CATEGORY A

GENERAL CORE COURSES

SEMESTER BY SEMESTER COURSE DISTRIBUTION

Being a graduate programme, the Master of Theology has been designed in such a way as to make for as much flexibility as possible in course selection. Thus, while a semester-by-semester table of course selection by specialization is not included in this document, it is the rule that odd-numbered courses are first-semester courses and even-numbered courses are second-semester courses.

TSA 601:  Mother Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics

This course is designed to facilitate a critical analysis of various methods employed in the interpretation of the Judeo-Christian scriptures via various mother tongues. Particular attention will be devoted to Ghana and some other countries of sub-Sahara Africa. Students will be expected to acquaint themselves with fundamental principles governing the discipline of biblical interpretation before applying them to the task of interpreting the Judeo-Christian scriptures in local Ghanaian/African languages. Special case studies will be presented and students will be expected to comment meaningfully on them.

TSA 602   Christianity in the Non-Western World

This course involves interpreting Christianity as a non-Western religion. The churches of the Global South are not only growing but they are also innovatively producing a new spectrum of theologies and interpretations of Christianity that may differ from the familiar ones received from the North.  The aim of the course is first, to enable graduate students to understand Christianity in non-Western contexts and how it has developed within the last century.  It is also to enable students to engage with the ideas of leading scholars in the field of non-Western Christianity. The aim would be to help graduate students bring some of the main ideas of such scholars to bear on their research projects.

CATEGORY B

BIBLICAL STUDIES

TSB 601:   The Pentateuch 

The course seeks to assist the student to critically examine the Pentateuch as a foundational legal document of the Hebrew Scriptures and the Judeo-Christian faith. By the end of the course, students would have acquired enough capacity in this regard to be able to discuss and relate key legal and ethical principles in the Pentateuch to the current African/Ghanaian concerns. Topics to be treated include the images of YHWH and Elohim portrayed in traditions underlying the Pentateuch, the Exodus, the Theocracy and the Monarchy among others.

TSB 602:    Old Testament Apocalyptic

This course will expose students to conditions that led to the rise and development of apocalyptic literature, its characteristics and theology. Upon completion student will be able to explain the background conditions giving rise to Apocalyptic Literature and thereby do educated exegesis of the literature. The socio-religious relevance of apocalyptic and the relationship between apocalyptic and prophecy will be discussed, as well as a comparative study of apocalyptic texts in Daniel, Ezekiel and Zechariah.

TSB 603:      Old Testament Ethics

This course deals with ethical issues raised in the Hebrew Bible. The following basic ethical issues will be examined: marriage, divorce and remarriage, stewardship of the land, wealth and property holding, polygamy, slavery and social justice. Their relevance for the contemporary African situation will be discussed.

TSB 604:    Advanced Biblical Hebrew Syntax

This course builds on of the vocabulary and syntax of biblical Hebrew, providing opportunities for the critical analysis and translation of selected prose and poetic texts (Requirement: Advanced Biblical Hebrew at the undergraduate level). Upon completion, it will enable student attain a more effective and a smoother reading of the Hebrew Bible to enhance theologizing. Topics to be covered include reading, parsing and analyzing in Biblical Hebrew (from narrative and poetry), developing compositional skills and reading Hebrew in transliteration; verbal system (tense and aspect), word order variations and syntax above clause level.

TSB 605     Old Testament Texts in Hebrew

This course deals with the reading and translation of selected Old Testament texts in Hebrew. Students will be required to translate and interpret texts, using English and their specific mother tongues. Relevant tools of textual-critical analysis will be used for this important exercise. Existing translations will also be critiqued and ways of improving them will be explored.

TSB 606:    Wisdom Literature

This course examines the various strands and developments of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. Attention will be paid to Wisdom in Early Israel, its feminine persona in proverbs, Wisdom in Qoheleth and Job, and in Early Jewish Literature such as the Targums. A critical comparison of OT wisdom and African wisdom sayings will be an important part of this exercise.

TSB 607:        Advanced Biblical Greek Syntax

This course is designed to build students’ capacity in the vocabulary and syntax of biblical Greek, providing opportunities for the critical analysis and translation of selected texts (Requirement: Advanced Biblical Greek at the undergraduate level). By the end of the course students will be in the position to translate various texts in the New Testament from Greek into their own Mother Tongues and English and know all vocabulary that appearing 50 times or more in the Greek New Testament. Topics to be covered include Nominal uses of genitive and dative cases, pronouns, indicative passive forms, imperfect middle/passive forms, aorist active indicative forms, future active indicative forms, middle and passive functions of the middle/passive voice and commands and prohibitions, among others.

TSB 608    Priestly Christology of Hebrews

This course is designed to facilitate a critical reflection on texts in Hebrews dealing with a Priestly-Christology and their relevance for the African/Ghanaian   context. The course will discuss the background and rhetorical skills of the author(s) of Hebrews and how these are brought to bear on the discussion of relevant texts that cover the Priestly-Christological theme. These texts will be engaged in dialogue with priestly mediation in traditional African contexts. The implications of this exercise for African biblical exegesis will be highlighted.

