899 Dissertation 6 C Total = 39 B: New Testament CHS 801 Advanced Research Methods 3 C CHS 803 African Christian Theology 3 C CHS 805 Advanced Hermeneutics and Exegesis 3 C CHS 821 Methods in NT Interpretation 3 C CHS 823 New Testament Theology 3 E CHS 825 Contemporary Perspectives in Pauline Life And Thought 3 E CHS 820 Current Trends in NT Studies 3 C CHS 822 New Testament in African Scholarship 3 C CHS 824 Advanced Greek 3 C CHS 826 New Testament Exegesis 3 C CHS 888 Seminar 3 C CHS 899 Dissertation 6 C Total = 39 C: Church History CHS 801 Advanced Research Methods 3 C CHS 803 African Christian Theology 3 C CHS 831 African Church Historiography 3 C CHS 833 Themes in African Contemporary Church History3 C CHS 835 The Ecumenical Movement 3 E CHS 837 Christian Encounter with Non-Christian Religions in Nigeria 3 E CHS 830 Christian Mission in East and Central Africa in the 19 th and 20 th Centuries 3 C CHS 832 Pentecostalism in Africa 3 C CHS 834 The Early Church 3 C 3

4 CHS 836 The Development of Protestantism 3 C CHS 888 Seminar 3 C CHS 899 Dissertation 6 C Total = 39 D: Christian Theology CHS 801 Advanced Research Methods 3 C CHS 803 African Christian Theology 3 C CHS 841 Types of Modern Theology I 3 C CHS 843 The Doctrine of the Atonement 3 E CHS 845 Facets of Christian Theology I 3 C CHS 847 Contemporary Christology 3 E CHS 840 Advanced Study of Christian Ethics 3 C CHS 842 Types of Modern Theology II 3 C CHS 844 Contextual Theology and the Early Church 3 C CHS 846 Facets of Christian Theology II 3 C CHS 888 Seminar 3 C CHS 899 Dissertation 6 C Total = 39 PH.D. COURSE OUTLINES A: Old Testament CHS 911 Methods and Perspectives in Old Testament Studies 3 C CHS 913 Deuteronomistic History and Theology 3 C CHS 915 Advanced Old Testament Hebrew 3 C CHS 917 Worship in the Old Testament 3 E CHS 987 Ph.D. Seminar I 2 C CHS 910 The Rise of Judaism and Rabbinic Interpretation 3 C CHS 912 Prophetic Movements in Israel 3 C CHS 914 Wisdom Literature 3 E CHS 988 Ph.D. Seminar II 2 C CHS 999 Ph.D. Thesis 9 C Total = 34 B: New Testament CHS 921 Critical Problems and Methods in the Study of the Gospels 3 C CHS 923 Text and Canon of the New Testament 3 C CHS 925 Advanced New Testament Greek 3 C CHS 927 Judaism and the New Testament 3 E CHS 987 Ph.D. Seminar I 2 C 4

5 CHS 920 Johannine Literature 3 C CHS 922 Pauline Theology 3 C CHS 924 Hellenism and the New Testament 3 E CHS 988 Ph.D. Seminar II 2 C CHS 999 Ph.D. Thesis 9 C Total = 34 C: Church History CHS 931 Controversies and the Early Church Councils 3 C CHS 933 The Reformation and Counter Reformation 3 C CHS 935 Christianity in Africa 3 C CHS 937 The History of Israel s Religion 3 E CHS 987 Ph.D. Seminar I 2 C CHS 930 Christian Missions and the Rise of African Independent Churches (AICs) in West Africa 3 C CHS 932 Christian Encounter in African Society and Culture 3 C CHS 934 New Testament History 3 E CHS 988 Ph.D. Seminar II 2 C CHS 999 Ph.D. Thesis 9 Total = 34 D: Christian Theology CHS 941 Theological Method 3 C CHS 943 The Doctrine of God 3 C CHS 945 Biblical Hermeneutics and Theologia Africana 3 C CHS 947 The Doctrine of Man 3 E CHS 987 Ph.D. Seminar I 2 C CHS 940 Theologians of Hope and Liberation 3 C CHS 942 Theology of John 3 C CHS 944 The Biblical Ethics 3 E CHS 988 Ph,D. Seminar II 2 C CHS 999 Ph.D. Thesis 9 C Total = 34 M. A. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Old Testament CHS 801: Advanced Research Methods. 3 Credits Examines the methods of research into the various areas of religious studies with emphasis on documentation, analysis and interpretation of data. CHS 803: African Christian Theology. 3 Credits Discusses the need for African Christian Theology, historical development of African Christian Theology, methodological problems in evolving African 5

