degree programmes of the chinese university of hong kong

28

Degree Programmes of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

1. Bachelor of Arts (Theology Major)An applicant must have passed The Chinese University of Hong Kong matriculation or have obtained exemption from it. It will take at least 3 years [ (3-year curriculum) or (4- year curriculum) ]to complete this full-time programme. The programme ofstudy includes basic theological studies, general education, languages; he/she can also opt for minor subjects.

Major Programme Requirement:3-year curriculum for intake in 2012-13 and before

Required courses units

(a) In the first and second year of attendance:PHIL1110, CURE1122, THEO1211, 1212, 2235 & 2236

18

In the remaining years of attendance:(i) THEO3221 and 1 course from Area 2(ii) THEO2241 and 1 course from Area 4(iii) at least 2 courses each from Area 1 and Area 3 (coded 2000 or above)(iv) at least 1 course from Area 5

27

Elective courses

(b) All THEO courses other than those listed in (a) above, and all CURE courses except those listed in the Area of Cultural Studies are elective courses.

21

Total units: 66

Final year students are allowed to take post-graduate courses, but endorsement must be obtained from the Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College and the Chairman of Department of Cultural and Religious Studies.

Note: Only Major courses coded 2000 and above will be included in the calculation of the Major GPA for honours classification.

Programmes of Study

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4-year curriculum for intake in and after 2012-13

units

1. Faculty Package: Any 3 courses from ANTH1020, CHLL1900, CURE1000, 1110, ENGE1000, FAAS1900, HIST1000, JASP1090, LING1000, MUSC1000, THEO1000, TRAN1000

9

2. Required Courses: CURE1122, PHIL1110, THEO1211, 1212, 2235, 2236, 2241, 3221, 3240, 4241, 4242 30

3. Elective Courses: (a) One course from each of Theological Studies Areas 2, 4 and 5 (b) At least two courses at 2000 or above level from each of Theological Studies Areas 1 and 3 (c) 12 units of elective courses chosen from the following:

All THEO courses other than those taken in 2, 3 (a) and (b) above, and all CURE courses except those listed in Cultural Studies Area

9 12 12

Total units: 72

Explanatory Notes1. Students in their final year of attendance are allowed to take THEO and CURE courses at 5000 or above level, subject to

the approval of the Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College and the Chairman of the Department of Cultural and Religious Studies.

2. THEO and CURE courses at 2000 and above level will be included in the calculation of the Major GPA for honours classification.

Recommended Course Pattern units

1st year of attendanceFaculty Package: 1st and 2nd Faculty Package coursesMajor Required: THEO1211, 1212Major Elective(s): 2 courses

6 6 6

2nd year of attendanceFaculty Package: 3rd Faculty Package course (to be taken in 1st term)Major Required: THEO3221 and 2 courses from CURE1122, PHIL1110, THEO2235 and 2236Major Elective(s): 2 courses

3 9 6

3rd year of attendanceMajor Required: THEO2241, 3240 and 2 courses from PHIL1110, CURE1122, THEO2235 and 2236Major Elective(s): 2 courses

11 6

4th year of attendanceMajor Required: THEO4241, 4242Major Elective(s): 5 courses

4 15

Total (Major Requirement including Faculty Package) units: 72

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2. Master of Divinity (M. Div.)In addition to the general qualifications required for admission to the Graduate School, applicants should have a recognized Bachelor’s degree. It normally takes 3 years for this full-time programme, but for graduates who had majored in Theology or Religious Studies, they may only need 2 years. The programme of study includes taught courses and a final thesis. (Please refer to the “Postgraduate Prospectus” and Graduate School Homepage http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/gss for the details.)

*For Students admitted by Graduate School Regulations of The Chinese University of Hong Kong*

Subjects units

(a) Required courses:

(1) Biblical Studies i) Biblical Language (Any 2 courses from THEO5301-5304) ii) Biblical Studies (THEO5311or THEO5919, THEO5312 or THEO5910 and any 2 courses from RELS5131-5135, THEO5210-5215, 5313-5318, 5910-5913, 5919, 5950-5951)

6 6

6 18

(2) History of Christianity (THEO5271-5272, 5321, 5322/ 5323) 12 12

(3) Theology (THEO5335, 5336 and any 2 courses from THEO5224-5226, 5331, 5920-5922, 5930, 5952-5953

6 6 12

(4) Pastoral Studies (At least 3 courses from THEO5341-5346, 5244-5245, 5941-5948, 5956-5957, 6941, 6942) 9 9

(5) Christianity and Society (At least 4 courses) i) Mission (At least 1 course from THEO5141-5142, 5352, 5924, 5931) ii) Ethics (At least 1 course from THEO5354, 5843, RELS5273) iii) Christian Education (RELS5151, THEO5351, 5845, 5846, 5852-5856, 5960-5961) iv) Asian Studies (RELS5118, 5121, 5213, 5125, 5129, 5131, 5144, 5151, THEO5322, 5323, 5913, 5922, 5923, 5925, 5926, 5928, 5958-5959)

12 12

(6) Faculty Student Seminar (THEO5005, 5006, 5007, 5008) 12 12

(7) Thesis (THEO5002, 5003, 5004) 6 6

(8) Field Education/Local Church Studies (THEO5340, 6943-6946) (Note 1) 10 10

(b) Elective Courses:

(9) Any 8 units of courses listed in the course lists above (THEO/RELS Religious courses) other than the 91 units of required courses, or other courses (THEO/RELS Religious Studies courses, such as RELS5001, 5005, THEO5906) approved by the Head of Graduate Division or Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College.

8 8

Total units: 99

Studied before admission is acceptable. Faculty Student Seminar can only be taken by students in the final year and the year before.(Note 1) Field Education is not an elective; it must be taken during term time or summer holidays. 1st year students can take

this course only during or after their first summer holiday.

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Procedure of Studying :Students should study the basic courses in area (1) to (3), then study the more advanced area (4) to (6). Intro. To NT/OT,Biblical Language, Systematic Theology I & II and Local Church Studies should be taken in the 1st year.

3. Master of Arts in Christian Studies In addition to the general qualifications required for admission to the Graduate School, applicants should have a recognized Bachelor’s degree; degree holders in subjects other than Theology and Religious Studies are welcomed. Applicants should present letters of recommendation from a church-related person and from an undergraduate teacher. (Please refer to the “Postgraduate Prospectus” and Graduate School Homepage at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/gss for details.)

The degree should be completed within the normal period of study: one year to two years for full-time students and not less than two years but not more than four years for part-time students. Students must take at least one course per term throughout the normative study period. Part-time students should not take more than 3 courses in each term and not more than 5 courses in each academic year.

Coursework RequirementStudents are required to complete a minimum of 24 units (a minimum of 8 courses) for graduation.

Areas of Study(i) Biblical Studies(ii) Theological Studies(iii) Christianity and Society(iv) Pastoral Studies and Counseling(v) Christianity in China (vi) Christian Education

A. General Stream

units

(i) Required course: First year of attendance THEO5906 3

(ii) Elective course: First and second years of attendance

Any seven courses chosen from at least three different Areas of Study prescribed in the course list or courses offered by the Divinity School approved by the Head of Graduate Division or Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College, provided that no more than one undergraduate course (with course code prefixed 1000-4000) may be counted towards the fulfillment of the 24-unit coursework requirement.

21

Total units: 24

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B. Different Streams in Areas of Study(“Biblical Studies” or “Theological Studies” or “Christianity and Society” or “Pastoral Studies and Counseling” or “Christianity in China” or “Christian Education”)

units


(ii) Elective courses: First and second years of attendance (a) At least FOUR courses chosen from one Area of Study: “Biblical Studies” or “Theological Studies” or “Christianity and Society” or “Pastoral Studies and Counseling” or “Christianity in China” or “Christian Education” (b) A minimum of three courses, of which two must be chosen from two Areas of Study other

than (a) above, or courses provided by the Divinity School approved by the Head of Graduate Division or Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College, provided that no more than one undergraduate course (with course code prefixed 1000-4000) may be counted towards the fulfillment of the 24-unit coursework requirement.

21

Total units: 24

C. Stream in “Workplace Theology”

units


(ii) Elective course: First and second years of attendance (a) At least FOUR courses chosen from THEO5930, 5931, 5932, 5941, 5942, 5943, and other

approved courses (b) A minimum of three courses, of which two must be chosen from two Areas of Study other

than (a) above, or courses provided by the Divinity School approved by the Head of Graduate Division

or Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College, provided that no more than one undergraduate course (with course code prefixed 1000-4000) may be counted towards the fulfillment of the 24-unit coursework requirement.

21

Total units: 24

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Should a student be interested to take courses offered by other Graduate Divisions or undergraduate courses, approval from our School and the offering department must be obtained and the student should pay extra tuition fee for the course. The tuition fee is set by the offering department.

Graduation Requirements(i) Students must take at least one course per term throughout the normative study period (stipulated in the ‘General

Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies’).(ii) Fulfill the IT Competence Requirement (Please refer to “Student IT Competence”.)(iii) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

4. M.A. in Theological StudiesIn addition to the general qualifications required for admission to the Graduate School, an applicant should have (1) a recognized bachelor’s degree and (2) a postgraduate qualification in Christian Studies (or any relevant degree). Applicants should also present letters of recommendation from a church-related person and from an undergraduate/postgraduate teacher. (Please refer to the “Postgraduate Prospectus” and Graduate School Homepage at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/gss for details.)

