DISTANCE LEARNING BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY FOR MINISTRY CREATIVE CHRISTIAN LEARNING Prospectus 2013-2014
Welcome to St John s distance learning community. We offer a range of programmes of study which make theology accessible to all. As one of the more established providers of theological study by distance learning, we seek to build on our experience. We aim to help people today to engage in an academically rigorous programme of theological study which is designed to nurture them in faith and ministry. We are rooted in a vibrant christian community which seeks to hear the Bible afresh in contemporary society. We hope that those who study with us will see the world differently, act with greater compassion and find their loving commitment to God strengthened. We trust that this prospectus provides you with all the information you need to work out whether we are right for you. If you do need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Revd Dr Andy Angel Director of Extension Studies 01 Contents 02 Introduction / 02 Mode of Study 03 Programme of Study / 05 Assessment 05 Awards / 06 Applications
Introduction The Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry is designed to provide a distance learning programme of study for people who wish to explore practical Christian ministry within a framework of the rigorous and accessible study of theology. The programme introduces key areas of Christian doctrine and ministry and therefore may be particularly helpful to students who are exploring vocation towards Christian ministry, both lay and ordained, or who are already engaged in such ministry. The Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry is validated by the University of Chester. The programme constitutes the third stage of a full Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry and so presupposes that students have completed the first two stages or equivalent. The programme is normally taken over two years when studied part-time. However, where necessary, students may take three years to complete their programme of study. Students may also opt to take the whole programme of study over one year, although this is not normally the case. Candidates may start studying in either March or September. Mode of Study The programme is delivered by distance learning. On starting a module, students will receive a pack which includes study materials which may be supported by DVDs and website links. Students will also be put in contact with a distance learning tutor. Students are supported by this tutor as they work through the material in their pack and as they prepare assignments. Most communication with St John s College and the University of Chester will be by email or by finding information on the University of Chester website. Assignments are written and submitted electronically and marks posted on the university intranet. Therefore students must be computer literate and have access to computer facilities. St John s is a livey, intelligent community where the message of the gospel is translated into real lives, real mission, real challenges to today s culture. The place to go if you want to be part of the fresh and unpredictable movements of God s Spirit. Rt Revd Tom Wright Former Bishop of Durham. Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, University of St Andrews 02
Programme of Study The programme of the Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry comprises core and elective modules. Students must take the 20 credit core modules: Advanced Mission and Pastoral Care (TH6722); Modern Thought and Theology (TH6724). They must also take the core 40 credit Dissertation module (TH6723). Successful completion of these three modules gives students 80 credits. Students must then choose a further 40 credit elective module to gain the 120 credits required to complete this award. All modules are studied and assessed at Higher Education level 6. The modules are described below. Core Modules Advanced Mission and Pastoral Studies TH6722 (20 Credits: Level 6) This module focuses on giving students the opportunity to develop their skills of theological reflection through involvement in a local church, Christian ministry or in a cross-cultural context (depending on a student s previous experience), or in a combination of these. Modern Thought and Theology TH6724 (20 Credits: Level 6) The module covers the Enlightenment and Enlightenment religion. Students are introduced to some of the alternatives to Enlightenment religion from theological and ecclesiastical Romanticisms to Princeton Evangelical Theology. There is an examination of the predominant challenges and opportunities for theology at the beginning of the twentieth century, including the encounter between science and theology, biblical criticism, and the post- Hegelian critique of Christianity. The module goes on to examine the new directions taken between the wars, dialectical, existential and neo orthodox theologies, and to assess the post-war scene with the rise of contextual theologies and postliberal approaches and the contemporary diversity. It considers the relevance of post-modernity for theology. Dissertation TH6723 (40 Credits: Level 6) Students engage in independent research on a topic of their choice (agreed with their programme leader) leading to the production of a dissertation. They are allocated a supervisor who assists them with construction of the dissertation, preparation of the bibliography, and clarity of thinking. 03
Elective Modules Acts and Mission TH6726 (20 Credits: Level 6) Through a thorough examination of the book of Acts, this module explores theological and hermeneutical issues raised by the book. This includes an exploration of many contextual, sociological and historical factors of the Graeco- Roman world. Students are invited to reflect on some issues relevant for contemporary mission, including the problems that missionary activity sometimes causes in inter-church relations. A Christian Response to Islam TH6727 (20 Credits: Level 6) The module includes an introduction to core Islamic belief and practice, tracing its historical origins and main traditions. It majors on the challenge of Islam in the West, exploring the various solutions to minority presence in society. Christian approaches to Islam include an analysis of the range of missionary and dialogical engagements, a reflection on the main arguments surrounding the theology of religions in relation to Islam and Christianity, and an introduction to the subject of Christian political theology through a reflection on the encounter with Islam in the West. Old Testament Narrative TH6728 (20 Credits: Level 6) The module explores modern and postmodern literary theories and their relevance for Biblical Studies, considering especially issues related to the meaning and function of biblical texts. A number of sample texts are examined in detail to illustrate analysis of basic elements of narrative: plot, characters, point-of-view, setting, etc. Students are encouraged to think about what readers bring to the text, to explore the relevance of narrative to Christian theology and ethics, and to consider what is meant by a narrative sermon. After application forms have been received the St John s Registry will communicate with you concerning elective modules and will draw up your personal study schedule. 04