6 Christian Theology, current typologies of African Christian Theology and outlines hermeneutical principles by which to evaluate current issues and trends being addressed by third world theologians. CHS 805: Advanced Hermeneutics and Exegesis. 3 Credits The course studies the application of the tools and principles of hermeneutical exegesis on given Biblical periscope to highlight the methodological uniqueness of the application of the principles of the discipline. Use Biblical passages from the writings and Jesus teachings in the gospels. CHS 811: Inter-Testamental History and Literature. 3 Credits Traces the history and the development of apocalyptism in the later period of the Old Testament, evolution and types of pseudepigraphical literature. The Dead Sea scrolls, and the social setting of Palestinian world to the 2 nd century A.D. CHS 813: Old Testament Theology. 3 Credits This course provides fundamental elements of OT theology including themes such as; history of OT theology, attributes of God, God and creation, Covenant, Exodus and salvation, Election of Israel, Messianic concept and prophetic traditions. CHS 815: The Books of Psalms and Wisdom. 3 Credits The course identifies the literary types of the Psalms, the setting of the Psalms, the poetic features, and the analysis of H. Gunkel s divisions of the Psalter. The second aspect examines the wisdom and poetic literature like Ruth, Ezra, Nehemiah, job, Proverbs and other Writings of the Hebrew canon (excluding the Law and Prophets). CHS 810: CHS 812: CHS 814: CHS 816: CHS 888: CHS 899: Advanced Hebrew. 3 Credits Advance study of Hebrew Grammar and the translation and exegesis of selected texts in either Exodus or Deuteronomy. Old Testament in African Scholarship. 3 Credits This course examines current African re-reading of the Old Testament. It also provides historical backgrounds to OT text and interpretation from African context. It studies selected Hebrewisms compared to African traditional religion. Old Testament in Recent Study. 3 Credits The course interrogates current Old Testament approaches to understanding and interpreting OT text. It also examines modern critical biblical scholarship with specific reference to the Old Testament. Archaeology in Palestine. 3 Credits The course treats the methods of archaeological investigation and proceeds to survey selected major excavation Sites in Palestine with special reference to biblical-events. Seminar. 3 Credits Each student is expected to present one seminar paper on an approved topical issue of relevance to the area of specialization. M. A. Dissertation. 6 Credits A research topic chosen by an individual student in his/her area of specialization and approved by the department. New Testament CHS 801: Advanced Research Methods. 3 Credits 6

7 CHS 803: CHS 805: CHS 821: CHS 823: CHS 825: Examines the methods of research into the various areas of religious studies with emphasis on documentation, analysis and interpretation of data. African Christian Theology. 3 Credits Discusses the need for African Christian Theology, historical development of African Christian Theology, methodological problems in evolving African Christian Theology, current typologies of African Christian Theology and outlines hermeneutical principles by which to evaluate current issues and trends being addressed by third world theologians. Advanced Hermeneutics and Exegesis. 3 Credits The course studies the application of the tools and principles of hermeneutical exegesis on given Biblical periscope to highlight the methodological uniqueness of the application of the principles of the discipline. Use Biblical passages from the writings and Jesus teachings in the gospels. Methods in New Testament Interpretation. 3 Credits The course presents approaches towards NT interpretation with emphasis on history of NT interpretation, critical NT studies, New Testament scholars such as Craig Blomber, Craig Keener, Ben Witherington III, Robert Gundry, etc. New Testament Theology. 3 Credits This course provides the history of NT theology, including themes such as, kingdom of God, Christology, the Holy Spirit, the resurrection event as foundational to Christian faith, eschatology and the influence of Paul in NT theology. Contemporary Perspectives in Pauline Life and Thought. 3 Credits This course examines new perspectives on Paul, his life and foundations of his theological thought. It also looks at Paul on women, slaves and freedom, and other related themes. CHS 820: Current Trends in New Testament Studies. 3 Credits This course provides contemporary perspectives in New Testament Studies, with emphasis on the influence of enlightenment on NT biblical research and methodology. It also discusses scholars such as Rudolf Bultmann, Albert Schweitzer and the Jesus Seminar on NT. CHS 822: New Testament in African Scholarship. 3 Credits This course presents African Scholarly re-reading of New Testament text with emphasis on new interpretative models, contextualization and feminist reading of NT text. CHS 824: Advanced Greek. 3 Credits The course involves more grammar and syntax. Selected passages are to be read from the Greek New Testament with a drill in textual reading and the use of the apparatus. CHS 826: New Testament Exegesis. 3 Credits This course applies hermeneutical principles in exegeting selected New Testament texts such as the Gospel of John, Romans or Ephesians. CHS 888: Seminar. 3 Credits Each student is expected to present one seminar paper on an approved topical issue of relevance to the area of specialization. CHS 899: M. A. Dissertation. 6 Credits A research topic chosen by an individual student in his/her area of specialization and approved by the department. 7