Students are required to complete a minimum of 24 units (a minimum of 8 courses) for graduation. The degree should be completed within the normal period of study: one year to three years for full-time students and not less than two years but not more than four years for part-time students. Students must take at least one course per term throughout the normative study period. Part-time students should not take more than 3 courses in each term and not more than 5 courses in each academic year.

Areas of Study(i) Biblical Studies and Early Christianity(ii) Chinese Christianity(iii) Historical and Constructive Theology(iv) Practical Theology

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A. Different Streams in Areas of Study(“Biblical Studies and Early Christianity” or “Chinese Christianity” or “Historical and Constructive Theology” or“Practical Theology”)

units

(i) Required course: Last Study Term THEO5001 3

(ii) Elective courses: A minimum of 21 credit units (7 courses) including:

(a) at least 12 credit units (4 courses) from one area of study (concentration) in the course list of M.A. in Theological Studies; and

(b) at least 9 credit units (3 courses) from the course list of M.A. in Theological Studies, or other courses offered by the Graduate Division or the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, subject to the prior approval of the Head of Graduate Division of Theology or Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College, provided that no more than one undergraduate course (with course code prefixed 1000-4000) may be counted towards the fulfillment of the 24-unit coursework requirement.

21

Total units: 24

B. Cross-area Stream

units

(i) Required course: THEO5001 3

(ii) Elective courses: A minimum of 21 credit units (7 courses) including:

(c) at least 15 credit units (5 courses) from two areas of study in the course list of M.A. in Theological Studies; and

(d) at least 6 credit units (2 courses) from the course list of M.A. in Theological Studies, or other courses offered by the Graduate Division or the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, subject to the prior approval of the Head of Graduate Division of Theology or Director of Divinity School of Chung Chi College, provided that no more than one undergraduate course (with course code prefixed 1000-4000) may be counted towards the fulfillment of the 24-unit coursework requirement.

21

Total units: 24

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Should a student be interested to take courses offered by other Graduate Divisions or undergraduate courses, approval from our School and the offering department must be obtained and the student should pay extra tuition fee for the course. The tuition fee is set by the offering department.

Graduation Requirements(i) Students must take at least one course per term throughout the normative study period (stipulated in the ‘General

Regulations Governing Postgraduate Studies’).(ii) Fulfill the IT Competence Requirement (Please refer to “Student IT Competence”.)(iii) Students are required to write one extensive research paper with no less than 20,000 words (either in English or in Chinese)

for the area of study (concentration) selected in the course list. (iv) Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0.

5. Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) (Religious Studies)In addition to the general qualifications required by the Graduate School, applicants should (1) hold a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Religion or Theology, holders of degrees in related fields will be considered on an individual baisis; (2) submit a research proposal with well-informed bibliography; (3) secure confidential recommendations from two academic referees; (4) fulil the “English Language Proficiency Requirement”; (5) candidates applying for Ph.D. (pre-candidacy) stream should submit an academic paper in either English or Chinese. (Please refer to the “Postgraduate Prospectus” or Graduate School Homepage http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/gss for details).

Fields of Specialization include Chinese Religions, Taoist Studies, Buddhist Studies, Biblical Studies, Christian Studies/Christianity in China, and Religion, Education and Society.

5.1 Master of Philosophy (Religious Studies) StreamCourse WorkStudents are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of taught courses for graduation. In addition, they must enroll in "Thesis Research Courses" for every term throughout their study.

units

First Year1 Core Course (Method and History of Religious Studies) and 3 Term Courses (3 units each)* 2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)

12 12

Second Year 2 Graduate Seminars (2 units each)2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)Graduation Thesis

4 12

Total units: 40

* Any 3 courses from at least two different areas of study OR as prescribed by individual supervisors and the Division.

Graduation Requirements(i) Submission of a written graduation thesis (ii) Pass in an oral examination

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5.2 Doctor of Philosophy (Religious Studies) StreamPre-candidacy - Course WorkStudents are required to complete a minimum of 12 units of taught courses for graduation. In addition, they must enroll in "Thesis Research Courses" for every term throughout their study.

units

First Year1 Core Course (Method and History of Religious Studies) and 3 Term Courses (3 units each)* 2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each)

12 12

Second Year2 Graduate Seminars (2 units each)2 Thesis Research Courses (6 units each) Candidacy (Comprehensive) Examination Thesis Proposal and Defense of Proposal

4 12

Total units: 40

* Any 3 courses from at least two different areas of study OR as prescribed by individual supervisors and the Division.

Language RequirementReading knowledge of at least one language other than English and Chinese is required. The required language may vary according to the field of specialization of the student and is to be advised by individual supervisors.

Candidacy (Comprehensive) ExaminationCandidacy examination will take place upon completion of course work and language requirement. The passing of this examination is mandatory for continuation in the Ph.D. (Post-candidacy) Programme. Three written examinations are required to be taken by the end of the second year and would be examined in at least 2 areas of study or as prescribed by individual supervisors.

Post-candidacyPh.D. (Post-candidacy) students continue to enroll in "Thesis Research Courses" each term throughout their thesis preparation. Though lecture course is not a compulsory component for Ph.D. (post-candidacy) students, they may be requested to take additional courses if the Division finds it necessary.

Graduation Requirements(i) Submission of a written thesis proposal and an original thesis of substantial contribution to existing knowledge (ii) Presentation of the thesis in an oral defense (iii) Pass in an oral examination

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Degree Programmes of South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (SEAGST)

Qualified persons can study as associate students in The Chinese University of Hong Kong with the Divinity School of Chung Chi College for external degrees offered by the regional programmes of the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (established by the Association for Theological Education in South East Asia). Degrees conferred are as follows:

1. Bachelor of Divinity (B.D.)Applicants should have a university entrance standard. It takes normally 5 years to complete this full-time programme, but 3 years for graduates with a college degree (including B.Th.) and 4 years for form six graduates with a professional training not less than two years. Full time church or Christian organization workers, and Christian with a doctorate in other subjects, could apply for part-time study. Length of study varies according to individual merit. The programme of study includes basic theological studies plus other subjects as needed or desired to prepare for a vocation of ministry.

(a) Entrance RequirementsCandidates should have successfully completed matriculation in Hong Kong, or the equivalent, plus one year of working experience. For candidates over 25 years old, the minimum requirement is the Certificate of Education or equivalent, plus five years of working experience. All candidates accepted must have acquired an academic standing at least equivalent to the minimum entrance requirement for University students. Candidates are normally required to have church backing, and must provide the names of three referees who are willing to write confidential recommendation; and among them, one of whom must be a church minister.

(b) Procedure of StudyingStudents should study the basic courses in area (1) to (3), then study the more advanced area (4) to (6). Except upon exemption, Intro. to NT/OT, Biblical Language, Systematic Theology I & II and Local Church Studies must be taken in 1st year.

(c) Requirements for Graduation(1) Completed the required courses.(2) Comprehensive Examination (i) Date: The third Tuesday and Wednesday of May. (Thursday is Term End Commencement) (ii) Examination after 2 years of study for the 3-year programme. Examination after 3 years of study for the 5-year programme. Examination after 2 or 3 years of study for the 4-year programme. (iii) Examination Courses: Bible - at least 4 courses completed Theology - at least 3 courses completed History of Christianity - at least 2 courses completed Altogether at least 11 courses completed

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(iv) 2 Examination Papers: Paper I: Choose 2 questions and answer in 3 hours. (Closed book) Paper II: Answer 1 question in 4 hours. (Open book) (v) Supplementary Examination:

Supplementary examination will be held not later than the end of August of the same year. A candidate who fails in the Supplementary Examination should repeat one year, and sit again for the Examination in next May. The candidate who fails in the retrial should withdraw himself/herself from the programme.

(3) (i) Area: Missiology or other related topics. Topics approved by the instructor should be submitted during the first two months of the first semester in the final academic year, or according to the requirement of the supervisor of thesis writing.

(ii) Length: within 25,000 words. (iii) Date of Submission: May 31

(d) Programme of Study:The programme of study is 5 years full-time. In general, the requirements for the B.D. degree are parallel to the core curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts (Theology major) degree. Candidates for the B.D. degree must fulfill the same requirements in English and Chinese, Physical Education, General Education and Intensive Programme in Putonghua, Cantonese and English as matriculated students in the University. They are encouraged to choose a wide range of elective subjects especially in Social Science and Philosophy. They are also required to study at least one year of a Biblical Language. The required minimum number of units for the five-year programme is 159. (1 unit = 1 hour for 1 semester of 13/14 weeks.)

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(1) 5 - Year Programme * For F. 6 or equivalent student *

Subjects (For subject codes, please refer to M.Div. study scheme) units

(1) NT/OT Bible a) Biblical Language b) Biblical Studies

6 15 21

(2) History of Christianity (Note 1) 12 12

(3) Theology (Note 2) 15 15

(4) Pastoral Studies 15 15

(5) Mission/Christian Education/Ethics (Note 3) 12 12

(6) Faculty -Student Seminar 12 12

(7) Thesis 6 6

(8) Field Education (Note 4) Local Church Studies

12 2 14

(9) Electives a) Non-religious & theology courses b) Religious & theology courses

16 10 26

(10) Others a) Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL1110) b) General Education University General Education Area A-D To be taken every term: GECC1000-College Friday Assembly To be taken in the 1st year: GECC1130-Idea of a University OR GECC1120- College, University and Community and GECC1110- College, University and Community: Student-Orientated Teaching (for non-local students) To be taken in the 3rd year or above: GECC4130- Senior Seminar c) Physical Education d) General Chinese and General English

3

9

0

3 or

2+1

3 2 6

26

Total units: 159

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(2) 4 - Year Programme * For graduate with F. 6 plus at least two-year post secondary study *



6 15 21





(6) Faculty-Student Seminar 12 12

(7) Thesis 6 6


8 2 10

(9) Electives a) Non-religious & theology courses b) Religious & theology courses

9 6 15

(10) Others a) Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL1110) b) General Education University General Education Area A-D To be taken every term: GECC1000-College Friday Assembly To be taken in the 3rd year or above: GECC4130- Senior Seminar

3

9

0

3

15

Total units: 130

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(3.1) 3 - Year Programme * For degree holders or equivalent *



6 15 21






(7) Thesis 6 6


8 2 10

(9) Electives (Religious & theology courses) 6 6

Total units: 106

Studied before admission is acceptable.