TSB 609    Theologies of the Synoptic Gospels

The course will assist students to critically assess the theological concerns of the various Synoptic Gospels. Opportunities will be offered for debates on the similarities and differences governing these theologies. Students will be required to put forward reasonable hypotheses to explain these similarities and differences, aided by theories emerging from ‘the Synoptic Problem’. These theologies will then be assessed from the standpoint of African biblical hermeneutics.

TSB 610    Christology and Reconciliation in Colossians

The course deals with an exegetical study of texts on Christology and Reconciliation in Colossians and how these can be applied to the African/Ghanaian context.  Students will be expected to familiarize themselves with the ‘Colossian Heresy’ against which background the author articulates his understanding of the ‘Christ Event’.  There will be debates on the sufficiency of Christ in guaranteeing salvation within a community where alternative means of salvation vied for recognition. The challenges of this Christology for the African spiritual universe will be discussed.

TSB 611:     Pneumatology in First Corinthians

This course aims at facilitating a critical approach to texts in 1 Corinthians that deal with pneumatological phenomena in the Corinthian Church. Students will be required to discuss these texts in the light of current trends within some Ghanaian Churches. Among the key issues to be debated are: Paul’s rhetorical use of pneumatikos in the wake of disturbing developments within the Corinthian Church, ‘Head Covering’ and  the identity of the hoi pneumatikoi in 1 Corinthians 12:1.

TSB 612:    Johannine Literature

This course focuses on the study of the historical, literary and theological interpretations of the fourth Gospel, the Johannine Letters and the Johannine Apocalypse. Particular attention will be paid to key theological themes such as Atonement, Christology, Eschatology, Ethical Dualism, and Apocalyptic Interpretation of History. The relevance of Johannine literature for African theological discourse and particularly, African biblical exegesis, will be highlighted.

TSB 613:     The Apocalypse

This course will expose students to the Apocalypse as a literary genre within the domain of Apocalyptic Literature. By the end of the course students will acquire the skill of analyzing the various Schools of Interpretation and their specific points of emphases. Attention will be devoted to the historical, literary and theological interpretations of this puzzling New Testament document. Students will be given an opportunity to explore the relevance of this book for the Ghanaian/African context.

TSB 614     Pauline Epistles

The course examines the nature of Pauline writings in the light of Paul’s multi-faceted background. Students, upon completion will have a better understanding of Pauline Epistles and be able to interpret and teach them as well. Particular attention will be devoted to the challenges posed by Paul’s rhetorical approach to issues for the interpretation of his writings, particularly in our African/Ghanaian contexts.  Specific books will be used as special case studies in order to facilitate an in-depth analysis. Students will be challenged to attempt a creative commentary of some texts, using their various mother tongues.

TSB 615     New Testament Texts in Greek

The course takes a critical look at selected New Testament texts in Greek.  Students will be required to apply morphological and syntactical insights to the translation and interpretation of New Testament Greek texts. Relevant tools of textual-critical analysis will be used for this important exercise.  Students will be expected to discuss issues, using relevant examples from their mother tongues. A critique of existing translations of NT Greek texts will be undertaken, and ways of improving them will be explored.

TSB 616:     Introduction to Septuagint Studies

The course introduces students to the Septuagint (LXX), the popular Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures and arguably, ’the Bible of the Early Church’.  The historical, literary and theological backgrounds of this composite document which was used extensively by the New Testament writers will be critically examined. Students will be required to assess the hermeneutical significance of the LXX for African biblical exegesis.

TSB 617      Septuagint Texts in Greek

The course takes a critical look at selected Septuagint texts in Greek. Students will be required to apply morphological and syntactical insights to the translation and interpretation of these texts, and sound principles of textual criticism will be employed. Students will be expected to do a comparative analysis of the LXX texts and their corresponding Hebrew texts, before attempting to translate and comment on them, using insights from their mother tongues.

TSB 618     Septuagint Quotations in the New Testament

This course examines the various quotations and allusions to the Septuagint in the New Testament writings. Particular attention will be paid to the hermeneutical approaches employed in New Testament documents such as Matthew, Luke-Acts, Pauline literature and Hebrews. Students will be expected to comment meaningfully on these approaches to LXX texts. Special case studies that are highly relevant to the African/Ghanaian contexts will be explored.

TSB 619:     Theologies of the Septuagint

The course embarks on an in-depth analysis of theologies within the various books of the LXX. The significance of these theologies for Church and Society will be assessed and students will be required to work on selected case studies.

TSB 620:    Morphology and Syntax of Septuagint Greek

The course takes a look at the morphology and syntax of the Septuagint. Students will be required to translate basic narrative and poetic texts into English and 2wtheir own mother tongues

CATEGORY C

CHURCH HISTORY AND MISSIONS

TSC 601:   History and Theology of the Early Church

This is a course designed to give students a comprehensive view of the history and theology of the Christian Church from its very beginnings. It begins with a study of the activities of the church as narrated in the Acts of the Apostles and other New Testament Books and moves on to study the post apostolic period with emphasis on the various Church Councils and various  Creeds stretching from Nicea to Chalcedon. Attention is also paid to the period of the persecutions and controversies as well as outstanding personalities of the period.

