Theology - Faculty of Arts - The University of Auckland

Welcome to TheologyA warm welcome to the study of Theology in the Faculty of Arts.Theology is the critical study of a religious tradition. The study of theology at The University ofAuckland provides opportunities to explore the religious beliefs and practices of Christianity andthe role it plays in different cultural, global and historical contexts. We give special attention totheology in the context of New Zealand, the Pacific and Asia.I welcome you to Theology and invite you to explore our range ofundergraduate and postgraduate study options.Professor elaine m wainwrightProfessor and Head of TheologyWhy study with us?Study choicesOur students come from a wide variety of cultures and religious traditions and bring variedperspectives to their study. As a student of Theology you will study the world and cultures in whichthe Bible took shape and the way it has been used and interpreted since then; explore differentexpressions of Christianity and the stories behind them; engage with 2000 years of Christianhistory, including the story of Christianity in Aotearoa New Zealand and Oceania; explore theway in which Christianity has understood Jesus and God; explore questions of belief, doubt andmeaning in today’s complex world; and bring theology into dialogue with real-world issues.Career optionsOur graduates pursue a range of careers, using the transferable skills they have gained. Theologyopens up opportunities for employment in diverse areas such as teaching, media, government,counselling, community programmes, church ministry, prison and hospital chaplaincies, andlibrarianship.Staff and researchWe have a strong research culture and our staff are actively engaged in research and publication.Postgraduate research is one of our strengths. We have a large number of PhD students working ona wide range of topics.Some Theology staff are members of Colleges of Theology located in Auckland with whichThe University of Auckland has a Memorandum of Agreement. This gives you the opportunity towork with staff from different Christian perspectives.2| 2013 Theology Undergraduate and Postgraduate Prospectus

What can you study?Study opportunities in TheologyWe offer a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes inTheology, from the Bachelor of Theology through to PhD. You can studythree main areas of theology: Biblical Studies, Christian Thought andHistory, and Practical Theology.Biblical StudiesBiblical Studies seeks to study, explain and read scriptures in the light ofexperience today.Christian Thought and HistoryThe study of Christian thought focuses on systematic theology. You willcome to grips with complex and ancient texts, reflect on the insights ofpast and present theologians, and connect these with our present world.Christian history offers another way to access theology, through exploringevents, stories and people. Christian history also provokes thought abouthow we should live and behave in the present.www.arts.auckland.ac.nz/christian-thought-historyWe begin with a general introduction to biblical texts. The Old Testament(or Hebrew Bible) describes God’s dealings with the Jewish people andtheir responses. The New Testament contains the first Christians’ attemptsto understand who Jesus was and his life, death and resurrection.You will also study how particular texts can be read in New Zealandtoday and explore different perspectives that inform interpretation.www.arts.auckland.ac.nz/biblical-studiesPractical TheologyPractical Theology asks questions concerning love and justice and therelationship between the church and the world. Practical Theology drawsupon feminist, indigenous and liberation theologies; psychology, sociologyand anthropology; and cultural and leadership studies.You are encouraged to critique, reflect, challenge and act in order totranslate your theological identity and spirituality from theory to practice.www.arts.auckland.ac.nz/practical-theologyUndergraduate programmesYou can study Theology as your main degree with a single or double major, as an adjunct to a general orprofessional degree, or as part of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science conjoint.Bachelor of TheologyQuick facts – BTheolFulltime: 3 years (part-time options available)Points per degree: 360Majors: Biblical Studies, Christian Thoughtand History, Practical TheologyTaught at: City CampusWhat you’ll be studyingIn the first year you will:• Explore the basic skills for studying Theology.• Begin to study Biblical Studies, ChristianThought and History, and Practical Theology.• Complete at least one General Educationcourse.In subsequent years you will:• Nominate a major and a minor area ofstudy (or a double major).• Develop confidence in communicatingChristian theologies, analysing texts,traditions and contexts.• Understand how theology relates with otherdisciplines.• Have the opportunity to undertake electivesubjects from the Faculty of Arts.Sample BTheol degree structureYear 1Year 2Year 34882 2Core coursesMajor and minor coursesGeneral Education coursesThe information provided on pg. 3-4 does notindicate course availability or course changesfor 2013.Stage ICore coursesTHEOLOGY 100 Beginning Theology inAotearoa New ZealandTHEOLOGY 103 Reading the BibleTHEOLOGY 104 Christianity in AotearoaNew ZealandTHEOLOGY 107 Introduction to ChristianTheologyOther coursesTHEOLOGY 101 The Bible in Popular CultureTHEOLOGY 105 Worlds and Cultures of the BibleTHEOLOGY 106 Islam and the ContemporaryWorld“I really enjoy the depth of theological study atThe University of Auckland. The University offersordained and lay ministers the opportunity toengage in a robust theological curriculum andthe lecturers are extremely capable in theirrespective theological fields.“The Faculty of Arts is a very vibrant, diverse,active and energetic faculty. Studying here is agreat experience. Students are able to seize theopportunity to engage with aspects of social andpolitical life as emerging leaders in theirrespective fields. The faculty is a veryencouraging and supportive environment.“I would encourage potential undergraduatestudents to engage fully with the learningprocess, and have fun! This is a great place todevelop a strong, creative and disciplined voice.”Patti Sobieski is studying towards a Bachelor ofTheology majoring in Biblical Studies andminoring in Practical Theology.2013 Theology Undergraduate and Postgraduate Prospectus |3