(Note 1) Four Compulsory courses (Church History): Early and Medieval Church The Reformation Era Modern European and American Christianity Christianity in China/ Christianity in Hong Kong(Note 2) Compulsory courses: Systematic Theology I & II and two courses related to this area, e. g.: Humanity and Salvation God, Creation & Eschatology Christ, Church & Spirit Contextual Theology/Modern Theologies related courses(Note 3) One course (3 credits) from each area of Mission and Ethics are compulsory.(Note 4) Field Education is not an elective; it must be taken during term time or summer holidays. For students of B.D. 5-year

Programme, Field Education should be arranged in the 2nd term of fourth year, usually from January to August on a full-time basis. Other students can take Field Education either by full-time or part-time. Refer to the Field Education - Basic Information from Divinity School of Chung Chi College

The year by which students can take Field Education:3-years programme: In the summer after completion of 1st year studies.4-years programme: In the summer after completion of 2nd year studies.5-years programme: In the summer after completion of 3rd year studies.

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(3.2) 3 - Year Programme * For B.Th. degree holder *

Subjects (For subject codes, please refer to M.Div. study scheme) Total

Max. units can be

exempted (Note 4)


6 15

69

(2) History of Christianity 12 6

(3) Theology 12 6




(7) Thesis 6 0


8 2

80

(9) Electives (Note 3) 33 27

Total units: 106

Studied before admission is acceptable.

(Note 1) One course (3 units) from each area of Mission and Ethics is compulsory.(Note 2) 3 years/full-time church work experience or above can have 4 units exempted, 5 year experience can have 8 units

exempted.(Note 3) Students should take Non-religious and theology courses as many as possible.(Note 4) Maximum units to be exempted for individual students needs to be approved by our School.

The structure of this programme is basically the same as that of “3- year Programme (for degree holders or equivalent)”. However, with the approval of our School, students who are B.Th. degree holders may change the study plan as follows:1. Unit exemption: Only limited to Biblical Language (maximum 6 units) and Field Education (maximum 8 units) courses2. Reallocation of units in study areas: According individual needs, students may apply to respective lecturers to re-allocate

the unit requirements of Area (1) to (4) to other study areas. (e.g. to change the requirement of 12 units to 9 units in Theology Area and relocate this 3 units to be Electives) However, the student must fulfill the minimum required units in each area after reallocation.

Students should apply for changes in study plan to Programme Director within the second term of the first year of study.

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2. Master of Theology (M.Theol.)Applicants should have a M.Div. or B.D. degree upon application, and they must also pass the entrance examination. It takes 2 years for full-time students and 4 years for part-time students to complete the programme. The programme of study includes advanced research and thesis focused on one special area of theological studies. [Please refer to the Student Handbook of The South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (Hong Kong Area) Master of Theology Degree Programme]

3. Doctor of Theology (D.Theol.)Applicants should have obtained a M.Theol. degree or equivalent [e.g. S.T.M. or M.A. after B.Th. or B.A. (major in theology)] with outstanding ability in research. Applicants are required to submit a research proposal for application. It takes 3 years for full-time students and 6 years for part-time students to complete the programme. Qualified candidates may be given opportunities to study in theological institutes under the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology. [Please refer to the Student Handbook of The South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (Hong Kong Area) Doctor of Theology Degree Programme]

C. Specially Designed ProgrammesStudents engaged in advanced research or doctoral studies elsewhere may be allowed to use the theological resources in the University for limited period of time as associate students. Full-time church workers are also welcome to take courses and allowed to use the theological resources in the University. B.D. and M.Div. graduates (within 2 years after graduation) could get reimbursement of tuition fees (one course per semester) if their attendance is not less than 80%.

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(The courses coded “THEO” are run by Divinity School; coded “RELS” and “CURE” are run by Department of Cultural and Religious Studies.)

A. Undergraduate Courses

Theological Studies

Course Code Course Title units

THEO1000 Approaches to Christian Studies 3

Area 1: Biblical Studies

THEO1211 [THEO5311] Introduction to the Hebrew Scripture 3

THEO1212 [THEO5312] Introduction to the New Testament 3

THEO1213 [THEO5313] Hebrew I 3

THEO1214 [THEO5314] Hebrew II 3

THEO1215 [THEO5315] New Testament Greek I 3

THEO1216 [THEO5316] New Testament Greek II 3

THEO2211 [THEO5317] Pentateuchal Studies 3

THEO2212 [THEO5318] Prophetic Literature 3

THEO2213 [THEO5313] Wisdom and the Psalms 3

THEO2214 [THEO5314] Synoptic Gospels 3

THEO2215 [THEO5315] Johannine Literature 3

THEO2216 [THEO5316] Pauline Letters 3

THEO3213 / 3214 (THE3213/3214) Biblical Studies: Special Topics I / II 3 / 3

Area 2: History of Christianity

THEO2221 [THEO5321] Early & Medieval Church 3

THEO3221 [THEO5323] History of Christianity in China 3

THEO3222 [THEO5322] History of Christianity in Hong Kong 3

THEO3220 / 3229 (THE3229/3220) History of Christianity: Special Topics I / II 3 / 3

Course List

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Area 3: Theology

THEO2231 [THEO5331] Humanity and Salvation 3

THEO2234 Catholic Dogmatic 3

THEO2235 [THEO5335] Systematic Theology I 3

THEO2236 [THEO5336] Systematic Theology II 3

THEO3235 / 3236 (THE3235/3236) Theological Studies: Special Topics I / II 3 / 3

Area 4: Pastoral Studies

THEO2241 [THEO5341] Pastoral Theology 3

THEO3240 [THEO5340] Local Church Study 2

THEO3241 [THEO5343] Homiletics 3

THEO3242 [THEO5342] Denominational Tradition and Polity 3

THEO3244 [THEO5344] Liturgics 3

THEO3245 [THEO5345] Preaching 2

THEO3246 [THEO5346] Death and Dying 3

THEO3247 / 3248 (THE3247/3248) Pastoral Studies: Special Topics I / II 3 / 3

THEO4241 / 4242 (THE4241/4242) Field Education I/II 2 / 2

Area 5: Christianity and Society

THEO2251 [THEO5351] Foundation of Religious Education 3

THEO3252 [THEO5352] The Church in Mission 3

THEO3254 [THEO5354] Christian Ethics 3

THEO3255 / 3256 (THE3255/3256) Christianity and Society: Special Topics I / II 3

Students are allowed to take these courses more than once, and gain the units each time they pass the course. However, students cannot take courses with the same course code more than once in a single term.

Only applicable to BA (Theology) programme.

( ) Old course codes used in 2009-10 and before.

[ ] Courses which share learning activities

Religious StudiesPlease refer to course list of B.A. (Religious Studies). B.A. (Theology) students may take all CURE courses except those listed in the Area of Cultural Studies as elective courses.

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B. Postgraduate Courses (For M.Div., M.Phil., & Ph.D. students; senior B.D. students may take these courses)