TSC 602:   The Early African Church Fathers and Mothers

The course is designed to highlight the contribution of the early African Church Fathers and Mothers in the history and growth of the early church. It aims to give the student an understanding of the place of African church leaders in the formative years of the Christian church and the importance and significance of their contributions to the development of theology and church administration. The main focus will be on the personalities of Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian and Augustine whose writings and other activities will be examined in detail; as well as early African church mothers like Perpetua, Felicitas, Monica, Amma (mother) Syncletica, Egeria, Macrina and Paula. Attention will also be paid to the impact of the African Church Fathers and Mothers on the Church in Africa today. 

TSC 603:   Early West African Christian History

The course is designed to enable students acquaint themselves with the history of the planting of Christianity in West Africa.  It introduces students to the formation of the various Missionary Bodies and their contributions to the development and expansion of Christianity in West Africa. A general overview of the church’s achievements and failures is discussed as it relates to mission and evangelism, and church and state relations. Some of the areas covered are the: The early attempts at planting Christianity in West Africa (1471-1748) and the African traditional response to missionary presence in pre-colonial West Africa, Missionary Efforts on the West Coast of Africa, Christianity and Transformation in West Africa, Independency/Christian Renewal in Africa: The Indigenous Churches, the African Factor in the shape of West African Christianity, and the future of Christianity in West Africa.           

TSC 604   West African Church Leaders (19^th and 20^th Centuries)

The aim of the course is to help students appreciate the impact of some West African early Christian converts on their societies and to understand the environment (religious, cultural and social) that shaped West Africa in the 19^th and early 20^th Centuries. Upon completion of the course students will be able to analyse the contributions of selected West African Christian leaders of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries to the emerging Christian culture, and cultural and political transformation of West Africa in the high imperial age. The course will teach European Enlightenment that informed European attitudes to West Africa and created the tension in the contact of Europe with West Africa during the period in view. The life and works of about four personalities from the following list and more – like Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Carl Christian Reindorf, James Johnson, Samuel Johnson Harry Sawyerr, E. Bolaji Idowu, Christian Bäeta, Kwesi A. Dickson, John S. Pobee, Mercy Amba Oduyoye, Akwasi Sarpong, and how they impact the history of Christianity in West Africa would be studied.

TSC 605   Living Issues in Ghanaian Christian History

This course traces the history of the Christian Church in Ghana beginning from the period of the early contacts between the Gold Coast and various European traders. A number of issues that have an enduring value and impact on the Church and the nation generally will be selected from the history and given greater attention.  There will be a greater focus on the 19^th and 20^th centuries which saw the establishment of sustainable churches and signaled the grounding of the Gospel in various parts of the Gold Coast. The issues to be considered will include relations between the church and traditional society, cooperation and rivalry among mission agencies, doctrinal matters and schismatic issues that resulted in the emergence of independent, Pentecostal and charismatic churches.

TSC 606   Contemporary Missiology

The main objective of this course is to help the student obtain an intelligent and informed understanding of Christian mission as pertains today in an attempt to discover how much of the work of the churches is driven by a conscious mission objective. Additionally, the course will aim to determine what contributions African churches and modern African theologians can make or are making towards an African theology of mission. Time will be devoted to a historical study of mission paradigms as well as modern trends in mission, ministry and evangelism with a special focus on Africa and Ghana in particular. The issues to be dealt with will be selected from varying contexts and perspectives including globalization, ecumenism, gender relations, the laity and social and industrial mission.

TSC 607   Urban Mission in Ghana

The focus of this course is a study and examination of issues related to the practice of mission in the urban areas of Ghana. It aims at getting the student to understand the dynamics of church life and practice in the Ghanaian urban setting and to explore the possibilities of improved mission delivery. Much attention will be given to the challenges of doing mission in urban Ghana in the context of religious and cultural pluralism, unemployment and labour relations, sexuality and morality, leisure and entertainment, etc. A comparative study of urban mission styles of various church denominations will also be undertaken and a number of Ghanaian cities will be selected for special focus.

TSC 608:  The Ecumenical Movement

This course facilitates a study of the global ecumenical movement, particularly in its modern form. The student will be introduced to a history of the development of ecumenism and the rise of the modern ecumenical movement beginning from the late 19^th century. Attention will be devoted to the World Mission Conference in Edinburgh in 1910 and its follow up activities up to the founding of the World Council of Churches (WCC). The WCC itself will receive extensive study followed by a look at continental and regional ecumenical groupings like the AACC and others as well as the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation and World Pentecostal conferences. There will also be a look at the Christian World Communions as well as Roman Catholic initiatives in ecumenism.