Biblical Studies – language coursesBSTHEO 135 Biblical Hebrew 1BSTHEO 136 Biblical Hebrew 2BSTHEO 175 New Testament Greek 1BSTHEO 176 New Testament Greek 2”I am from a tiny island of about 200 peoplecalled Mauke, in the Cook Islands. Before I cameto New Zealand I was studying in Fiji for fouryears.“Although I enjoy a range of things, my passionsare philosophy and theology and I was fortunateto discover that The University of Aucklandoffered these two courses.“For my Arts degree, I’ve taken subjects likePhilosophy, Sociology, Political Studies,Mathematics and Film, Television and MediaStudies. All of these subjects have helped me toengage with current New Zealand ideologies,values, principles and issues whethercontroversial or just merely interesting.“For my Theology degree, I’ve taken subjects likeBiblical Studies, Practical Theology and ChristianThought and History. I’m growing into a deeperlevel of knowledge of Christian values andprinciples, which also helps me grow in faith.“It is a blessing to be a student in the Faculty ofArts. I love the lecturers – they are just amazing!I am particularly privileged to receive the extrahelp available for me, such as the Tuäkanamentoring programme. You are not alone whenyou study at The University of Auckland. There isalways someone available to either guide you orsupport you. It is sometimes embarrassing to askfor help, but if we want to do well in our studies,the only way is to ask for help.“I love the multitude of friends I’ve accumulatedsince the moment I started University. Thecultural, religious, gender and age differenceswithin the University are very unique andenriching. I find student clubs exciting and funand a great way to make the most of Universitylife. Without my social life as a student, studyingmay have been a struggle.”Denis Tutaka is studying towards a BA/BTheolconjoint degree majoring in Philosophy andBiblical Studies.Stage II and III include:Biblical StudiesGenesisProphets: Voices of Protest and HopeBiblical Wisdom and PsalmsBiblical Texts in ContextsGospel of MatthewJohannine LiteraturePaul’s LettersGospel of MarkBible Lands: Study AbroadChristian Thought and HistoryChristian Understandings of GodBeing HumanJesus the ChristThe Christian CommunityExploring Sacraments: Signs of LifeThe First Christian CenturiesChristianity in the South PacificContinuity and Change: Topics in Medievaland Reformation Church HistoryThe Church in Revolutionary Times:Post-Reformation to the PresentPractical TheologyThe Self in Pastoral CareVoices at the MarginsUnderstanding Christian Ritual in AotearoaNew ZealandTheological EthicsRace and Culture in Practical TheologySpirituality in Aotearoa New ZealandStudies in Public TheologyReligious Communication and MediaExpressions of Christian SpiritualityTheologyEcotheologyFeminist TheologiesMäori TheologyMissiologyReligious Themes in the ArtsGeneral EducationAs a BTheol student you must take two GeneralEducation courses. These can be taken at anytime during the degree, but it is recommendedthat at least one course is taken in the first year.For further information about GeneralEducation see www.auckland.ac.nz/generaleducationDouble your optionsConjoint degrees give you the opportunity tostudy two degrees concurrently. You cancomplete them in less time than it would taketo do them separately.The conjoint combinations currently availablewith Theology are:• Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Theology(BA/BTheol).• Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Theology(BSc/BTheol).BTheol conjoint programmes can be completedwithin four years of fulltime study (orequivalent). They consist of 270 points for eachof the BTheol and BA or BSc components witha total value of 540 points.You must meet the subject requirements forboth degrees and gain a sufficiently highranking for selection. You will be rankedaccording to your best 80 credits at NCEALevel 3 (or higher) over a maximum of fiveapproved subjects, weighted by the level ofachievement attained in each set of credits.Conjoint degree programmes require carefulplanning. You should consult the advisersfrom both faculties responsible for yourconjoint programme before applying fora conjoint programme.Graduate Diploma inTheologyQuick facts – GradDipTheolFulltime: 1 year (part-time options available)Points per degree: 120Taught at: City CampusIf you have a degree or a professionalqualification or experience, and approval fromthe Head of Theology, you can apply foradmission.4| 2013 Theology Undergraduate and Postgraduate Prospectus

ContactThe Arts Students’ CentreThe University of AucklandRoom 416-418 (street level)Human Sciences Building10 Symonds StreetPrivate Bag 92019Auckland 1142New ZealandPhone: 923 5060 (within Auckland)0800 61 62 63 (outside Auckland)+64 9 373 7513 (overseas)Fax: +64 9 308 2395Email: asc@auckland.ac.nzWeb: www.arts.auckland.ac.nzwww.arts.auckland.ac.nz/departments/theologywww.arts.auckland.ac.nz