Core Courses


THEO5002/5003/ 5004 (THE5002/5003/ 5004) Graduate Thesis I / II / III 2 / 2 / 2

THEO5005/5006 (THE5005/5006) Faculty Student Seminar I / II 3 / 3

THEO5007/5008 (THE5007/5008) Faculty Student Seminar III / IV 3 / 3

Areas of Study


RELS5131 (RST5131) Biblical Hermeneutics in Asian Perspectives 3

RELS5132/5133 (RST5132/5133) Advanced Biblical Exegesis I / II 3 / 3

RELS5134 (RST5134) Feminist Interpretation of the Bible 3

RELS5135 (RST5135) Religion and Literature of the Bible 3

THEO5210 (THE5210) Selected Reading of the Hebrew Bible 3

THEO5211 (THE5211) Selected Reading of the New Testament 3

THEO5212* (THE5212) Development of Early Christian Communities 3

THEO5213 (THE5213) Extracanonical Literature 3

THEO5214 (THE5214) Hebrew Exegesis 3

THEO5215 (THE5215) New Testament Greek Exegesis 3

THEO5301 [THEO1213] Hebrew I 3

THEO5302 [THEO1214] Hebrew II 3

THEO5303 [THEO1215] New Testament Greek I 3

THEO5304 [THEO1216] New Testament Greek II 3

THEO5311 [THEO1211] Introduction to the Hebrew Scripture 3

THEO5312 [THEO1212] Introduction to the New Testament 3

THEO5313 [THEO2213] Wisdom and the Psalms 3

THEO5314 [THEO2214] Synoptic Gospels 3

THEO5315 [THEO2215] Johannine Literature 3

THEO5316 [THEO2216] Pauline Letters 3

THEO5317 [THEO2211] Pentateuchal Studies 3

THEO5318 [THEO2212] Prophetic Literature 3

2012-13 Prospectus

47


THEO5910 (RST5210) New Testament in Contexts 3

THEO5911 (RST5211) Modern Interpretation of the Bible 3

THEO5912 (RST5212) Biblical Theology 3

THEO5913 (RST5213) Jesus Christ in Asian Context 3

THEO5919 / RELS5219 (RST5219) The Hebrew Bible in Contexts 3

THEO5950 / 5951 (RST5250/5251) Special Topics on Biblical Studies I / II 3 / 3

Area 2: History of Christianity

THEO5212* (THE5212) Development of Early Christian Communities 3

THEO5271 (THE5271) The Reformation Era 3

THEO5272 (THE5272) Modern Western Christianity 3

THEO5321 [THEO2221] Early & Medieval Church 3

THEO5322 [THEO3222] Christianity in Hong Kong 3

THEO5323 [THEO3221] Christianity in China 3

THEO5929* (RST5229) History of Christian Thought 3

Area 3: Theological Studies

RELS5276 (RST5276) Theology of Vatican II 3

THEO5224 (THE5224) God, Creation and Eschatology 3

THEO5225 (THE5225) Christ, Church and Spirit 3

THEO5226 (THE5226) Theology and Feminism 3

THEO5230 (THE5230) Hermeneutics and Theology 3

THEO5231 (THE5231) Modernity and Theology 3

THEO5232 (THE5232) Theological Systems and Methods 3

THEO5233 (THE5233) Political and Liberation Theologies 3

THEO5234* (THE5234) Chinese Christian Thinkers 3

THEO5235 Cinema and Theology 3

THEO5331 [THEO2231] Humanity and Salvation 3

THEO5335 [THEO2235] Systematic Theology I 3

THEO5336 [THEO2236] Systematic Theology II 3

THEO5920 (RST5220) Contextual Theologies 3

THEO5921 (RST5221) Modern Christian Thinkers 3

2012-13 Prospectus

48


THEO5922 (RST5222) Asian Theologies 3

THEO5929* (RST5229) History of Christian Thought 3

THEO5930* (RST5230) Public Theology 3

THEO5940 / 5949 (RST5240/5249) Theological Studies: Seminar I / II 3 / 3

THEO5952 / 5953 (RST5252/5253) Special Topics on Theological Studies I / II 3 / 3

Area 4: Pastoral Studies and Field Education

RELS5275 (RST5275) Spirituality and Religious Congregations 3

THEO5240 (THE5240) Congregational Studies 3

THEO5242 (THE5242) History, Practice, and Theology of Christian Worship 3

THEO5243 (THE5243) Twenty-First Century Hymnology 3

THEO5244 (THE5244) Models of Practical Theology 3

THEO5245 (THE5245) Sex, Marriage and Family 3

THEO5340 [THEO1240] Local Church Study 2

THEO5341 [THEO2241] Pastoral Theology 3

THEO5342 [THEO3242] Denominational Tradition and Polity 3

THEO5343 [THEO3241] Homiletics 3

THEO5344 [THEO3244] Liturgics 3

THEO5345 [THEO3245] Preaching 2

THEO5346 [THEO3246] Death and Dying 3

THEO5941 (RST5241) Pastoral Care in Context 3

THEO5942 (RST5242) Contemporary Spirituality 3

THEO5943 (RST5243) Spirituality and Workplace 3

THEO5944 (RST5244) Church Management and Leadership 3

THEO5945 (RST5245) Christian Counselling 3

THEO5946 (RST5246) Counselling and Youth Ministry 3

THEO5947 (RST5247) Counselling and Family Ministry 3

THEO5948 (RST5248) Theology and Counselling Theories 3

THEO5956 / 5957 (RST5256/5257) Special Topics on Pastoral Studies and Counseling I / II 3 / 3

THEO6941/6942 (RST6241/6242) Pastoral Studies: Seminar I / II 3 / 3

THEO6943/6944 (RST6243/6244) Field Education III / IV 2 / 2

THEO6945/6946 (RST6245/6246) Field Education V / VI 2 / 2

2012-13 Prospectus

49


Area 5: Religion, Education and Society

RELS5151 (RST5151) Christian Higher Education in China 3

RELS5273 (RST5273) Catholic Social Ethics 3

THEO5141 (THE5141) Ecumenics 3

THEO5142 (THE5142) Issues Facing Churches Today 3

THEO5241 (THE5241) Christian Mission and Glocalization 3

THEO5351 [THEO2251] Foundation of Religious Education 3

THEO5352 [THEO3252] The Church in Mission 3

THEO5354 [THEO3254] Christian Ethics 3

THEO5843/ RELS5143 (RST5143) Contemporary Issues in Ethics, Society and Religion 3

THEO5845 (RST5145) Religious Education and Chinese Societies 3

THEO5846/ RELS5146 (RST5146) Human Development and Religious Education 3

THEO5847 (RST5147) Culture, Religion and Ethics 3

THEO5849/ RELS5149 (RST5149) Religion and Ecological Crisis 3

THEO5852 (RST5152) Theories of Religious Education 3

THEO5853 (RST5153) Christian Education in the Postmodern World 3

THEO5854 (RST5154) Teaching/Learning Theories in Christian Education 3

THEO5855 (RST5155) Christian Education and Character Formation 3

THEO5856 (RST5156) Church Schools in Hong Kong 3

THEO5924 (RST5224) Christianity & Social Change 3


THEO5931 (RST5231) Professions and Christian Faith 3

THEO5932 (RST5232) Theology and Work 3

THEO5933 Media, Popular Culture and Christiantiy 3

THEO5954 / 5955 (RST5254/5255) Special Topics on Christianity and Society I / II 3 / 3

THEO5960 / 5961 (RST5260/5261) Special Topics on Christian Education I / II 3 / 3

Area 6: Christianity in China

THEO5220/ RELS5325 (THE5220) Christianity in Chinese Literature 3

THEO5221 (THE5221) Protestantism in Reform China 3

THEO5222 (THE5222) Studies in Hong Kong Christianity 3

THEO5223 (THE5223) Christianity in the Chinese Diaspora 3

2012-13 Prospectus

50



THEO5923 (RST5223) Christianity in Chinese Religious Context 3

THEO5925 (RST5225) Chinese Christianity 3

THEO5926 (RST5226) Christianity and Chinese Culture 3

THEO5928 (RST5228) Christianity in Twentieth Century China 3

THEO5958 / 5959 (RST5258/5259) Special Topics on Christianity in China I / II 3 / 3

Area 7: Religious Studies and Chinese Religions

RELS5001 (RST5001) Method And History of Religious Studies 3

RELS5005 (RST5005) Theories of Religious Studies 3

RELS5115 (RST5115) Reading on Chinese Religious Texts 3

RELS5118 (RST5118) Studies on Chinese Buddhism 3

RELS5121 (RST5121) Popular Religion in China 3

RELS5123 (RST5123) Taoist Thought 3

RELS5125 (RST5125) Taoist Ritual 3

RELS5129 (RST5129) Taoism and Chinese Culture 3

RELS5144 (RST5144) Women in Chinese Religions 3

RELS5300 (RST5300) The Study of Islam 3

* Courses listed in more than one Area of Study.



[ ] Courses which share learning activities

Postgraduate Courses (For M.A. in Christian Studies)

A. Required Course

THEO5906 (RST5006) Methods and Paradigms of Christian Studies 3

B. Areas of Study


RELS5131 (RST5131) Biblical Hermeneutics in Asian Perspectives 3

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51


RELS5134 (RST5134) Feminist Interpretation of the Bible 3

RELS5135 (RST5135) Religion and Literature of the Bible 3

THEO5910 (RST5210) New Testament in Contexts 3

THEO5911/RELS5211 (RST5211) Modern Interpretation of the Bible 3

THEO5912 (RST5212) Biblical Theology 3

THEO5913 (RST5213) Jesus Christ in Asian Context 3

THEO5919/RELS5219 (RST5219) The Hebrew Bible in Contexts 3

THEO5950/5951 (RST5250/5251) Special Topics on Biblical Studies I / II 3 / 3

Area 2: Theological Studies

THEO5224 (THE5224) God, Creation and Eschatology 3

THEO5225 (THE5225) Christ, Church and Spirit 3

THEO5271 (THE5271) The Reformation Era 3

THEO5272 (THE5272) Modern Western Christianity 3

THEO5920 (RST5220) Contextual Theologies 3

THEO5921 (RST5221) Modern Christian Thinkers 3

THEO5922 (RST5222) Asian Theologies 3

THEO5925* (RST5225) Chinese Christianity 3

THEO5929 (RST5229) History of Christian Thought 3



Area 3: Christianity and Society

THEO5845* (RST5145) Religious Education and Chinese Societies 3

THEO5923* (RST5223) Christianity in Chinese Religious Context 3

THEO5924 (RST5224) Christianity & Social Change 3


THEO5931 (RST5231) Professions and Christian Faith 3

THEO5932 (RST5232) Theology and Work 3

THEO5933 Media, Popular Culture and Christianity 3


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52


Area 4: Pastoral Studies & Counselling

THEO5941 (RST5241) Pastoral Care in Context 3

THEO5942 (RST5242) Contemporary Spirituality 3

THEO5943 (RST5243) Spirituality and Workplace 3

THEO5944 (RST5244) Church Management and Leadership 3

THEO5945 (RST5245) Christian Counselling 3

THEO5946 (RST5246) Counselling and Youth Ministry 3

THEO5947 (RST5247) Counselling and Family Ministry 3

THEO5948 (RST5248) Theology and Counseling Theories 3


Area 5: Christianity in China


THEO5923* (RST5223) Christianity in Chinese Religious Context 3

THEO5925* (RST5225) Chinese Christianity 3

THEO5926 (RST5226) Christianity and Chinese Culture 3

THEO5928 (RST5228) Christianity in Twentieth Century China 3

THEO5958 / 5959 (RST5258/5259) Special Topics on Christianity in China I / II 3 / 3

