Graduate Certificate in Arts

INSPIRED LEARNING FOR INFLUENTIAL LIVING

Welcome to the Graduate Certificate in Arts (GCA) at Alphacrucis College, where we believe in inspired learning for influential living. The GCA is a four subject award designed for those who are already qualified in another field, and are looking to further their theological knowledge, and those with an undergraduate education looking to broaden their knowledge in the Humanities. Choose from variety of subjects including Theology, History, Business, Ministry, and Social Science as our experienced lecturers equip and encourage you to develop your critical and creative thinking skills. Based on the principle of integration, the GCA includes cutting edge Christian thought to guide students in reflecting on their faith in a contemporary context. Beginning with two foundational units basic to Christian study (THE401 and RES401) students then complete their award by choosing two other units in a variety of disciples.

Perfect for working professionals, parents, or other busy individuals, the GCA is a taste of postgraduate study for a complex and demanding world.

I invite you to begin your journey into thinking the faith.

Dr U-Wen Low
Program Director, Graduate Certificate in Arts

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Enrolment Guide

Student Handbook

Units offered as part of this Award:

ANL402 - New Testament Greek I

Description: While it may come as a shock to some, Jesus did not speak Shakespearean English! Indeed, our New Testament was written in a language different to our own, in a time far removed from our own. The fact is that, while they can be very good, translations of the Bible can only do so much. Inevitably, translation teams have to make interpretive decisions regarding how to bring out the meaning of the Biblical text into the target language, and this can sometimes reflect theological bias or simply miss some of the richness and subtlety present in the original languages. Here at Alphacrucis, we will help to equip you with all the necessary tools to negotiate the sometimes difficult terrain of understanding the NT text on its own terms; not just to be able to bring out simple English (or other) transliterations, but to interact with and grasp the meaning of the original texts. Using innovative linguistic research, we will help you to grasp hold of this extraordinary language so that you can go deeper into the word of God; not just for yourself, but also for all those you minister to. Unit detail page >>

ANL501 - Old Testament Hebrew II

Description: This unit builds on ANL401 to develop students' knowledge of Old Testament Hebrew and their ability to translate and exegete Hebrew texts. Unit detail page >>

ANL502 - New Testament Greek II

Description: New Testament Greek 2 builds on from Greek 1 to give you a solid foundation for your knowledge of Biblical Greek. This unit rounds out a full year of Greek study and will equip you with a good working knowledge of Greek grammar, and it is from this basis that you can launch into more advanced syntactical and exegetical study of the New Testament texts. Greek 2, in a way, puts 'wheels' on your study of Greek, as we come to see more fully the beauty of the Greek verbal system and its significance for understanding the original texts. Unit detail page >>

ANL503 - New Testament Greek III

Description: To examine Paul’s strategies used in overcoming the specific problems among the Corinthian Christians from a Pentecostal perspective. Special application is made to comparable situations in modern Pentecostalism, and how Paul’s answers may in fact be addressing us. Unit detail page >>

BIB402 - Introduction to Israel's Scriptures (Old Testament)

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

BIB403 - Introduction to the New Testament

Description: This course seeks to introduce the content of the books of the NT with a view to providing a basis for further reading and study. The primary focus will be on the message of each book within its particular historical-cultural setting, with some attention being given to its contribution to the theology of the NT as a whole. Selected critical issues will be dealt with on occasion. Unit detail page >>

BIB520 - The Pentateuch

Description: At the beginning of the bible, we find the Pentateuch. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, these books are essential for understanding our faith today. For ancient Israel it described their origins, creation stories, ancestors, exodus from Egypt, covenant with Yahweh, the journey to the Promised Land and their worship of Yahweh. Similarly for us as Christians, our salvation-story is framed by the people, images and stories found in the Pentateuch. Together in this unit we will explore these foundational themes of creation, faith, salvation, covenant, worship, land and journeying present in the Pentateuch. We will particularly discover the wonder of the Pentateuch’s literary structure and techniques as well as the world it constructs. It will also survey how the Pentateuch sets the stage for what follows in the rest of the biblical canon. Unit detail page >>

BIB521 - Wisdom Literature

Description: What is wisdom? How does a wise person live? What is the biblical foundation to wisdom? This unit will explore the Wisdom Literature of the OT through these lenses. It specifically will study the proverbial tradition as highlighted within the book of Proverbs but also the speculative wisdom tradition found within the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. Other examples of wisdom found in the Psalms, Song of Songs and the Apocryphal books will also be discussed. All in all, it will be discovered that for ancient Israel wisdom has many different facets – but it all begins with the Fear of the LORD. Unit detail page >>