8 Church History CHS 801: Advanced Research Methods. 3 Credits Examines the methods of research into the various areas of religious studies with emphasis on documentation, analysis and interpretation of data. CHS 803: African Christian Theology. 3 Credits Discusses the need for African Christian Theology, historical development of African Christian Theology, methodological problems in evolving African Christian Theology, current typologies of African Christian Theology and outlines hermeneutical principles by which to evaluate current issues and trends being addressed by third world theologians. CHS 831: African Church Historiography. 3 Credits This course outlines and critically examines the method of doing African church history within the context of the scientific study and writing of history. It also studies tools for the study of African Christianity, problems of oral tradition in church history, missionary and church historical documents and ways of preserving local church history. CHS 833: Themes in African Contemporary Church History. 3 Credits The course will study new developments in the church in Africa, new patterns of church growth, new Pentecostal and charismatic churches since the 1950s, new religious pseudo-christian movements, church economics, youth and the church will be examined closely. CHS 835: The Ecumenical Movement. 3 Credits A study of the Ecumenical movement from Edinburgh 1910 to date. The second Vatican Council and its impact on Ecumenism. A critical appraisal of the history of church Union in Nigeria, and the impact of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). CHS 837: Christian Encounter with Non-Christian Religions in Nigeria. 3 Credits The course traces the encounter of Christianity with non-christian religions in Nigeria. It also examines the consequences of such encounters in relation to both conflict generation, and developments towards national consciousness, social census and solidarity. CHS 830: Christian Mission in East and Central Africa in the 19 th and 20 th Centuries. 3 Credits The course examines the planting of Christianity in East and Central Africa. It discusses the role of the mission church with regards to racial conflict in the region; and how this has affected the church. CHS 832: CHS 834: Pentecostalism in Africa. 3 Credits The course provides a historical development of Pentecostalism as a global phenomenon as it affects Africa, global shift of Christianity in Africa and the role of Pentecostal churches in Africa. It pays attention particularly on Pentecostal growth, strategies of growth, leaders and the role of the media in propagating Pentecostalism. The Early Church. 3 Credits History of the Early Church, missionary journeys of Paul, Early heresies, spread of the church in the Roman Empire, tension with Judaism, form and 8

9 features of churches founded by Paul. Government of the Early Church, Early ministries: Apostles, prophets and evangelists etc. CHS 836: The Development of Protestantism. 3 Credits Examination of the history of Christianity with special reference to the rise of Protestantism and Protestant theology. The European Reformation of Luther, Calvin and the free-churches. Nationalism, and Denominationalism. Church- State relations. CHS 888: Seminar. 3 Credits Each student is expected to present one seminar paper on an approved topical issue of relevance to the area of specialization. CHS 899: M. A. Dissertation. 6 Credits A research topic chosen by an individual student in his/her area of specialization and approved by the department. Christian Theology CHS 801: Advanced Research Methods. 3 Credits Examines the methods of research into the various areas of religious studies with emphasis on documentation, analysis and interpretation of data. CHS 803: African Christian Theology. 3 Credits Discusses the need for African Christian Theology, historical development of African Christian Theology, methodological problems in evolving African Christian Theology, current typologies of African Christian Theology and outlines hermeneutical principles by which to evaluate current issues and trends being addressed by third world theologians. CHS 841: Types of Modern Theology I. 3 Credits Critical appraisal of the theologies of F. Schleiermacher, Soren Kierkegaard, Karl Berth, Emil Brunner, R. Bultmann, and J. A.T Robinson and so on, against their respective historical, social and political backgrounds. CHS 843: The Doctrine of the Atonement. 3 Credits Studies on sacrifices, priesthood, and the servant of the Lord in the Old Testament. Detailed study of New Testament passages relevant to an understanding of the death of Christ. An evaluation of the historic theories of atonement. The cross as the crux of Christian theology. CHS 845: Facets of Christian Theology I. 3 Credits An examination of the different theological perspectives on Christology, Pneumatology, and Soteriology. CHS 847: Contemporary Christology. 3 Credits An intensive study of the critical issues and major movements in recent interpretations of Jesus Christ, including the implications of these alternative Christological proposals for the life and thought of the church. CHS 840: Advanced Study of Christian Ethics. 3 Credits An exposition of the ethical foundations which determine the texture of Christian moral decision with a survey of the competing system of Christian ethics as expressed in the views of Calvin, Brunner, Bonheoffer, Barth and Francis Shaeffeur. CHS 842: Types of Modern Theology II. 3 Credits 9