Area 6: Christian Education


THEO5846/RELS5146 (RST5146) Human Development and Religious Education 3

THEO5852 (RST5152) Theories of Religious Education 3

THEO5853 (RST5153) Christian Education in the Postmodern World 3

THEO5854 (RST5154) Teaching/Learning Theories in Christian Education 3

THEO5855 (RST5155) Christian Education and Character Formation 3

THEO5856 (RST5156) Church Schools in Hong Kong 3





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53

Postgraduate Courses (For M.A. in Theological Studies)

A. Required Course


THE5001 (THEO5001) Theological Research 3

B. Areas of Study

Area 1: Biblical Studies and Early Christianity

THEO5210 (THE5210) Selected Reading of the Hebrew Bible 3

THEO5211 (THE5211) Selected Reading of the New Testament 3

THEO5212 (THE5212) Development of Early Christian Communities 3

THEO5213 (THE5213) Extracanonical Literature 3

THEO5214 (THE5214) Hebrew Exegesis 3

THEO5215 (THE5215) New Testament Greek Exegesis 3

THEO5950 / 5951 (RST5250/5251) Special Topics on Biblical Studies I / II 3 / 3

Area 2: Chinese Christianity

THEO5220/RELS5325 (THE5220) Christianity in Chinese Literature 3

THEO5221 (THE5221) Protestantism in Reform China 3

THEO5222 (THE5222) Studies in Hong Kong Christianity 3

THEO5223 (THE5223) Christianity in the Chinese Diaspora 3


THEO5958/5959 (RST5258/5259) Special Topics on Christianity in China I / II 3 / 3

Area 3: Historical and Constructive Theology

THEO5141 (THE5141) Ecumenics 3

THEO5226 (THE5226) Theology and Feminism 3

THEO5230 (THE5230) Hermeneutics and Theology 3

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54


THEO5231 (THE5231) Modernity and Theology 3

THEO5232 (THE5232) Theological Systems and Methods 3

THEO5233 (THE5233) Political and Liberation Theologies 3


THEO5235 Cinema and Theology 3


Area 4: Practical Theology

THEO5142 (THE5142) Issues Facing Churches Today 3

THEO5240 (THE5240) Congregational Studies 3

THEO5241 (THE5241) Christian Mission and Glocalization 3

THEO5242 (THE5242) History, Practice, and Theology of Christian Worship 3

THEO5243 (THE5243) Twenty-First Century Hymnology 3

THEO5244 (THE5244) Models of Practical Theology 3

THEO5245 (THE5245) Sex, Marriage and Family 3







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55

THEO1000

Approaches to Christian Studies An introduction to different theological reflections of the interpretation of Christian belief and practices, and their correlation to other disciplines and everyday life.

THEO1211

Introduction to the Hebrew Scripture This course is a survey of the books which made up the Hebrew Scriptures, and the lives of the people whom these books are about. It covers the period of the Patriarchs to the beginning of the Christian era within the context of the ancient Near Eastern world. This historical survey will also introduce students to the life and faith and literature of the Hebrew people. During the course, students are expected to read and become familiar with the Hebrew Scripture.

THEO1212

Introduction to the New Testament This course is a survey of the New Testament Church, its life, faith and literature within the context of the Mediterranean world. During the course, students are expected to read and become familiar with the contents of the New Testament.

THEO1213

Hebrew I A study of elementary Hebrew vocabulary and grammar. The aim is to prepare students to read simple short sentences in the Hebrew Bible.

THEO1214

Hebrew II A study of elementary Hebrew vocabulary and grammar. The aim is to prepare students to read Biblical Hebrew Prose.

THEO1215

New Testament Greek I A study of elementary New Testament Greek vocabulary and grammar to prepare students to read simple sentences of the New Testament in its original Greek form.

Course Description

THEO1216

New Testament Greek II A study of elementary New Testament Greek vocabulary and grammar to prepare students to read the New Testament in its original Greek form.

THEO2211

Pentateuchal Studies Exegesis of selected passages from Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.

THEO2212

Prophetic Literature Exegesis of selected passages from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the Twelve Prophets.

THEO2213

Wisdom and the Psalms Exegesis of selected passages from Job, Proverb, Ecclesiates, Psalms and also from Wisdom passages from the prophets.

THEO2214

Synoptic Gospels This course comprises a study of the synoptic problem, the characteristics, purpose and theology of the three Synoptic Gospels, and a detailed exegesis of selected passages from the Gospels both of Matthew and of Luke, including comparison with parallel passages in the Gospel according to Mark.

THEO2215

Johannine Literature Study of selected passages from the Gospel according to John, the Epistles of John and Revelation (Apocalypse), including questions of authorship, purpose and main emphasis.

THEO2216

Pauline Letters Study of selected passages from Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians, including general questions of date, authorship, setting, purpose and main theological emphasis.

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56

THEO2221

Early and Medieval Church The development of Christian thought and institutions in the Patristic and Medieval periods.

THEO2231

Humanity and Salvation The Christian doctrine of humanity; the doctrine of sin and its consequences; various concepts of salvation; the doctrines of reconciliation, justification, sanctification, etc.; Christ and salvation.

THEO2234

Catholic Dogmatics In this course, we attempt to understand, in the light of developments up to and including the Second Vatican Council, what and how the Catholic Church conceives herself to be, and in such a conception, how she looks at the Bible, tradition and her sacramental life.

THEO2235

Systematic Theology I This course is an introduction to the nature and methodologies of Christian theology, with particular attention to the historical creeds of the Christian Churches.

THEO2236

Systematic Theology II This course will be a survey of the Christian doctrines of God, Jesus Christ, human nature, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the last things. Attention will also be given to the contemporary development of theology.

THEO2241

Pastoral Theology This course covers three areas: (1) the place of Pastoral Theology in theological studies and its uniqueness; (2) different types of Pastoral Theology and their aims; and (3) church models and pastoral emphases.

THEO2251

Foundation of Religious Education This course is an introduction to religious education. Some of the central issues in religious education will be raised, including what kind of education it is, why is such education necessary, when and how is one to be educated, for what and to what extent, etc. Attempts will be made to relate religious education to other

disciplines such as theology, education, psychology, sociology, philosophy.

THEO3213

Biblical Studies: Special Topics I An examination of some basic problems or topics related to Biblical Studies.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3214

Biblical Studies: Special Topics II An examination of some basic problems or topics related to Biblical Studies.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3220

History of Christianity: Special Topics I An examination of some basic problems or topics related to the history of Christianity.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3221

History of Christianity in China The development of Christian thought and institutions in China.

THEO3222

History of Christianity in Hong Kong This course aims at an in-depth study about the historical development of Christianity (including Protestant and Catholic churches) in Hong Kong since the beginning of the British rule. This study will emphasize the role of Christianity in the wider context of the history of Hong Kong, with special focus on the relationship between Christianity and Hong Kong society (education, medical care, social service, social action, etc.) and various issues arising from these areas.

THEO3229

History of Christianity: Special Topics II An examination of some basic problems or topics related to history of Christianity.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

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57

THEO3235

Theological Studies: Special Topics I An examination of some basic problems or topics that arise in theological studies, such as sacramental theology, language, myth and symbol; Holy Spirit and sanctification.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3236

Theological Studies: Special Topics II An examination of some basic problems or topics that arise in theological studies, such as sacramental theology, language, myth and symbol; Holy Spirit and sanctification.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3240

Local Church Study The main aim of this course is to help students to acquire a basic understanding of the local churches. The contents include brief introductions to historical, theological as well as sociological dimension of the local churches. Basic knowledge of congregational studies and methods of church analysis will also be introduced.

THEO3241

Homiletics This course will cover: (1) the principles, construction and technique in preaching; and (2) the content and message of a sermon in the contemporary world. Practice teaching will be videotaped and discussed for improvement of technique and content.

THEO3242

Denominational Tradition and Polity This course is a study of the Protestant denominations that have made an impact in Hong Kong. The theological traditions, liturgies, polity, mission strategies and models of Anglican, Church of Christ in China, Methodist and Tsung Tsin Church will be studied.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3244

Liturgics The history, theory and practice of public worship.

THEO3245

Preaching Through instructions and discussion, students are given guidance in their composition and delivery of sermons. Special emphasis will be given to Biblical exposition, progression of thoughts, flow of feelings, use of illustrations, relevance, and delivery styles. Each student is expected to deliver a full-length sermon in front of other students two to three times a semester and hand in the relevant scripts at the same time. Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3246

Death and Dying This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the issues and feelings surrounding death and dying. It is also designed to allow students to develop skill and sensitivity in ministering to others.

THEO3247

Pastoral Studies: Special Topics I An examination of some basic problems or topics related to Pastoral Studies.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3248

Pastoral Studies: Special Topics II An examination of some basic problems or topics related to Pastoral Studies.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3252

The Church in Mission Types of theology of the mission of the Church.

THEO3254

Christian Ethics An introduction to the nature and theological foundation of Christian ethics; ethical method and language.

THEO3255

Christianity and Society: Special Topics I An examination of some basic problems or topics related to

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58

Christianity and Society.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO3256

Christianity and Society: Special Topics II An examination of some basic problems or topics related to Christianity and Society.Offerings with different subtitles can be taken up for credit, up to a maximum of two times.

THEO4241/ THEO4242

Field Education I, II Students will be arranged to join internship programmes offered by churches or church organizations. The overall aims are to help students gain insights into how theory be integrated with practice, learn to read living experience, learn to do theological reflection, understand how one’s self has shaped his/her ministry, examine his/her own vocational calling, acquire basic ministerial skills.

THEO5001

Theological Research Students are required to write a substantial research paper on an approved topic in their area of concentration under the supervision of an instructor at their final term of study.

THEO5002 - 5004

Graduate Thesis I, II, III The purpose of this course is to prepare Master’s degree (M.Div.) students for their graduate thesis writing under the supervision of their individual supervisors.

THEO5005 - 5008

Faculty Student Seminar I-IV A course of study in which topics relating either to the context or work of ministering in the modern world will be present and discussed by faculty members and students together. Students will be encouraged to deal with topics that integrate an area of non-theological studies with their theological viewpoint. They will be evaluated on their ability to think theological, that is, to reflect upon major theological and social issues, to define current issues in theological terms and theological issues in contemporary “sccular” terms.

THEO5141

Ecumenics The study of various types of theological thinking including Fundamental ism, Pentecostal ism, Evangel ical ism, Catholicism, Liberalizm, Orthodoxy, etc; the history of the ecumenical movement and issues in ecumenical theological thinking. To study Christian faith and theology in its relatedness to difference, and to learn about developing a theology capable of reflecting the unity that is given in Christ. The reflection on the inner unity and diversity of Christian faith and theology.

THEO5142

Issues Facing Churches Today The goal of the course is to explore what kind of issues churches are facing in contemporary world, to reflect and to recommend how churches respond to these challenges. The goal is not about the concern of survival, but about the concern of mission, Missio Dei. Apart from a lot of issues surrounding us, different agendas of churches (or denominations) make the selection of the issues for discussion more difficult. Due to this, the design of the course adopts an interactive approach, that is to say, we come to discuss, decide and analyze the issues for study. We work in a group, not individual, although assessment is individually based. At the same time, methodologies of theological reflection are introduced.

THEO5210

Selected Reading of the Hebrew Bible This course selects one major script or some minor scripts of the Hebrew Bible for studies. Issues including textual criticism, authorship and readership, sources, themes and theology will be discussed. The interpretations of these issues by scholars will also be incorporated.

THEO5211

Selected Reading of the New Testament This course selects one major script or some minor scripts of the New Testament for studies. Issues including textual criticism, authorship and readership, sources, themes and theology will be discussed. The interpretations of these issues by scholars will also be incorporated.

THEO5212

Development of Early Christian Communities This course deals with the situation of Early Christian Communities mainly in the 1st century CE. The reconstruction of this situation is mainly based on the critical studies of

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59

the scripts of the New Testament. The social situation and religious thought in the time of Jesus Christ, St. Paul, and the texts of the canonical Gospels are the main foci of this course.

THEO5213

Extracanonical Literature This course will strategically and selectively investigate ancient texts and corpora ranging from about 3rd BCE to about 3rd CE including the Old Testament Pseudepigraphies, the New Testament Apocrypha, Apostolic Fathers, Nag Hammadi Library, etc. Introductory issues, such as authorship, language and manuscripts are included. The theologies and contexts of the literature, which contributed to the development of Early Christianity (or Christianities) including different Christian sects and schools, will be studied.

THEO5214

Hebrew Exegesis This course continues from the basics of Hebrew I and II. It introduces the technical skills and steps involved in Hebrew Exegesis. Therefore, the student will be taught the foundation of exegesis, how to use and read BHS, including textual criticism. The student will also learn to do lexical studies, analyze syntax with the appropriate tools. Students will learn to apply these skills on a few texts of different genres: poetry: Ps 23; instruction: Pro 2; prophetic oracle: Ezek 37; and the other selected passages. Through these primary skills, the student will be guided how to exegete theology of the texts and also explore possibilities of interpretations.

THEO5215

New Testament Greek Exegesis This course aims at enabling students who have learned New Testament Greek I & II to do translation and thence exegesis of the Greek text independently.

THEO5220

Christianity in Chi Literature Religion has close relations with literature. This course is a study of the interactions between Christianity and Chinese literature in the 20th century. It attempts to investigate the impact of Christianity on modern and contemporary Chinese writers and explores the religious themes in selected literary works. It will also examine the practices of Christian literature by the Christian church in China.

THEO5221

Protestantism in Reform China The aim of this course is to help the students to understand the development of Protestant Christianity in the Reform era, with emphasis on its interactions with the political, social and intellectual changes in China. Topics to be studied will cover church-state relations, Three-self Patriotic Movement, denominations and theological reflections, etc.

THEO5222

Studies in HK Christianity This course examines the significant changes of Hong Kong society and its impacts on the development of Christianity since 1950s. Emphasis will be placed on social movement, political changes, 1997 issues, educational reform, cultural and intellectual transformation. It will also explore the theological responses of Christian churches to the above challenges.

THEO5223

Christianity in the Chinese Diaspora This course examines the development of Christianity in Chinese Diaspora. Special emphasis would be given to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Southeast Asia and N. America, etc. Students should explore and reflect on the trends of globalization and localization by comparing the experiences of different contexts.

THEO5224

God, Creation, and Eschatology Since God in Christian understanding is self-revealed, the knowledge of God is not just about a language game. Through and in Jesus Christ, we come to know God as Trinity and Creator in terms of alpha and omega. This course attempts to provide a biblical, historical, theological, philosophical and contextual analysis of the doctrine of God.

THEO5225

Christ, Church, and Spirit Christ, Church and Spirit are intimately correlated in the Christian faith. This course attempts to provide a biblical, historical, theological, contextual and practical analysis of these three doctrines and their relation.

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THEO5226

Theology and Feminism The absence of women’s experiences and voices often seems the result and perpetuation of a blindness to gender inequality within the Church. To change this reality, we must return to a basic question: What does Christian theology reveal to the Church about the nature and place of women? The course aims at exposing students to a broad perspective and discussion about the dynamic relationship between theology and feminism. In addition to introducing the experiences of contemporary women and feminist critiques on violence, family, sexuality, poverty, ecology and media, the students will be encouraged to reexamine the ways in which the Western Judeo-Christian religious tradition has profoundly influenced our understanding of God and gender and to study the feminist interpretations of God-talks, sin and redemption, spirituality, leadership and church.

THEO5230

Hermeneutics and Theology This course will examine the impact of contemporary hermeneutical theories on the doing of theology. A survey of the development from classical to modern and contemporary hermeneutics will be given. The influence of hermeneutical theories upon theological method, the rethinking of the nature of theology, the interpretation of bible, the explication of some theological categories such as revelation, will be introduced. Several thinkers, such as David Tracy and Helmut Peukert will be introduced for illustration purpose.

THEO5231

Modernity and Theology This course examines the relation and interaction between modernity and theology, with particular focus on the challenges of modernity to Christian theology as well as the diverse theological responses to modernity in various historical and cultural contexts. Related issues, such as the contested interpretations of modernity, claims about the theological roots of Western modernity, and the prospect of constructive theology in global modernity, will be discussed.

THEO5232

Theological Systems and Methods This course examines and evaluates selected works of modern systematic theologians, such as Friedrich Schleiermacher, Karl Barth, Paul Tillich, Wolfhart Pannenberg, and Gordon Kaufman. It will investigate the structure and content of each theological system as well as the method used in constructing it. Special attention will be paid to the interdependence of

method and system. While the course focuses on modern and contemporary theology, it will briefly survey a few classical examples of systematic theology, such as the works of John of Damascus, Thomas Aquinas, and John Calvin.

THEO5233

Political and Liberation Theologies Both political and liberation theologies attempt to provide a theological reflection of the interaction between the Christian faith and the socio-political order, with reference to their particular context. They keep an active and critical dialogue with contemporary social theories. Issues like church-state relation, Christianity and human rights, Christianity and economic justice are their concern. The course not only introduces the historical development and the theological significance of political and liberation theologies, but also explores to construct a political and liberation theology that is relevant to the contemporary context.

THEO5234

Chinese Christian Thinkers This course consists of an in-depth study of the theological thought of several Christian thinkers in modern and contemporary China. Examples may include T.C. Chao, Watchman Nee, Y.T Wu, John Sung and K. H. Ting, etc. Special reference will be made on the distinctive characteristics of their theological concerns and their impact on Chinese Protestantism. The contribution of such thinkers toward indigenization and contextualization will also be discussed.

THEO 5235

Cinema and Theology This course considers the various religious and theological dimensions of contemporary cinema, and examines a range of approaches to such endeavours. Since the inception of motion picture in 1895, cinema and institutional religions (including Christianity) have always been interested in each other – numerous films have used religious themes and motifs as subject matters, while religious communities have been eager to harness the cinema by critiquing, censoring, or making use of films in their ministries. The study of film from serious academic theological perspectives, however, was scarce until the mid 1990s. In this course, we explore a number of approaches by which the theological study of film can take place. These include, for example, the study of explicit representation of religious materials, the 'uncovering' of implicit religious motifs, the use of film as resource for theological reflection and construction. In particular, we shall consider how cinematic representations of certain important theological motifs

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may enrich conventional religious understanding. Films to be viewed and discussed cover a broad range from European art-house classics, popular Hollywood productions, to contemporary East Asian and Chinese language films.

THEO5240

Congregational Studies This course will familiarize students with the recent discourse of congregational studies flourished both in the US and the UK context. Students will be helped to see the significant impact that this discourse has on recent congregational life. Interdisciplinary research methods for understanding the identity, dynamics, and context of a congregation will be introduced. Students will also be equipped with some tools for analyzing the local congregations.