BIB522 - Minor Prophets

Description: Towards the back of the Old Testament there are a collection of twelve dusty and usually overlooked prophetic books, known as the Minor Prophets. This unit will blow the dust from the Minor Prophets, to get a glimpse into the ancient history of Israel, the prophets and their God-given message. We will specifically study the Minor Prophets as a collage, to highlight its literary nature, themes, rhetoric as well as its portrayal of Yahweh. Further, you will be encouraged to harness your own ‘prophetic imagination’ so that you can be a messenger of God to your own generation. Unit detail page >>

BIB523 - Historical Books of the Old Testament

Description: Many of the OT books are dedicated to the history of Israel fron the time of conquest through to exile. This subject will examine the books of Joshua, Juges, 1& 2 Samuel, 1& 2 Kings, Ezra & Nehemiah - a vast array of books and times! But it will specifically investigate what are the major events and people in OT history, plus discuss how do we read OT history today? Unit detail page >>

BIB531 - Psalter

Description: The Psalms are infused with the diverse richness of the human experience. No matter what you are feeling, whether joy or thankfulness, grief or despair, you can always find a psalm that resonates with these emotions. This is why the Psalter continues to remain a favourite book for many of us. Together in this unit, we will explore the wonder and technique of Hebrew poetry, plus the many expressions of prayer and worship within ancient Israel. We will be challenged to utilise these psalms in our own life to bring expression to all our experiences, whether the heights of praise or cries of doubt. But wait, there’s more! In this unit, we will also explore the sexually infused lyrical poetry of the Song of Songs. So all in all, settle back as we explore the poetry of the Psalms and Song of Songs. Unit detail page >>

BIB532 - Isaiah

Description: Many readers have been captivated by the vision of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet consumed with the vision of God as the sovereign Lord over the nations. The NT authors knew the wonder of Isaiah, for even within their gospels and letters there are multiple quotes and allusions back to this book. This is why some scholars have named it the “fifth gospel”. Yet, within its context, the Book of Isaiah speaks to a crucial time in the history of ancient Israel both prior to the exile as well as re-building after the devastation. It speaks to a community about how to live faithfully as the people of God in a hostile environment, and presents a vision of a holy people who mirror this quality of the God they serve. Unit detail page >>

BIB533 - Esther

Description: Esther is a female character in the Old Testament who outwits her enemies in a deadly game of palace politics. In a thoughtful examination of Esther, we discover that it is a book rich in wonder, mystery, and artistic literary expression. The excellent Hebrew narrative of Esther, with its twists and turns, continues to make it a favourite book for many of us today. This unit will take you into the Persian world of Esther, and its post-exilic context. We will particularly explore with Esther ‘where is God?’ - for this narrative is crafted in such a way that the name of the Lord is never mentioned, yet God is present in every situation. Unit detail page >>

BIB549 - Biblical Theology

Description: The Bible in not just a random collection of books, yet sometimes we struggle to 'see the forest from the trees.' This unit will whisk you to the top of the mountain for a bird's eye view of the big picture. It is designed to reflect on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments and the many theological themes, ideas and concepts that make the Bible a unified whole. From the progressive revelation of God's identity, to creation, to covenant, to the temple and worship, each class will offer a fresh topic for discussion that will pull together the threads that tie the variety of Biblical literature together. This unit will not only give you a comprehensive understanding of the unity of the Bible, but will without doubt demonstrate how relevant its themes and wisdom are for our own generation. Unit detail page >>

BIB552 - The Prison Epistles

Description: The letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon were written from prison and yet deal with some of the most liberating concepts imaginable. We know Ephesians from its famous spiritual warfare passage, but what exactly did Paul picture as the greatest of all battles? Philippians is a letter of instruction, providing models to follow. In it we will find Paul, Jesus, Timothy and Epaphroditus offered as those whom we should seek to copy. Colossians is an enigma in which one needs to play detectives trying to recover from the clues what Paul was likely confronting. Finally, Philemon is gigantic in its implications contrary to its miniature word length. Time spent with these letters will be richly rewarded and equip us for life in multiple dimensions: spiritual, relational, personal, and corporate. Specifically, these four letters from captivity will release any of us from unconscious imprisoning ideas. Unit detail page >>