10 CHS 844: CHS 846: CHS 888: CHS 899: Black Theology. Its definition and a survey of its expression in North America. Black Theology in South Africa. The political implications and situational character of Black Theology. A consideration of Liberation Theology in Latin America. Contextual Theology and the Early Church. 3 Credits A study of how theology is shaped by the context in which it develops. It will examine how existing belief systems, philosophies and cultural setting and particular historical events influenced the theology of selected Early Christian thinkers. Special attention will be drawn to biblical hermeneutics and the theology to power in either Ignatius, Cyprian or Augustine. Facets of Christian Theology II. 3 Credits An examination of the different theological perspectives on Ecclesiology, Missiology and Eschatology. Seminar. 3 Credits Each student is expected to present one seminar paper on an approved topical issue of relevance to the area of specialization. M. A. Dissertation. 6 Credits A research topic chosen by an individual student in his/her area of specialization and approved by the department. PH.D. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Old Testament CHS 911: Methods and Perspectives in Old Testament Studies. 3 Credits The focus of this course is building interpretative skills. In addition to learning and applying critical methods and perspectives to various texts, students will also examine the philosophical and theological presuppositions of the methods and perspectives in Old Testament Studies. Students will consider issues relating to the interpretation of the text, such as the canonical process, the authority of the text, the relationship of the Old Testament to the New, History of Old Testament Biblical criticism; Methods and perspectives of the Old Testament Textual criticism, Source criticism, Form criticism and tradition, history, Redaction criticism, Canonical criticism, Rhetorical criticism, Narrative criticism, Psychological criticism, Socio-scientific criticism, Postmodernist criticism. The course will end with a review of notable Old Testament Biblical critics. CHS 913: Deuteronomistic History and Theology. 3 Credits The course will involve an intensive examination of, as well as an attempt to evaluate the major theories concerning the composition and history of the Deuteronomistic history from North (1943) to the present. A consideration of the principal theme of Deuteronomistic theology, eg. The Deuteronomist and his materials, basic principles and features of the Deuteronomist, covenant, yahwism, cult, land, etc. CHS 915: Advanced Old Testament Hebrew. 3 Credits The course traces the evolution of the alphabet and discusses Hebrew language constructions as found in the Biblica Hebraica. Basic principles of translations are taught with emphasis on forms and manifestations as they affect African languages. CHS 917: Worship in the Old Testament. 3 Credits 10