THEO5241

Christian Mission and Glocalization God’s mission (Missio Dei) is the fundamental of mission, and should be understood in context. The history of the Christian mission reveals that its mission is like an ‘Empire’ as well as a servant of the gospel. Apart from a critical review of the theology and practice of Christian mission, the course is to analyze the characteristics of glocalization and its implications for the understanding and practice of Christian mission.

THEO5242

History, Practice, and Theology of Christian WorshipThe course is designed to provide students with an in depth study of Christian Worship from Biblical, historical, liturgical, theological and contextual perspectives. After laying the foundation for liturgical and theological discussions from Biblical and historical angles, much emphasis will be placed on the development of worship forms from Vatican II to the recent ecumenical and post denominational liturgical revivals that reflect dynamic contemporary cultural and theological dialogues in the post modern era.

THEO5243

Twenty-First Century Hymnology This course aims at the study of hymns and the development of church music in historical perspectives. It will investigate how hymns, as carriers and interpreters of 2000 years of Christian faith, have laid their biblical foundation, and have incorporated historical and cultural elements as well as their respective musical styles to enrich the liturgy and shape our spirituality. It will also examine how the hymn explosion of the latter part of 20th century has opened up a new world of 21st century hymnology, which on the one hand has incorporated

new vocabularies to deal with issues of human rights, social, economical and political justice, ecology and integrity of creation, and on the other hand has adapted musical languages of the modern world with diversified ethnic styles that has formed a new world of 21st century global hymns. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis and application of contemporary hymns and praise choruses musically, theologically and liturgically.

THEO5244

Models of Practical Theology This course aims at familiarizing the students with the practical theology movement in the past several decades. It will examine the practical nature of all theologies, and will introduce several models of practical theology. It also aims at helping students to see how the theological theories that they learn through lectures and readings may have bearings on their Christian lives and ministries.

THEO5245

Sex, Marriage and Family This course aims at familiarizing the students with a practical theological approach to issues in connection with sex, marriage, and family. The contents cover the changing conceptions of sex, marriage, and families in the course of history, as well as the Christian traditions that give shape to the conceptions. Debates on the related issues and the theologies underneath will also be discussed. Besides, some related Christian counseling approaches will also be included in the course contents.

THEO5271

The Reformation Era The purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the developments in church and theology in 16th century Europe. After the course the student shall be able to understand different aspects of the transformations happening during the said period: historical, social, political, spiritual, and others. A special emphasis will be on the shifts in theological thinking and how these shifts change the traditional configuration of society, state, culture, and religion.

THEO5272

Modern Western Christianity The purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the historical and theological developments in the Western Church from the Peace of Westphalia through Enlightenment, history of awakenings and the renewals in the 20th century to the present. This course includes both, the developments of the

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church in Europe and North America as they are closely linked.

THEO5843

Contemporary Issues in Ethics, Society and ReligionThis course attempts to explore the complexi ty of contemporary issues raised by ethics and society through a religious perspective. How religious thinking can be enriched and challenged by issues of bioethical, business, legal and political nature.

THEO5845

Religious Education and Chinese Societies This course will take religious education in modern Chinese societies as a case studies. It will aim at re-evaluating the roles of religion in modern Chinese societies. The course will include a comprehensive study of the experiences of Christian education in modern Chinese history, a critical evaluation of religious involvement in school education and an in-depth review of the relationships between religious education, spiritual education, life education and compulsory general education in schools today.

THEO5846

Human Development and Religious Education This course will attempt to study some of the modern developmental theories such as Piaget ’s cognit ive developmental theory, Erikson’s socio-psychological theory, Kohlberg’ s moral developmental theory and Fowlers’ faith developmental theory. Special attention will be given to the evaluation of their significance to education in a religious context.

THEO5847

Culture, Religion and Ethics This course attempts to articulate the creative inquiry into and conceptual interrelationship among culture, religion and ethics. Particular attention is given to the relevance of theological reflection for cultural analysis in public life, the advance of technology, the movement of economic order, the ambiguity of sexual issue and the pressing demands for dialogue between the world’s religions.

THEO5849

Religion and Ecological Crisis This course aims at introducing the students to the issues related to religion and environmental ethics. The course will cover the following aspects: the basic approaches in environmental ethics; how religions are related to the

environmental problems; the worldview and ethics of the major religious traditions; and how contemporary religions respond to the environmental question.

THEO5852

Theories of Religious Education This course examines various theories of religious education. It begins with an historical overview of different approaches to religious education. It then examines some influential theories of religious education, particularly James Fowler's comprehensive theory of faith development, Paulo Freire's praxis approach to education, and Thomas Groome's theory of Christian religious education. Students will explore contributions, as well as limitations, of these theories to religious education classroom of contemporary Hong Kong.

THEO5853

Christian Education in the Postmodern World This course explores the dynamics of living in a postmodern world and its impact on Christian education. It will first describe the emergence and meaning of postmodernity. It will then explore its impact on religion in general and Christian education in particular. Issues like religious convictions, moral decisions, and character and spiritual formation will be of particular interest. Lastly, students are expected to rediscover the meanings of Christian education in the postmodern world.

THEO5854

Teaching/Learning Theories in Christian Education This course explores theories of teaching and learning in an effort to enhance teaching effectiveness in the field of Christian Education. Attention will be given to the examination of historical and contemporary models of teaching/learning and, the development of personal pedagogies for Christian Education in schools and churches.

THEO5855

Christian Education and Character Formation This course is designed to equip educators with vision and accompanying skills for aligning Christian education to character formation. Students will be guided in developing a general understanding of how character is formed in childhood and throughout the lifespan. Different psychological and philosophical theories of moral/character development, including Maslow, Erikson, Kohlberg, Gilligan, and McIntyre will be examined. Also, students will be assisted in developing practical strategies and methodologies for supporting character development in the context of Christian Education.

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THEO5856

Church Schools in Hong Kong This course explores the history, mission and strategy of church schools in Hong Kong, and their impact on Hong Kong’s system of education. Besides, an in-depth case study of different traditions of church schools (such as, Anglican, Church of Christ in China, Methodist, Catholic, Baptist and others) will be introduced as well as examined. Theories from Pierre Bourdieu on fi eld of forces, habitus and cultural capital, and Basil Bernstein on knowledge and the secular market curriculum will be drawn into discussion.

THEO5906

Methods and Paradigms of Christian Studies This course aims at providing students with a solid methodological and theoretical understanding of the multidisciplinary study of Christianity. It mainly introduces the students to the principal tasks (e.g., historical, constructive, practical) and methods, together with their theoretical presuppositions, of Christian studies. It also acquaints students with major theological paradigms (e.g., traditional, liberal, liberationist, feminist, etc.) and their different visions of the theological disciplines (e.g., biblical studies, history of Christianity, systematic theology, pastoral studies, etc.). Issues such as the relation of Christian studies to other academic fields, the alleged conflict between its scientific and ecclesial orientations, and the interconnection of its diverse disciplines, will be discussed.

THEO5910

New Testament in Contexts This course introduces methodologies of both ancient and modern contexts reconstruction which are related to New Testament studies. Hence it will select some texts of the New Testament with contemporary methods for in-depth study. Texts include selected themes of the Pauline Epistles, Synoptic Gospels and Johannine Literature. Illustrations may be drawn from Pauline Epistle Form, Doctrinal and Ethical Teachings; Eucharist, Baptism, Miracles and Teachings of the Synoptics; as well as Revelation structure, “I am saying”, Farewell Discourse of the Gospel of John.

THEO5911

Modern Interpretation of the Bible This course covers the modern development of biblical interpretation in the west, which is affected by contemporary social, political, historical, philosophical and theological contexts. Special emphases are given to different approaches and methods of interpretation which are developed with

insights from academic disciplines, as well as to biblical issues which are interpreted from new perspectives.

THEO5912

Biblical Theology Exegetical study of Old Testament and/or New Testament passages and their theological implication for both ancient and contemporary church and society.

THEO5913

Jesus Christ in Asian Context This course investigates the historical and theological understandings of Jesus Christ in modern scholarship, special reference will be given to the significance of these understandings for the Asian context. Since the investigation involves both the historical and theological perspectives, students are expected to have basic training in New Testament Studies and Christian Theology.

THEO5919

The Hebrew Bible in Contexts This course aims at introducing students to the approaches to reading the Hebrew Bible (The Christian Old Testament) in its literary, socio-political and religio-cultural contexts. The literary setting and historical background will be surveyed and explored in order to enhance students’ understanding of the text and the dynamics of the reading process.

THEO5920

Contextual Theologies This course tries to critically examine several features of all theological endeavours: particularity, contextuality and historicity. It also articulates how theologies are spatially and temporally shaped. Accordingly, the relationship between theology and context will not be conceived as a kind of linear application of some ready-made theologies to the contemporary contexts, but a kind of interpretive effort which tries to correlate the Christian traditions with the contemporary cultural, socio-political and economical context. It will also discuss the practical dimension of the ‘doing’ of theologies. It is according to all this that some examples of contextual theology will be introduced.

THEO5921

Modern Christian Thinkers This course consists of an in-depth study of the religious thought of one eminent modern Christian theologian. Special reference will be made to the significance of his or her thought for the

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Asian context, no matter whether the theologian selected is an Asian theologian (such as Zhao Zi Chen or Wu Lei-chuan) or a Western theologian (such as Karl Barth or Paul Tillich). Since the theologian to be studied will be different from year to year, students may take the course more than once.