TSC 609   Mission Trends and Patterns

This course will examine contemporary trends and patterns in Christian mission with the aim to discover the major paradigms operating on the mission field today and an assessment of their effectiveness. An introductory historical survey of mission paradigms will lead on to an extensive study of the current strategies of mission as pertains in various parts of the world. Attention will be paid to some major Christian traditions of our time including the newer Pentecostal and charismatic forms.  Whilst the global church is the general focus, much attention will also be devoted to the Church in Africa and Ghana in particular.

TSC 610   John Calvin and John Wesley

This course provides an in-depth study of the life, theology and socio-cultural environment of two great church men who have had tremendous impact on the growth, development and direction of Christianity the world over. Both John Calvin and John Wesley have been key sources of influence on African Christianity including some of the major denomination in Ghana. The aim of the course is to provide the student with an adequate understanding of the driving forces behind the efforts and activities of these two gentlemen and to indicate specific areas of emphasis in their theologies and work.

TSC 611   New Religious Movements and the Church

This course examines the development and typology of various new religious movements that have arisen out of the major religious traditions. The aim of the course will be to help church leaders, agents, pastors and members to appreciate the religiously pluralistic nature of the African religious universe and to help them fashion the church’s ministry to respond to the challenges of these movements. Particular attention will be devoted to new religious movements emerging in sub-Saharan Africa since the turn of the 20^th century. The place of such religious movements and the challenges that they pose to the traditional Western mission denominations will be of special significance for this course.

CATEGORY D

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY AND ETHICS

TSD 601     19^th Century Background to Contemporary Theology

This course will give an overview of the 19^th intellectual influences that undergird contemporary Western theologies and that have significantly shaped theology and church practice today. The course will start with an introduction to the enlightenment and modern Christianity, and move towards the liberalism of Harnack, which sets the tone later for the powerful voice of neo-orthodoxy.  It is hoped that in the end, students will be able to better understand contemporary theological discourses by understanding the questions raised for us by our early modern ancestors in the 19^th century. In this way, African theologians will be in a position to better understand the worldview of our modern Western theologians who have heavily influenced African Christian  thinking.

TSD 602        20^th Century Background to Contemporary Christian Thought

This particular course is designed to help students appreciate the immediate ancestry of contemporary theology. It deals with the development of theologies in the 20^th century, from Karl Barth's Neo-orthodoxy, to the emergence of "'regional" and "'genderist" theologies at the close of the 20th Century.

TSD 603:    Theology and Nature

The objective of this course is to reflect on the place of nature in modern Christian thought, with a view to developing a viable theology of nature, which is ecologically healthy. The course will look at the relationship between theology and nature on three main levels, namely; historical, systemic, and the quest for an African contribution to the on­going discussion. On the historical level, we will quickly reflect on the history of the relationship between theology and nature from the early church to the modern period. On the systemic level, we will consider some of the key theological systems that have been developed to deal with the straining relationship between theology and nature since the modern period.

TSD 604    African Traditional Ethics

Aim: The aim of this course is to guide students in understanding current ethical issues on the continent and learn how to reflect upon them responsibly as theologians. It will challenge students to reflect theologically and ethically on living issues that shape the thought patterns of the African from a Christian perspective

Objectives: The course will look at the sources of African Traditional Ethics; it will discuss African communalism and its features; it will reflect on such issues as slavery and colonization, apartheid, political and spiritual power, HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, poverty, wars, bribery and corruption, responsibility and blame game, and refugees.

TSD 605   Pannenberg and Moltmann

This course aims at examining the theologies of some two key European eschatological theologians of our time, namely, Wolfhart Pannenberg and Jurgen Moltmann. By the end of the course, students will be able to outline the relevance of these theologies for Africa today, and of the concepts of hope and future in the light of African theologies will also be considered. Topics to be covered include beginnings and Rise to Prominence of Pannenberg and Moltmann; theological Method in Pannenerg and Moltmann; Moltmann and the Theology of Hope; Pannenberg's Christology; Moltmann's Christology; Pannenberg's Theological Anthropology; Moltmann's Ecclesiology; Pannenberg on Theology and Science; and Moltmann' Ecological Theology of Creation.

TSD 606:    Theology and the Philosophy of Science

The aim of this Course is to help students appreciate the history and nature of the relationship between theology and the philosophy of science. Upon completion of the course students will understand the trend of contemporary theological discussions which assume a lone history of' the relationship between theology and the philosophy of science. Tile impact of such discoveries as the Copernican revolution, Newtonian physics, Darwin's evolutionary theory, thermodynamics, genetic engineering, etc., on Christian doctrine and faith, will he discussed. Various responses to the problems raised, will be the focus of attention.