11 The course will be concerned with major aspects of worship in the Old Testament. Attention will be given to the history and nature of cultic institutions, such as the festivals and sacrificial systems. The study will be primarily of a historical-critical nature, but some attention will be given to the relevance of theology of worship in the Old Testament for the Church. CHS 987: Ph.D. Seminar I. 2 Credits Expose or treatment of a theme which has emerged in the course of research. CHS 910: The Rise of Judaism and Rabbinic Interpretation. 3 Credits This course treats the religious history of the Jews from the edict of the restoration to the time of Bar Kochbar. The interpretation of Israel s faith and rabbininic traditions in the books of Ezekiel, Esdras and the rise of Judaism and major schools of biblical interpretation are treated. CHS 912: Prophetic Movements in Israel. 3 Credits The course is aimed at exposing the origins and development of the Prophetic Movements in Israel, paying attention to their presence in the Historical Books and in the Prophets. It highlights the following areas: a) Historical origin, nature and development of Prophecy in Israel and a reading of some books of the Major and Minor Prophets (e.g. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, Hosea, etc.) b) The cycles of Prophetism in Israel c) The role of prophecy in Israelite society from the point of view of the Covenant d) The relevance of Prophetism in African Society. CHS 914: Wisdom Literature. 3 Credits The course discusses Ancient Near Eastern background, sources, origin and principal genres of Wisdom. Literature in the Old Testament; Structural and stylistic analysis of selected passages; Development of principal themes and proverbs in Africa, etc. CHS 988: Ph.D. Seminar II. 2 Credits A well-researched paper and approved topic in the candidate s area of interest. CHS 999: Ph.D. Thesis. 9 Credits The approved dissertation must make original contribution to knowledge in the candidate s area of specialization. New Testament CHS 921: Critical Problems and Methods in the Study of the Gospels. 3 Credits The course studies the Synoptic problems, Relation between the Synoptic Gospels and the Fourth Gospel; Relation between the Acts of the Apostles and Paul s letters; Background to Paul s letters; Third World Theologies; Contemporary Theological Issues (Gay, Stem Cell Research and the Global South, etc.); Pentecostalism; Interpretation of the New Testament in African Context. The course studies current trends in New Testament scholarship, and interpretation of the New Testament in African scholarship. CHS 923: Texts and Canon of the New Testament. 3 Credits The course examines the earliest Texts of the New Testament; Types of texts versions and quotations; Principles and Methods of textual criticism (History and Exegetical Methods); Formation of the Canon of New Testament (Apocryphal Gospels Polycarp, I Clement, Shepherd of Hermas, Epistle of 11

12 CHS 925: CHS 927: CHS 987: CHS 920: CHS 922: CHS 924: CHS 988: CHS 999: Church History CHS 931: CHS 933: Barnabas, and Didache); Apologetic, Marcionite Prologue, Muratorian Canon, Wisdom of Solomon; Early History of Undisputed Books (Hebrews, Apocalypse, Epistle of James, Marcion and Tatian, etc.) Advanced New Testament Greek. 3 Credits Advanced study of Greek Grammar and the translation and exegesis of selected texts in either the gospel of Mark, John or Ephesians. Judaism and the New Testament. 3 Credits The rise and development of Judaism. Evaluation of primary and secondary sources with attention to methodology. Readings in normative and sectarian Judiastic literature with emphasis on the movements, institutions, practices, teachings, and cultural distinctives pertinent to the interpretation of the New Testament. Ph.D. Seminar I. 2 Credits Expose or treatment of a theme which has emerged in the course of research. Johannine Literature. 3 Credits The course studies the structure, source, authorship and purpose of John s Gospel; and Johannine Epistles. Emphasis on characteristics, theology of John, and comparison with synoptic Gospels. Pauline Theology. 3 Credits The course examines the basic features of Pauline writings, mission, nature and polity of the church as well as ethics in Paul s theology. The course also examines Pauline theology and New Testament kerygma, and Pauline writings and New Testament corpus. The Resurrection of Jesus in the Gospel tradition and apostolic interpretation with particular reference to Paul (Appearances, Bodily Resurrection, the Empty Tomb, etc); The Resurrection and Reincarnation in the African context. Hellenism and the New Testament. 3 Credits The development of Hellenism and its relation to Greek, Oriental, and Roman culture. Introduction to the Hellenistic literature. Consideration of the cultural, philosophical, and religious perspectives of Greco-Roman Hellenism as environmental factors in the understanding of the New Testament. Ph.D. Seminar II. 2 Credits A well-researched paper and approved topic in the candidate s area of interest. Ph.D. Thesis. 9 Credits The approved dissertation must make original contribution to knowledge in the candidate s area of specialization. Controversies and the Early Church Councils. 3 Credits This course traces the origin of the early Church controversies and their impact on the church in Africa, the roles played by various Church councils, Nicea (323 AD), and Chalcedon (451 AD), the Councils and development of Canon and in resolving the controversies as well as the legacy inherited from the decisions of these Councils by the Church. Early African involvement eg. Councils of Carthage, etc. The Reformation and Counter Reformation. 3 Credits The purpose of the course is to examine the History of Christianity with special reference to the rise of Protestantism, the role of Martin Luther, John 12

13 Calvin, Zwingli and Protestant theology. The course also examines the effort of the Roman Catholic Church to deal with the Protestant Reformation. CHS 935: Christianity in Africa. 3 Credits The purpose of this course is to examine the history of Christianity in Africa with special reference to its operation within the secular structures in Africa since its inception. The following topics will thus constitute the focus of the study: the characteristic features of the origin of Christianity in Africa: the missionary factor with emphasis on the dynamics of mission expansion, mission policies and practices; the missions, state and education; Christianity and nationalism; the missions and colonialism/imperialism; the church in socio-political crises in Africa; African responses to Christian missions; the mission and the rise of religious independence in Africa. CHS 937: The History of Israel s Religion. 3 Credits The study of Israelite religion with particular attention to the fluctuations and developments of Israelite faith occasioned by major historical events. The study includes the history of selected Israelite shrines, the theological emphases of those shrines, and the influence of the cult upon the formation of the Old Testament traditions. CHS 987: Ph.D. Seminar I. 2 Credits Expose or treatment of a theme which has emerged in the course of research CHS 930: CHS 932: Christian Missions and the Rise of African Independent Churches (AICS) in West Africa. 3 Credits The course outlines missionary policies and strategies in the work of missions, leading to the founding of the mission churches. The course examines the role of missionaries in the mission church, the problem of indigenization of the mission church and the rise of breakaway churches leading to African independent Churches. It also examines the structure, development and impact of African independent Churches with specific reference to Aladura Churches. Christian Encounter in Africa, Society and Culture. 3 Credits This course examines the place of Christianity in relation to the multidimensional issues which are of interest to the renaissance in African contemporary socio-cultural milieu. Among the issues to be examined are: Christianity and the African social institution; Africa and culture clash; the Christianization of African society and culture; the Africanization (contextualization) of Christianity; the persistence of traditional worldview in Christianity in Africa; liturgical adaptation in African Christianity; and recent developments in African spirituality. CHS 934: New Testament History. 3 Credits The history of the study of New Testament backgrounds. Introduction to bibliographical resources. Methodology in the study of New Testament history and in the evaluation of environmental parallels. The hermeneutic contribution of the study of New Testament history for the interpretation of the New Testament. CHS 988: CHS 999: Christian Theology Ph.D. Seminar II. 2 Credits A well-researched paper and approved topic in the candidate s area of interest. Ph.D. Thesis. 9 Credits The approved dissertation must make original contribution to knowledge in the candidate s area of specialization. 13

14 CHS 941: Theological Method. 3 Credits An analysis of the theological methodologies of such influential modern theologians as Schleiermacher, Ritschl, Barth, Tillich, Bultmann, Pannenberg, and others with a view to understanding the development of modern Protestant theology. CHS 943: The Doctrine of God. 3 Credits An examination of the modern problem of God, the variable models for conceiving the reality of God, central issues in defining the nature of God, culminating in a contemporary restatement of the Christian doctrine of God. CHS 945: Biblica Hermeneutics and Theologia Africana. 3 Credits A study of selected periscopes from the Old and New Testaments to treat the relationship between biblical theology and systematic theology in the proposition of dogma. In its attempt at doing applied theology, it focuses on contemporary issues in African societies such as polygamy, divorce, single parenting, widowhood, alcoholic drinks, ethnicity, sectarianism, universality of humanity, death and immortality, prophetic consciousness, healing, prayer and exorcism. Students will attempt a theology in the African context. CHS 947: The Doctrine of Man. 3 Credits A survey of contemporary understandings of man in relation to Christian doctrine of man. CHS 987: Ph.D. Seminar I. 2 Credits Expose or treatment of a theme which has emerged in the course of research. CHS 940: Theologians of Hope and Liberation. 3 Credits A study of the ethics of hope in thought of contemporary theologians of liberation with reference to biblical and theological foundations, philosophical influences and political implications. Feminist theology. CHS 942: Theology of John. 3 Credits An examination of the theological content of the Fourth Gospel and the Epistles with a view to the establishment of their distinction from the Synoptics and Paul. There will be concentration upon such aspects as Logos Christology, Spirit-Paraclete, and others. CHS 944: Biblical Ethics. 3 Credits An examination of the ethical teachings of the Old Testament, the noncanonical Jewish writings, and the New Testament and their meaning for modern man in a secular society. CHS 988: Ph.D. Seminar II. 2 Credits A well-researched paper and approved topic in the candidate s area of interest. CHS 999: Ph.D. Thesis. 9 Credits The approved dissertation must make original contribution to knowledge in the candidate s area of specialization. 14