BIB553 - Johannines

Description: The Gospel and Letters of John are dearly loved by Christians today. Rich in theology and symbolism, these texts draw heavily on the Jewish tradition fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah. This unit will equip you to interpret and apply these extraordinary texts, as well as helping you to see the ways in which the story of Jesus fulfils the testimony of Israel. Unit detail page >>

BIB554 - The World of the New Testament

Description: Why would Paul, A Hebrew speaking Jew, writing to Latin speaking Romans, use Greek? Why was the liberating message of the crucified messiah considered "foolish?". What did the first Christians look like to outsiders? Did Paul really endorse slavery and male headship?. So many aspects and difficult issues of the NT are overlooked or misunderstood in the 21st century for the very simple reason that we don't know much about the world of the text. This course takes a look at the culture, customs, and values of the first century, especially as they relate to the NT. It asks the question "What was that world like?" and "How does the NT challenge it?". It shows how radical this minority group were in the face of the Roman Empire and invites the student to be challenged in their own convictions and values as 21st century Christians. Unit detail page >>

BIB557 - Mark’s Gospel

Description: Recent scholarship has come to appreciate the power and rich subtlety of Mark’s deceptively straightforward and oft-neglected account of Jesus. The rehabilitation of Jesus’ long-ignored Jewishness has contributed to this renaissance, paving the way for a new understanding of Mark’s themes, structure, coherence, and remarkably high Christology. Deepen your understanding of Mark’s gospel and its relevance today through this careful exegetical study. Unit detail page >>

BIB561 - Luke-Acts

Description: Luke-Acts is the two-volume work which tracks the movement from the ministry of Jesus through to the early church (and beyond!). Obviously this text is therefore of great significance in the New Testament (even if just in regards to the size of the combined volumes), and has been used by Pentecostals for over a century in our quest for recovering a truly biblical faith. This unit examines the narrative of Luke-Acts in a way that holds together the historical and theological foci, and seeks to equip you with a solid reading strategy for approaching these remarkable texts. Unit detail page >>

BIB562 - Romans and Galatians

Description: Have you ever wondered why Christians don’t follow the full Mosaic law? Have you ever asked what sets Christianity apart from Judaism? Paul’s letters to the Romans and Galatians answer these questions and more, and in many ways these letters reveal the heart of his theology. This unit will also synthesise Paul’s thought into a storyline of history that informs his pastoral and theological reflections. If you are interested in understanding the core gospel message and its relevance in our contemporary culture then this unit will scratch where you itch! Unit detail page >>

BIB563 - I & II Corinthians

Description: The Corinthian Correspondence is a fascinating exchange between the Apostle Paul and the troubled church in Corinth, and is a worthwhile study for those who are interested in Paul’s role as pastor and apostle. Addressing a variety of ethical and theological issues, such as sexual sin, drunkenness, Christians taking each other to court, dissatisfaction with style of leadership and much more. If you wish to understand more about the practical ministry of the church and its leadership in the first century, then this unit is for you! Unit detail page >>

BIB565 - The Book of Revelation

Description: The Book of Revelation (or the Apocalypse as it is often called, from its opening word in Greek) is by common consent one of the most difficult of all the books of the Christian Bible. Nevertheless, attention to its historical context, social and religious milieu, and literary genre will bring considerable light on its form, content, and function. Unit detail page >>

BIB590 - New Testament Field Study

Description: This unit provides students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues for the New Testament. This unit features an on-site field study program in the location of modern day Turkey and Greece, formative for the biblical text. Unit detail page >>

BIB592 - Old Testament Field Study

Description: This unit provides students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues for the Old Testament. This unit features an on-site field study program, formative for the biblical text. Unit detail page >>

CCM401 - Introduction to Cross Cultural Ministry

Description: This subject aims at training future pastors and church leaders to lead Australasian churches with a world mission focus, in all of its biblical, historical, cultural and strategic dimensions. Unit detail page >>

CCM503 - Ministry in Animistic Contexts

Outcomes:

Critically evaluate the key concepts and practices of animism, both as experienced in the world today and as evidenced in the Bible
Analyse the reasons for the pervasiveness and persistence of animism despite contact with other major religions including Christianity
Appraise important principles involved in discipling Animists;
Distinguish and critique the key ways animism interacts with other aspects of social and religious experience;
Critically analyse Christian ministry concepts, including power encounter, functional substitutes, ministry to fear, tendency to nominalism, tendency to ritual rather than relationship;
Differentiate and assess the challenges of animism for current missionary strategy.

Unit detail page >>

CCM505 - Exploring Islam

Description: This unit will provide the basis for understanding Islam as a religion as observed in the world today. To do so it explores the historical, cultural, theological, philosophical and political background of Islam. This is necessary for understanding the complex cross-currents of Christian-Muslim Relations in contemporary society. It will also point the student towards effective approaches to Muslim evangelism and discipleship. Unit detail page >>

CCM506 - Innovative Practice in Cross Cultural Ministry

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

CCM508 - World Religions

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

CCM510 - Cross Cultural Ministry Field Practicum

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

CCM592 - Cross Cultural Ministry Field Study

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

COM502 - Organisational Communication

Description: This unit is a study of organisational communications, using a functional model to bridge between major contemporary areas of theorising about organisational communications (e.g. the communicative constitution of organisations, ambidextrous leadership, space and place); and the capability to bring agentive behaviours in this arena. We locate our topics in a dialectic between the disciplinary and specialist themes of Organisational Communications and the emerging challenges and arenas of communications practice in present realities. Unit detail page >>

COM505 - Intercultural Communication

Description: The world is rapidly changing. It’s hard to keep up with an evolving cultural landscape. Do you understand what’s happening? Do you understand your own worldview? Are you equipped to communicate competently with people from different cultures? Using over twenty years of expertise in intercultural communication, Professor Arasaratnam-Smith tackles these questions and much more in this stimulating and pragmatic subject. Unit detail page >>

HIS401 - History of Christianity

Description: This subject is an introduction to the rich and inspiring heritage of Christian tradition, examined within social and cultural contexts. It explores early church formation, the challenges of the medieval era, the repercussions of the renaissance and the reasons for the reformation. Major revivals are analysed as well as the effectiveness of modern missionary movements. The struggles and strengths of the 20th century are also revealed, as well as various issues facing the 21st century church. By exploring such historical shifts in spirituality and society, students will gain understanding of both contingency and continuity in Christian history, in order to deepen their understanding of gospel ministry today. Unit detail page >>

HIS501 - Christianity in Australia

Description: This subject provides a detailed analysis of the major global trends which led to the foundation and then settlement of Australia. The pattern of settlement and national development is traced, including issues of inculturation, colonialism, denominationalism and racism. Australian Christianity in rural and urban regions is explored, as well as the challenges and opportunities of multiculturalism. Understanding the Christian history of this nation helps to equip students for effective ministry in a wide variety of contexts and allows for a deeper understanding of Australian national identity. Unit detail page >>

HIS502 - Early and Medieval Christianity

Description: This subject examines the context, origins and development of early Christianity and its impact on the surrounding communities. It explores how the rapid expansion of the church brought various social, cultural and theological challenges and examines how these were addressed. The contextualisation of medieval Christian thoughts and actions are discussed, as well as its formative influences in contemporary contexts. An analysis of major reform movements will also reveal how they have shaped the history of Christianity. Unit detail page >>

HIS508 - History of Christian Expansion

Description: Acknowledging the central role of missions in the theology and practice of Christianity, this unit provides students with an overview of Christian missionary motivation and historical endeavour both from the perspective of institutions, and in terms of the cultural/globalising impulse of Christianity. It explores scriptural foundations, as well as the historical expansion of the Christian church and its impact on church and society over the centuries, including political and cultural challenges, as well as new technological opportunities. This study enables students to critically explore the nature of missions, integrating it within their own contexts. Unit detail page >>

HIS510 - Renewal Movements in Christianity

Description: This subject will provide a basis for you to integrate practical church realities with your study of theology, Bible, ministry and church history. It explores what is perhaps the important revolution in the church of Jesus Christ - and possibly of world religion. The restoration of the Holy Spirit to a place of centrality in the life of the Church - while fraught with difficulties and too mobile to be 'final' in any particular setting - unleashed a form of global Christianity which has been among the fastest growing, the most politically and socially impacting, and most controversial of all global religions. It is essentially becoming the face of Christianity in both the two-thirds world, and in much of the first world. Any understanding of Christianity today has to take into account, as does any cultural understanding of the current global setting. Unit detail page >>

HIS520 - Women in Christian History

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

MIN401 - Foundations of Pastoral Ministry

Description: In this introductory subject, students will explore a broad variety of topics that form the very basis of pastoral ministry. Primarily, students will consider contemporary pastoral models that connect academic reflection with the real world. Topics discussed will range from defining ministry, calling and ordination to conflict resolution, and being effective in caring for others. Students will also be provided with ample opportunity to engage creatively with these topics to make connections with their own contexts. Unit detail page >>

MIN402 - Christian Spirituality

Description: Ever wondered if there were other ways to express faith, apart from lifting your hands during worship? Would you like to deepen the spirituality of your local Christian community, but find yourself hesitating, uncertain of the appropriate boundaries? Students with these questions and more will find themselves challenged as they partake in this foundational unit, designed specifically to introduce charismatic and Pentecostal Christians to the broader history of Christian spiritual approaches. In doing so, students will have a chance to connect with their heritage and participate in a broad range of spiritual exercises practiced by the wider body of Christ throughout history. Unit detail page >>

MIN503 - Pentecostal Ministry Foundations

Description: This unit explores the foundations of the Pentecostal movement. The unit begins with a brief overview of Pentecostal History and the Biblical foundations of Pentecostalism. The Theological Distinctives within Pentecostal Movements, Pentecostal Praxis, Pentecostal Leadership, and Evangelism, Church Growth and Community Engagement from a Pentecostal Perspective, will also be examined. Students will also be given ample opportunity to engage creatively with these topics to make connections with their own contexts. Unit detail page >>

MIN504 - Preaching and Public Communication

Description: This subject is both educational and practical at the Master’s Degree level. The goal of the subject is to help you become a better preacher and all-round communicator. Opportunities to prepare, practice and progress in this vital area of ministry are awaiting you when you enrol. Unit detail page >>

MIN505 - Relationships

Description: How do I develop strong relationships, whether friendships, marriage or family? Should I get married or remain single? How do I deal with the changing dynamics of family and relationships through the life stages? If ever a unit was needed to clarify the confusion found in the ‘relationships’ section of the local Christian bookstore, this is it. Whether young, old, single, betrothed, married or unspecified, all are invited to come and explore the inner workings of relationships, marriage and the family, as it has unfolded throughout history and wider society. Specifically this unit aims to develop skills to strengthen your relationships and assist those you minister to in everyday life. Unit detail page >>

MIN506 - Healing Ministry

Description: Why don’t people always get healed when we pray for them? What is our responsibility in partnering with God for healing? What does it even mean to be well? What does it mean to be sick? Students undertaking this unit will have the opportunity to investigate the various perspectives on healing throughout the life of the church. Some of the big questions surrounding the ‘why’ of sickness, suffering, and death will also be grappled with. Further, practical skills will be discussed to care for people at these inevitable times of sickness, grief and death. Unit detail page >>

MIN507 - Church and Society

Description: Why do we act the way we act? Why do we gather in certain social groups and not others? Have you ever wondered how our faith connects with society? Sociologists are those who study human social behaviour and propose these questions. Students undertaking this unit will be introduced to the field of sociology with the aim to explore the trends and megatrends that have formed the Christian community and its practice Unit detail page >>

MIN508 - Church Planting

Description: If you had the opportunity to plant a brand new church, what would it look like? What are the personnel and resources required? How does a new church meet the needs of its community? What characteristics and personal stamina are required? Students undertaking this unit will explore the essential need for new churches. It will assist students to develop a church-planting toolkit, by standing on the shoulders of key church planting practitioners, proven principles in the academic literature on entrepreneurship as well as wider historical-biblical-theological foundations of why we should plant churches. Unit detail page >>

MIN509 - Discipleship

Description: This subject offers the student an introduction to the philosophy of church health and management. Unit detail page >>

MIN510 - Communicating the Christian Faith

Description: The ‘E’ word: Evangelism – is a concept that can equally incite ‘excitement’ and ‘excruciation’. In this unit, extroverts and introverts alike will find themselves engaging with the historical, biblical and theological roots for communicating the Gospel and gaining the skills (along with the empowering of the Spirit) to communicate effectively. In doing so, students will explore ways to engage with a world where the acceptance of the Christian story is counter-cultural, as well as ways to connect the good news of the kingdom to contemporary social concerns. Unit detail page >>

MIN520 - Youth Ministry

Description: Generation Y? Why? Effective ministry must always be grounded in love and understanding. The objective of this unit is to explore ways to build a deep and compassionate understanding of young people; their needs, pressures and concerns. To do so, we must understand the context in which they grow up and the social norms that surround and form them. If you have a heart to minister more effectively to the next generation, this unique course will empower you to engage and make a dramatic difference with Gen Y and beyond. Unit detail page >>

MIN521 - Children’s Ministry

Description: The Introduction to Children Ministry unit will encourage you to be like Horton. Our purpose is to protect, train and release our little people. We will be looking at the why, the what and the how for children’s ministry. Unit detail page >>

MIN525 - Childhood and Adolescent Development

Description: Are you brave enough to explore the complex and often moody workings of the teenage psyche? Or the developmental stages of childhood? If so, this is the unit for you! In this unit, students will engage with the forefront theories of childhood and adolescent development in relation to ministry – perfect for the frazzled parent, youth or children's pastor! Unit detail page >>

MIN530 - Women and Christian Ministry

Description: Helen Reddy made headlines when her feminist anthem hit #1 on the Billboard Charts in 1972. Do you want to have the same empowering impact for women in your ministry context? This unit seeks to explore the place of women in Australasian society, both past and present, inside and outside of the church. Particularly it will examine what is the place of women in ministry by drawing on key examples, to provide tools for women (and their supporters) to be released and successful in their ministry today. Unit detail page >>

RES401 - Postgraduate Research and Writing

Description: New to higher education studies & it all seems too hard? Worried about writing essay papers? Or where to begin researching? Or you feel confident in writing, but want to learn the skills of evaluating the masses of information we are bombarded with? This unit is for you! It will give you the tools of how to succeed in your postgraduate academic studies. It will examine how you learn, plus challenge you to think deeper, wider and more creatively. It will also encourage you in how to critically evaluate and reflect on information. Unit detail page >>

THE401 - Christian Worldview

Description: Do you have questions about God that you have been unable to answer? Do you sometimes wonder whether Christian beliefs about things like the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus make any sense? This unit provides you with the opportunity to explore those beliefs that are foundational to Christianity. It argues that what we believe about God (our theology) has a practical impact upon our life and ethics and, therefore, provides an overview of Christian faith, and reflects on the ways in which this faith informs our everyday life and calling. The topics addressed range from the doctrine of God, creation and sin, to discussion on the person and work of Christ, and the nature of the coming kingdom of God. Unit detail page >>

THE501 - Christology

Description: This unit is designed to provide students with an understanding of the biblical basis and the historical and modern formulations of the person and work of Jesus Christ, and to explore these in the light of contemporary Christian life and thought. Unit detail page >>

THE502 - Trinity and Creation

Description: This unit is designed to enable students to understand and explain the doctrine of the Trinity, and to appreciate its significance for theology, faith and mission Unit detail page >>

THE503 - Spirit and Church

Description: This unit examines historical and modern formulations in pneumatology, with an emphasis on Pentecostal perspectives. It also explores the nature and ministry of the Spirit-filled Church. Unit detail page >>

THE504 - Christian Ethics

Description: In an era of moral relativism, Christians should stand out as moral beacons. In fact, however, it is increasingly the case that Church is seen not as a community of love but, rather, as a legalistic, dogmatic, mean-spirited and hypocritical institution. This unit helps students to think through how they go about making ethical decisions. It argues against legalism, and sets up a theological method of approaching ethics that prioritises grace and the power of the Spirit. It also facilitates guided reflection on personal morality and societal ethical issues. Unit detail page >>

THE510 - Theology and Popular Culture

Description: Conservative Christian communities have long been suspicious of popular culture, encouraging people to be wary of the “sinema.” It is increasingly apparent, however, that if the church is going be relevant in the modern world, it needs to find ways to engage with the mediums of popular culture; film, television, music and the internet. This unit teaches students tools for interpreting pop culture texts, and encourages critical analysis. It focuses particularly on film, but provides students the option of exploring other mediums. Teaching strategies include listening to podcast lectures and gathering together to watch and discuss films. The unit will feel a little like a series of “nights-out” although beneath all the fun is some serious reflection on the culture within which we live and minister. Unit detail page >>

THE512 - Apologetics

Description: Is it possible to make sense of Christian faith in the 21st century? This course explores traditional "proofs" of the existence of God, and analyses their contemporary relevance. It considers the relationship between theology and science, and provides students with tools to defend central elements of the gospel. Students are also challenged to put theory into practice by engaging in discussions about faith with non-Christians. Unit detail page >>

THE521 - Theology of Social Justice

Description: This unit provides a biblical theology of holistic mission that takes seriously the responsibility of the Church to address issues of justice and poverty. It argues that the good news of the Kingdom of God has vital implications for social institutions and cultural values, and explores various ways in which the church can respond. Unit detail page >>

THE550 - Theology and Economics

Description: TBA Unit detail page >>

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Graduate Certificate in Arts

Course Information

Course Learning Outcomes

Entry Requirements

IELTS

Academic Entry Requirements

Fees

Units offered as part of this Award:

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