TSD 607:      Bioethics and Family Life

This course is designed to expose students to human choices that lead to life and death. By the end of the course students will be able to take a position on such controversial matters relating to life and death based on their interpretation of the biblical data. Such issues as abortion, the nature of human life, Artificial insemination, human fertilization, human genetic engineering (including cloning), euthanasia, human experimentation, etc., will be the focus of attention. The impact of these issues on the ethics of Christian family life will be considered

TSD 608    Ethics and Economic Life

This course will introduce students to various economic theories and evaluate them from a Christian perspective. Students who benefit from this course will be able to apply their Christian values to ethical and economic decision made in Church and society and challenge the negative aspects prophetically. It will cover such issues as capitalism, socialism and the Christian faith, evaluation of structural adjustment programmes (and other economic programmes of the Bretton-Wood institutions) in some key African countries (particularly Ghana), from the Christian perspective of Koinonia, love and justice. The current economic situation of the West African sub-region (particularly Ghana) will also be evaluated from a Christian perspective.

TSD 609    Topics in Theology of Ministry

This course will explore the nature of Christian Ministry as presented in the writings of Karl Barth.  Dietrich Bonhoeffe, Ray S. Anderson, Ignacio Ellacuria, Helmut Thielicke, Kornelis H. Miskotte, Thomas F. Torrance and Karn Griffen, C. H.Dodd.  specifically, the course will examine the nature of Christian ministry under the following themes:  Inearnational Ministry, Kerygmatic Ministry and Diakonal Ministry.  The objective is to expose students to the thoughts of selected theologians on ministry so as to foster in them effective understanding & “practice” of ministry which will not be divorced from theological activity.

TSD 610    Jesus in African Thought

Using the narrative of the life of Jesus in the Synoptic and the .Johanine Gospels, this course will cover current efforts to reclaim Jesus' significance with a view to exposing students to contemporary thought on Jesus, particularly within the African context. The areas to be convered include: The new-quest or the historical Jesus; emerging African Views of Jesus such as those contained in Diane Stinton’s Jesus of Africa and Kwame Bediako’s Jesus in Africa. 

TSD 611    Environmental Ethics

This course is intended to introduce students to specific issues in Environmental Ethics. Those who benefit from the course will find that it is their Christian stewardship responsibility to give special care to the environment that God has given and they will be able to help orient others as such. Special attention will be given to the Christian Theology of creation and its implications for the stewardship of the environment. The objective is to foster the right attitude towards our God-given environment and to build the capacity of students to make informed Theological contributions to the environmental crisis we face. Topics to be dealt with include: Ecology and Environment, Christianity and the Ecological Crisis.

TSD 612:   Theology of the Sacraments

This course will examine critically the Biblical and Theological foundations of Baptism and Eucharist. Attention will be given to contemporary sacramental theologies from an ecumenical perspective. The objective is to facilitate a deeper biblical and theological understanding of the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, which celebrate the mystery of Christ, so as to foster effective understanding and ministry of the Word and Sacrament, within the ecumenical context.

TSD 613:    Theology and Gender in Africa

From the 1980's the myth that theology in Africa is men's domain began to fade as women's theological reflections made their appearance in journals, anthologies and now in individually authored books. The course will make available this African women's contribution to Christian theology. Their special emphasis on women in religion and culture and concern for inclusive community will be studied.  This phase Women's theologies features reflections on traditional Christian themes and ethical concerns It will examine the effect of the interaction of Christianity and African culture on the lives of African women. This offering will facilitate a study of the creation of The Circle of Concerned African Women theologians and its role in the development of women's written theology in Africa.  To provide an insight into the historical process that gave rise to the writings and to familiarize students to the content of the "Concerned" women's perspectives on key theological themes.

TSD 614    Readings in African Women's Theology

African women theologians have begun publishing individual volumes, a development from the beginning period of contributing to anthologies. Students will be offered a list of individually authored or edited works. It will be an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of the thinking of two or three of the authors. They will be required to study the context of their writings and the experiences behind them. All students will offer Seminar papers on their authors in class thus affording opportunity for teaching and learning and for peer critique and communal assessment of the contribution of-these women theologians. The Aim is to guide students through the literature being produced by African Women theologians with a view to identifying the methodologies and the contributions they male to the Christian Theology in Africa.

TSD 615    Theology in Africa and Ecumenical Formation

An examination of the historical process that gave rise to ecumenical theological
formation and the contributions made by such associations of theological institutions as
West African Association of West African Institutions (WAATI); Association of
Theological Institutions in Eastern Africa (ATIEA); and the Conference of Associations
of Theological Institutions (CATI). Attention will also be glum to such ecumenical
theological associations as Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians
(EATWOT) and The Circle of Concerned African Women theologians (The Circle).
The part that the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has played in promoting ecumenical theological formation on the continent will also be examined.

TSD 616    Contemporary Interpretations of the Kingdom of God

A historical Survey of the various contemporary interpretations of the Kingdom of God. Special emphasis will be placed on the understanding of the expression 'Kingdom of God' as a symbol' rather than a `concept' and on the implications of a symbolic understanding of' the 'kingdom of God' for a contextualized interpretation of the kingdom. The objective of this course is to bring the student up to date on current scholarship and interpretation of the Kingdom of God, the mediation of which was at the heart of Jesus' ministry with a view to facilitating a strong and broader sense of commitment to the service of the Kingdom.