Assessment Assessment is by a series of written assignments. The table below lists the number of assignments required for each module. For each 20 credit module you must write 4000 words of summative assignments. Some modules carry formative assignments which do not contribute towards your final mark for the module but enable you to engage with the course material and reflect upon your progress in learning. The summative assignments contribute towards your final mark for the module. Awards MODULE SUMMATIVE FORMATIVE Advanced Mission and Pastoral Studies TH6722 Dissertation TH6723 Modern Thought and Theology TH6724 Acts and Mission TH6726 A Christian Response to Islam TH6727 Old Testament Narrative TH6728 1 placement report of 4000 words and a placement diary 1 supervised dissertation of 8000 words 2 summative assignments of 2000 words each 2 summative assignments of 2000 words each 2 summative assignments of 2000 words each 2 summative assignments of 2000 words each 1 formative assignment of 1000 words 1 formative assignment of 1000 words 1 formative assignment of 1000 words 1 formative assignment of 1000 words Students will be awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry upon successful completion of all assignments, subject to the approval of marks awarded by an assessment board of the University of Chester. These take place annually in June. Therefore, students who complete successfully will normally be awarded the Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry according to the following timetable. PROGRAMME START TIME: SEPTEMBER 2013 ASSESSMENT BOARD AT WHICH BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY FOR MINISTRY IS AWARDED Over one year June 2014 Over two years June 2015 Over three years June 2016 People intending to start study in March will go through the assessment board according to the following timetable. PROGRAMME START TIME: MARCH 2014 ASSESSMENT BOARD AT WHICH BACHELOR OF ARTS IN THEOLOGY FOR MINISTRY IS AWARDED Over fifteen months June 2015 Over twenty seven months June 2016 Over three years and three months June 2017 05
Applications Entrance Requirements Applicants are required to have 240 credits of accredited prior learning at levels four and five (120 credits per academic level) in theology, Christian Ministry, or an equivalent discipline. This may be a Foundation Degree, a Diploma of Higher Education or a partially completed BA programme. All prior learning must have been accredited by a recognised Higher Education Institute in the UK (or equivalent). Please note that where a qualification is over five years old, additional supporting evidence is required of continued application of your studies. Fee Some applicants pay their own fee whereas other applicants have their fee paid on their behalf by a sponsoring body. We require all applicants to indicate on the application form whether they are paying their own fee or whether they are being sponsored. Applicants who are being sponsored must provide the details of their sponsor on the application form so that we can contact them concerning fee payment. Applicants paying the fee themselves will be asked to indicate on the application form how they are paying the fee and they must be ready to demonstrate that they are able to pay the fee. The fee for the Bachelor of Arts in Theology for Ministry is 2895 for applicants intending to register in September 2013. This fee covers the whole programme of study regardless of how long a student takes to complete the programme. There are four modes of fee payment and candidates will be required to specify which mode of payment they will use upon application: (a) Payment by lump sum: of 2895 on application. (b) Payment by instalments over one year: students make an initial payment of 895, followed by two further payments of 1000 during the academic year (1 January 2014, 1 May 2014 or for March entrants 1 January 2015, 1 May 2015). (c) Payment by instalments over two years: students make an initial payment of 895, followed by five further payments of 400 during the two academic years (1 January 2014, 1 May 2014, 1 September 2014, 1 January 2015, 1 May 2015 or for March entrants 1 January 2015, 1 May 2015, 1 September 2015, 1 January 2016, 1 May 2016.) (d) Payment by instalments over three years: students make an initial payment of 895, followed by eight further payments of 250 during the two academic years (1 January 2014, 1 May 2014, 1 September 2014, 1 January 2015, 1 May 2015, 1 September 2015, 1 January 2016, 1 May 2016 or for March entrants 1 January 2015, 1 May 2015, 1 September 2015, 1 January 2016, 1 May 2016, 1 September 2016, 1 January 2017, 1 May 2017.) Payments may be made by standing order or by a series of credit card payment. Applications will normally only be processed once the application payment has been made. Fees will be raised across one or more invoice one per year of registered year of study. All fees must be paid prior to the validation of students marks by the University of Chester at the assessment board in the June of the year when a student intends to complete their programme of study. Please note that we do not offer refunds where students decide to leave their programme of study. All details given above were correct at the time of publication. St John s College reserves the right to make changes to the information given above. Further Information If you require any further information about the course, please contact our admissions department on 0115 968 3203 or email admissions@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk 06
Christians looking for a way to increase their faith with understanding will find St John s Extension Studies flexible, stretching and transforming. Whether you want to get to grips with the Bible at your own pace, or think about mission strategy or faith in the world of work, there are modules that will help you. I warmly commend these courses wherever I go, confident that there is nothing quite like them.. Christina Baxter CBE Former Principal of St John s College, Nottingham I am excited about our community of students all over the world who are using our expertise in education to nurture their growth in ministry in the service of God and his gospel. David Hilborn Principal of St John s College, Nottingham St John s College Chilwell Lane Bramcote Nottingham NG9 3DS Admissions 0115 968 3203 admissions@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk General Enquiries 0115 925 1114 enquiries@stjohns-nottm.ac.uk www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk