Study Theology at Otago
Overview
It is often said that the age in which we live is characterised by a "crisis of meaning". Many people sense the lack of clearly defined frameworks of beliefs and practices which would help to make sense of their work, relationships, and leisure. Traditionally, the religions of the world have offered people such frameworks, to which they can relate their everyday activities. For many people religion continues to perform this function. Religious Studies is the academic discipline which studies the religions of the world as facts of human history and culture, while Theology studies the origins, the history, and the present significance of one religion, namely, Christianity.
Theology
Theology has been taught at the University of Otago for over fifty years. For many years the subject was taken primarily by students studying for the Presbyterian ministry or the Catholic priesthood. Students studying for Christian ministry still form a part of the theological programme. However, in recent years many theological students have been men and women interested in religious questions, but who have only loose connections (or no connection at all) with the churches.
The University offers a specialised degree in Theology (BTheol), but students can also take theological papers as part of their Arts, Science, Commerce, Education, or Law degrees.
Papers in Theology will be of particular interest to students completing degrees in subjects such as History, Philosophy, Political Studies, Classical Studies, Education, Psychology, Anthropology, and Art History.
A significant number of students enrolled for Theology papers are postgraduate students, studying for the Master of Theology (MTheol) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. These students have their own postgraduate student group, which meets regularly for seminars and social events.
Subject Areas
Within the general area of Theology there are a number of subject areas.
Biblical Studies (BIBS) is devoted to the study of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, looking at the origins of the biblical writings and the history of their interpretation. Biblical Studies papers cover both the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament. Students can also study the biblical languages, namely classical Hebrew and New Testament Greek, to an advanced level. Some study of these languages is required for those who are accepted for the BTheol(Hons) degree.
Christian Thought and History (CHTH) is a subject area which includes both Church History and Systematic Theology. Church History is concerned with the growth and development of the Church from the first century to modern times. It includes the study of major Christian controversies and their effect on the Christian and world communities.
Systematic Theology offers a critical exposition and analysis of Christian thought from both a historical and a philosophical perspective. Some papers in Systematic Theology deal with the history and nature of Christian ethical thought and with current ethical controversies.
Pastoral Theology (PAST) is particularly designed for students entering some form of church ministry. Papers in Pastoral Theology offer a multidisciplinary study of church life, offering students the opportunity to reflect on the practice of Christian ministry.
Distance Learning
Theology courses are also offered by Distance Learning, by way of the University's audioconference (telephone) network.
Papers may be credited to an undergraduate Certificate or Diploma in Theological Studies (CertThSt and DipThSt), or may be taken for the Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) degree. Theology by Distance Learning is also an option for people who live in Dunedin; it is particularly useful for those whose work commitments prevent them from attending lectures during the day.
Religious Studies
The subject matter of Religious Studies is the world's religions. Religious Studies seeks both to understand religion as a universal human phenomenon and to explore the variety of ways in which people express their religious commitments in thought and action. Since Religious Studies students study a wide variety of societies and cultures, this is a subject which can be profitably included within most courses of study.
Classes in Religious Studies are designed to be accessible to everyone, irrespective of religious background. The subject would be particularly useful to students of History, Philosophy, Political Studies, Classical Studies, Education, Psychology, Anthropology and Art History. Students who have majored in Religious Studies at Otago have gone on to careers in teaching, religious and social work, counselling, librarianship, business (especially marketing) and government.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Theological Studies (DipThSt) - no new enrolments
- Certificate in Theological Studies (CertThSt) - no new enrolments
- Bachelor of Theology (BTheol)
- Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons))
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Ministry (PGDipMin)
- Master of Ministry (MMin)
Papers
See the full list of Biblical Studies (BIBS) papers.
See the full list of Christian Thought and History (CHTH) papers.
See the full list of Hebrew (HEBR) papers.
See the full list of Ministry (MINS) papers.
See the full list of Pastoral Studies (PAST) papers.
See the full list of Religious Studies (RELS) papers.
Programme Requirements
Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons)), Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol)
For the major subject requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Theology (BTheol) and Bachelor of Theology with Honours (BTheol(Hons)), or the Postgraduate Diploma in Theology (PGDipTheol), see the subject entries for Biblical Studies, Christian Thought and History and Pastoral Studies.
Minor Subject Requirements
Theology as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) or Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | Two 100-level BIBS, CHTH or HEBR papers | 36 |
| 200-level | Two 200-level BIBS or CHTH papers | 36 |
| 300-level | One 300-level BIBS or CHTH paper | 18 |
| May include either RELS 211 or RELS 311 | ||
| Total | 90 |
Further Information
Email us at theology@otago.ac.nz or visit our home page http://www.otago.ac.nz/theology