TSD 617    Readings in Third World Theological Hermeneutics

Readings in contemporary theologians from two-thirds of the world form the basis for critical analysis of the socio-economic and political realities of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Focus will be on the convergences and divergences in theological realities and hermeneutics in these areas. Attention will also be given to other oppressed communities of the world.

TSD 618    Black and Liberation Theologies

This course aims examining recent theological perspectives of the third world including those emerging from Africa and Latin America. Particular attention will be given to the various

strands of liberation theology in Africa and Asia among women and other oppressed minority groups. Selected readings from key liberation theologians from the various areas and how they are related to each other will be investigated. The course is designed to interpret the risk of Black Theology in the African-American community in the United States from the 1960's to the present. Attention will be given to the different perspectives on Black theology, including its South African manifestations.

TSD 619     Contemporary Issues in Ecclesiology

This course is designed to examine the question, "how can the Church be truly African and truly Christian?" Those who successfully complete the course will have their capacity built to be able analyse existing and emerging theologies of Africa for the appropriate response. Special attention will be given to African Independent or Instituted Churches, and how the African church relates to the religious and cultural heritage of the continent. Challenging issues facing the church in Africa including its Mission, ecumenism, dialogue with the state, charismatic renewal, women's role, Deliverance Ministry, etc., will be explored.

TSD 620:   Theology and Culture

This course will study the relationship between the Christian faith and culture, with special emphasis on the Christian culture(s). The course is intended to provide practical understanding of Christian Theology as it relates to Ministry in the Ghanaian context. A critical review of the works of theologians and Christian Anthropologists who have worked in the area will also be made. Also to be considered is African and Scientific culture.

CATEGORY E

PENTECOSTAL & CHARISMATIC THEOLOGY

TSE 601    Pentecostalism as a Global Movement

The course takes an intercultural approach to the study of Pentecostalism as a global movement with a distinctive experiential theology.  It is designed to give candidates the opportunity to explore the history, nature and development of Pentecostal theology across cultures. The course will pay particular attention to the interface between African traditional religiosity and Pentecostal spirituality. This will enable candidates first, to understand why African Christianity is becoming predominantly Pentecostal/charismatic in religious orientation.  Second, the course is to be able candidates to do a critical appraisal of the theological themes that are now re-shaping Christian life and expression on the in the non-Western world.

TSE 602    Pentecostalism and Public Life

There are many ways in which Pentecostal Christianity expresses itself in African public life.  This course will examine the intersection between Christianity and politics, economics, and social life in Africa focusing on Pentecostalism and help candidates reflect on these developments theologically.  The course would also pay attention to the relationship between Pentecostal social concern and development in Africa given that much of Christian missionary work has involved infrastructural development and recently, involvement also in higher education.

TSE 603     Pentecostalism and Media

Pentecostal/charismatic churches have emerged as the leading users of modern media technologies in Africa. This course is designed to help students examine the specific ways in which Pentecostals use the media in both its electronic and print forms. By the end of the course students will be able to analyse this method of ministry and formulate appropriate responses for mission. The theologies emerging out of the books published by the charismatic pastors would be studied.

TSE 604    Healing and Deliverance as Pastoral Care

This course is designed to study the establishment, leadership, organization and ministry within the many healing and deliverance camps and centers that are operating in Africa. It will equip student to be able to confront and help others confront the quasi-scientific worldview of WErst African in particular and how it impacts theological articulation in this part of the world. The centrality of exorcism, healing and deliverance to Pentecostal activity means that it has developed as a form of pastoral care within these churches.  The public, whether they are Pentecostals or not, makes use of the services of the healing camps and this course will study how these centers function and the modes of pastoral care available to the their patrons.

TSE 605:    Charismatic Leadership in Biblical and African Religions

This course would involve a comparative study of the nature of charismatic leadership in the biblical and African religious traditions. By the end of the course students will be able to examine the pros and cons of such leadership from biblical perspective. It would examine the nature of charisma in the study of religion and give attention to the structural similarities and differences between charismatic leadership in the Bible and those found in African traditional religions and the independent and charismatic churches of Africa

CATEGORY F

PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELLING

TSF 601     Issues in Pastoral Care and Counselling

In this course students will have the opportunity of dealing with more practical issues in contemporary Pastoral Care and Counselling in the current Ghanaian context. Such issues as counselling the HIV/AIDS patient, the ethics of pastoral care, and the idea of' holistic counseling will be dealt with in depth.

TSF 602:     African Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Care

This course is a study of the various strands of Christian spirituality in the history of Christian thought. It will help student cultivate for themselves and those they lead, a spirituality that is based on educated interpretations of the Bible and avoids theological pitfalls. It also studies the processes and activity of providing pastoral care for the African Christian who, as an African, still organizes his/her life from the perspective of^- the principle of^- "spiritual causality” How does one provide pastoral care for such persons as, a converted traditional priest, one who has confessed that he/she is a witch or wizard, a polygamist, a possessed person, etc.? These are the kinds of questions that this course seeks to answer.

TSF 603:    Institutional Chaplaincy

This course seeks to expose students to chaplaincy work in such Ghanaian institutions as schools, army, navy, police, prisons, etc. Those who benefit from the course will be able to use their knowledge to help people in such institutions. The course will critically analyze and evaluate on-going chaplaincy work in our various institutions and attempt to propose ways of improving that ministry.

TSF 604:    Ministry to the Aged & Dying

This course is an exploration into the psycho-social, biblico-spiritual, and bio-medical dimensions of ageing. At the end of it, students will be equipped to be able to help members of Church and society to grow and die gracefully in faith. The course will assess the relationship of the aged to the life and mission of the church. Special attention will be given to the pastor's role in relating to older persons in the congregation and the community.

TSF 605     Topics in human Sexuality

This course is aimed at helping students appreciate and analyse current debate of diverse claims to human sexuality. It will deal with specific topics raised by human sexuality, including contemporary controversial topics such as homosexuality, transgender, bisexuality and intersexuality, sexual meaning, sexual integration. Upon completion students will be able to examine different sexual expressions, sexual conditions, fecundity, sexual practices and the issues they raise. The objective is to facilitate an enhancement of the student's personal ability to read one's own sexual experience with more discernment and appraise it more meaningfully. One who is able to do this, would have attained the capacity to help others to discern and appraise their own sexuality meaningfully.

TSF 606      Counselling Alcoholics and other Drug Addicts

It is the aim of this course to expose students to the impact of drug addiction on individuals and societies. By the end of the course students will be able to formulate a pastoral and theological response to the issue. The course will focus on understanding and counselling persons with Alcohol, drug and behavioral addictions. The course will discuss the symptoms of addiction, the AA AL- ANON movements, and educating alcoholics and their families.

TSF 607:     Conflict Management

The course is aimed at helping students appreciate the nature of human conflicts and how the Bible could be used to respond to it. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to address conflict situations from various human endeavours. The course will focus on understanding, preventing, resolving and managing conflict in families, marriages, schools, hospitals, churches, business, government, nations, and so on. Students will know how to spot a bad conflict, and how to defuse, settle, resolve and manage it.

TSF 608      Crisis Counselling

This course is a study of the theory and practice of crisis intervention for pastors and counselors. By the end of the course beneficiaries will be in the postion to assess and respond effectively to persons experiencing crisis in life. The course focuses on care and counselling with persons undergoing circumstantial and environmental stressful situations. Assessment role clarification in systems of care, triagem, boundaries, ethical/legal issues, referral, and care of self will be discussed.

TSF 609    Family Systems Theory

This course will address different family system theories with the objective of getting students to be able to help solve marital problems, using the skills they acquire. The course focuses on family systems theory providing an overview of the various theories. Attention will be given to the theoretical aspects, major contributors, assessment techniques, and the application of the theories and techniques to marital problems.

TSF 610:    Theory and Practice of Counselling

This course is designed to present an in-depth study of the theories and techniques that underlie the practice of counselling. Psychoanalytic, cognitive, as well as behavioural theories are discussed. How these theories are employed in various therapies as well as the therapeutic techniques and procedures are discussed. Specific therapies such as psychoanalytic, Adlerian, existential, person-centered, gestalt, reality, behaviour, cognitive-behaviour, and family systems therapies are discussed. How these therapies may be integrated is explored. Also ethical issues in counselling and very important skills necessary for effective counselling such as listening, attending, paraphrasing, immediacy, confrontation etc are discussed.

TSF 611:    Clinical Pastoral Education

In this course, students undergo supervised pastoral education in a clinical setting.

CATEGORY G

RELIGION AND MEDIA

TSG 601    Religion and Media in Africa

The course is designed to study the use of the media by various religions and how religion is handled in the news media and the impact that these activities have on popular culture in Africa. Particular attentioin will be paid to the development of religion and media as an academic discipline. The course will aim at helping students to appreciate the role of the media in religion and also equip those who will work in the ecumenical and public relations outfits of the churches to appreciate and acquire the necessary tools relevant for the work in communication (Pre-requisite for candidates studying Pentecostalism).

TSG 602    African Video Films

The African film industry is very popular and this course would require candidates to view particular films and comment on their religious and theological meanings.  It will also discuss the different religions and the images that these films create for their audiences. It is significant that a number of the media programmes, particularly televangelism and the story lines of films mediate their messages through the African traditional religious worldview of causality and part of the discussion would focus on the implications of this for African Christianity.

TSG 603:    Internet Religion

Internet religion and religion on the internet have developed as important areas of academic study within the last decade.  The democratization of media means that young people in particular have access to massive information from the internet and this includes religious resources.  This course will examine the internet websites of Christian churches and organizations in order to arrive at some sense regarding how that source has become a major location for religious activity in our world today.

TSG 604    Islam and Media

As the religion with the second largest following in Africa, Islam like Christianity is now making extensive use of the media.  These including publishing articles on the Pillars of Islam in the newpapers and using radio, television and the internet to teach about the Islamic faith.  This course will look at the use of the media by the different streams of Islam and what its implications are for the growing presence of Islam in Africa.

TSG 605   Church and Media

This course examines the use of media and media resources as a tool for Christian education.  Topics to be examined would include: the development of documentaries; the production of print and electronic teaching materials for inter-generational ministries, church newsletters and magazines, internet web pages and reproduction of sermons in book, CD and DVD formats for mass circulation and consumption.

TSG 606    Theoretical Perspectives of Religion and Media

The course will focus on readings relating the fundamental theories in the field of theology, religion and media as outlined in the publications of leading scholars in the field including David Morgan’s Sacred Gaze; Stewart Hoover’s Religion in an Age of Media, and Peter Horsfield’s Televangelism.  These and other readings would enable candidates to appreciate the global development of religion and media as an academic discipline that has a bearing on the life of the church worldwide.

TSG 607:   Digital Theology

This course would look at various forms of digital media and spiritual formation and how new media including the internet are reshaping contemporary theologies.  It would explore topics and questions emerging at the intersection of theology, digital devices and new mobile and social media including understandings of the relationship between religion online and offline in networked communities of faith.

CATEGORY H

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

For those specializing in this area of study, History and Theory of Christian Education and Christian Education and Traditional Patterns of Learning are core courses.

TSH 601    History & Theory of Christian Education

This course examines the historical and theological development of Christian Education from the Bible to the Sunday school periods. Attention will be given to the Western missionary movements in African Christianity. Students will also be introduced to some selected contemporary theories of education.

TSH 602    Christian Education and Traditional Patterns of Learning

The course is an examination of traditional patterns of learning and how they provide resources for Christian Education in African Christianity. Learning patterns in selected traditional institutions like chieftaincy and the nurturing of the chief, initiation rites and rituals, and festivals will be studied in relation to Christian practices like ministerial formation and leadership development, baptism, confirmation, Holy Communion and some festivals such as Christmas. Efforts will be made to establish integration and lack of integration between Christian Education and traditional patterns of learning.

TSH 603:     Curriculum and Resource Development for Christian Education

This course is an examination of the content of educational programmes and their relevance to contemporary ministerial needs and challenges. Students will be exposed to the discipline of designing educational materials and other resources for Christian nurturing. The course will, moreover, expose students to the major schools in the field of curriculum and resource theory.

TSH 604    Youth Ministry

This course will explore a deeper study of the Adolescent years, the youth culture, and the church's ministry with youth. Special attention will be given to evaluation of current of the nurture of young persons within the church and witness in the world. The ecumenical youth movement will also be studied.

TSH 605: Adult Religious Education

This course is basically a deeper study of the Adult years, and experiences. There will be a critical evaluation of the needs, opportunities, and resources for continuing education of adults in Christian faith and life. Issues relating to socialization andTheological perspectives to adults will be explored.  Attention will be given to the role of the adult in the Church and community.

TSH 606     The Pedagogy of  Education

This course is designed to explore the theoretical and theological basis for the teaching   ministry of the church. Attention will be given to the principles of teaching and learning as informed by the social sciences. This will be related to the practice of teaching and learning in the church. Emphasis will be on methods of teaching the Bible to adults.

TSH 607:    Christian Education and the Family

This course will reflect on the relationship between the church and family life in today's Context, having specific regard for the educational ministry of^, the church. Consideration will be given to issues impinging on family life, e.g. matters pertaining to childhood- changing roles and family patterns, the process of aging and extension of life expectancy, family trauma and crisis.

TSH 608    Christianity, Science and Health

Apart from the direct involvement of historic mission Christianity in medical work, Christian innovation in Africa has also made healing a central part of its mission.  This course examines the relationship between Christianity and health.  Attention would be paid to the HIV and AIDS pandemic and how to respond to issues of health from a theological perspective.

CATEGORY P

TSP 601:        Research Methods (including Basic Statistics)

The aim of the course is to provide students with the methodological skills necessary for them to carry out independent research. Methodological and design considerations are integrated with statistical techniques. By the end of the course students would have learnt to consume and use statistics for research work. Applied linkages are developed through the extensive use of the SPSS data analysis package. The will also discuss measures and their associated confidence intervals, power analysis, advanced analysis of variance, regression and range and standard deviation analyses. Students are exposed to techniques in the context of SPSS and other computer-based data analysis software. Qualitative research methods are emphasised as well.

Requirements for graduation:

Course Requirements; The Master of Theology programme is expected to be taken in two academic years of four semesters. The first two semesters are earmarked for course work followed by either a written examination or a special term paper. The last two semesters are used for dissertation writing.

Credits Requirements

The course work consists of 40 credit hours made up of ten courses of four credits each. The dissertation is expected to range from 45,000 to 50,000 words.                                                                                        

Assessment Regulations:

Unless otherwise specified, each course will normally follow the following pattern: Class presentations (20%), Research paper (30%) and Final examination/Special term paper (50%).