THEO5922

Asian Theologies Asia is a large continent with the largest population in the world and a diverse cultural heritage. Though Christianity was born in West Asia, its expansion to South and East Asia happened rather recently. In the last few decades, Asians have begun to utilize their own resources and context in theological endeavour. This course attempts to investigate some of the theologies emerging in Asia.

THEO5923

Christianity in Chinese Religious Context This course aims at studying Chinese Christianity in the Chinese religious context. Special emphasis will be given to the question as to how Christianity has been viewed in and shaped by the Chinese religious context. Comparison between some of the Chinese Christian phenomena and their counterparts in the traditional Chinese religions will be made, e.g., the Taiping Christianity vis-à-vis the Buddhist or Taoist Messianic movements. Issues on Christianity faces in the Chinese religious context will also be discussed, e.g., syncretism and dual religious citizenship.

THEO5924

Christianity and Social Change In the absence of any social theory that is uniquely “Christian”, this course will seek to study the positions of the Christian churches on various political and social issues as they seek to define for themselves their role in a rapidly changing world. Asian models and the more traditional Western approaches to similar issues will be compared in order to highlight the strength and weaknesses of each in the common attempt to balance the Christian ideal and social realities.

THEO5925

Chinese Christianity Following a brief survey of the history of Christianity in China, specific movements, such as the Five Year Movement and Rural Reconstruction, and personalities, such as T. C. Chao and Y. T. Wu, will be studied in an attempt to identify features that are uniquely “Chinese” within both the

institutional and theological contexts, and how the Chinese experience may contribute to the enrichment of the church universal.

THEO5926

Christianity and Chinese Culture Starting from the traditional understanding of indigenization whereby culture are often looked upon as static entities, Christianity and Chinese culture will also be compared as they moved through the recent history of China as two living forces competing to shape the China that was to be. This is an open-ended course which will continuously be informed by recent trends and developments.

THEO5928

Christianity in Twentieth Century China This course will examine the development of Christian thought and institutions in China from early twentieth century to the present.

THEO5929

History of Christian Thought This course consists of a critical survey of the history of the development of Christian (mainly theological) thought. It will concentrate on analysis of several decisive phrases of development and will attempt to show the interaction between Christian thought and its historical circumstances.

THEO5930

Public Theology This course helps students perceive doing theology as taking place within the ethical debates of society as a whole. It introduces different ways of how theology has entered or can enter, both historically and methodologically, into debate on shared ground with social sciences, politics and economics, etc. Different theological perspectives, such as those put forward by Reinhold Niebuhr, Max Stackhouse, and Duncan Forrester on the one hand, and Howard Yoder, Stanley Hauerwas, John Milbank and others, on the other hand, will be discussed. Students will also be shown how these perspectives can be applied to the discussion of local public issues.

THEO5931

Professions and Christian Faith This course aims at providing a theological critique to the so called “professionalism” and its phenomenon. It is hoped that this can retrieve the meaning and calling of profession in the modern world, on the one hand, and enhance the students to develop a theological and relevant response to their own

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professions, on the other. Themes like culture, knowledge, power, professions, and economics will be employed in dialogue with theology.

THEO5932

Theology and Work Work can be a creative expression of the way one professes commitment, service and personal gift to a community. This course is to provide a Christian critique of the contemporary practice of work and retrieve the dignity of work. Concepts related to work like vocation, leisure, play and Sabbath would be discussed.

THEO 5933

Media, Popular Culture and Christianity This course is a crit ical exploration of the intricate relationships between popular media culture and Christianity. While popular culture and the media have long become a daily reality for many in the world, these have seldom been taken seriously by theologians and scholars of religion. Also, the relationship between popular media and religion (including Christianity) is often overlooked in academic studies until relatively recent time. We shall re-examine various manifestations of popular culture from Christian theological perspectives, and also probes into the subtle interrelatedness between media culture and Christianity as an organised religion. As its wider academic context, this course engages with the interdisciplinary field of media, religion, and culture (MRC) which has been under vigorous development since the mid-1990s; as its immediate socio-cultural-religious context of discussions, it attends particularly to the Chinese language popular media and Chinese Christianity in Hong Kong.

THEO5940, 5949

Theological Studies: Seminar I, II Discussion in seminar setting on specific issues related to Theological Studies. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once, and gain the units each time they pass the course. The specific content will be designed by the teacher who offers the courses. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO5941

Pastoral Care in Context This course is designed to equip students with concept and skill necessary for them to engage in pastoral work in contemporary context through worship, preaching, teaching, fellowship and service of the church.

THEO5942

Contemporary Spirituality A study of the history, tradition, practice and various forms of spirituality in contemporary Christian life.

THEO5943

Spirituality and Workplace This course attempts to analyze what everyday spirituality in the workplace is, and how spiritual formation in the workplace is nurtured, with reference to Hong Kong. A study of spirituality and marketplace will take religious, cultural, social and psychological aspects into consideration.

THEO5944

Church Management and LeadershipA study of applying contemporary theories of management and leadership in the church contexts and to review the situation of Chinese churches.

THEO5945

Christian Counselling This course will cover the following areas: 1) the similarities and differences between Christian Counselling and General Counselling; 2) the similarities and differences between Pastoral Counselling and Pastoral Care; 3) different approaches to Christian Counselling; and 4) skills, knowledge and practical competence in Christian Counselling.

THEO5946

Counselling and Youth Ministry This course aims at helping students to: 1) acquire a critical and historical understanding on the theorization of youth and adolescent; 2) acquire a general knowledge on various models of youth counselling in Christian settings; 3) enhance their competence in facilitating youth to growth and helping youth in troubles; and 4) reflect on the theological and practical issues behind youth counselling in Christian context.

THEO5947

Counselling and Family Ministry This course aims at helping students to: 1) acquire a general knowledge on various models of systemic family therapy and their application to Christian ministries; 2) enhance their competence in delivering counselling services to couples and families in troubles; 3) reflect on the theological and practical issues behind family counselling in Christian context.

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THEO5948

Theology and Counseling Theories This course serves two basic functions: first, to equip students with a basic understanding on the contemporary general counseling theories: second, to enhance students’ competence to read these theories theologically. The methodology adopted will be a kind of mutually critical correlation. Substantively, the course will introduce six to seven contemporary counseling theories, which will be followed by theological critiques on them.

THEO5950, 5951

Special Topics on Biblical Studies I, II This course will examine topics or problems related to Biblical Studies, such as: Pentateuchal Studies, Prophetic Literature, Wisdom and the Psalms, Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Literature, Pauline Letters, Hermeneutics, sociological approaches and historical background of the biblical studies, etc. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO5952, 5953

Special Topics on Theological Studies I, II A course of study in issues and topics related to Theological Studies, such as contemporary concepts of God, Holy Spirit and the Church, Christological controversies, Trinity and society, providence and evil, humanity and salvation, eschatology, etc. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO5954, 5955

Special Topics on Christianity and Society I, II This course will focus on topics and issues related to Christianity and Society, such as Christian Ethics and Liberation Theologies. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO5956, 5957

Special Topics on Pastoral Studies and Counseling I, II This course will focus on studying topics related to Pastoral Studies and Counseling such as Congregational Studies, Local Church Growth, Short Term Pastoral Counseling, Theory Practice in Theological Education, Theological Education For Lay People, Psychology for Christian Ministry, and Contemporary Pastoral Theologians, etc. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO5958, 5959

Special Topics on Christianity in China I, II This course will examine topics and issues related to Christianity in China, such as mission methods and strategies, the development of missionary enterprises, church-state relationship, mission-church relationship, the adaptation of Christian faith with Chinese culture, Christianity and social reconstruction in China, independent Christian movement etc.Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO5960, 5961

Special Topics on Christian Education I, II This course covers the study of topics and issues related to Christian Education, such as Church Schools' Administration, Religious Education and Christian Education, etc. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once.

THEO6941, 6942

Pastoral Studies: Seminar I, II A study in depth of one or more topics and issues arising in pastoral studies and Christian nurture, such as counselling in special occasions, liturgies, local church and community, lay training, church growth, Christian stewardship, etc. Students are allowed to take these courses for more than once, and gain the units each time they pass the course.

THEO6943, 6944

Field Education III, IV (a) 2 units per term representing a minimum of eight hours supervised field work per week; or (b) 4 units for full-time supervised field work for at least eight weeks during the summer vacation.

THEO6945, 6946

Field Education V, VI (a) 2 units per term representing a minimum of eight hours supervised field work per week; or (b) 4 units for full-time supervised field work for at least eight weeks during the summer vacation.

RELS5001

Method and History of Religious Studies This course will be built around readings concerning methodology and history of the discipline of the “History of Religions”. Study of selected figures and methodological approaches to religions, including phenomenological, psychological, structural, hermeneutical and sociological methods, will also be

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covered. The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with a sophisticated knowledge of the theories and methods in research on different forms of religious manifestations.

RELS5005

Theories of Religious Studies This course amis at introducing major theories of studying religious phenomenon, including the schools of history of religions, sociology of religions, psychology of religions, anthropology of religion and theology. It will concentrate on the method of how these theories can be applied in studying contemporary religions in local contexts.

RELS5115

Reading on Chinese Religious Texts This course centres on the study of the literature of the Han Dynasty which is formative of the chief religious concepts such as cosmology, anthropology and soteriology, with the aim of understanding of the principles of religious theory construction in traditional China.

RELS5118

Studies on Chinese Buddhism This course studies major traditions in Chinese Buddhism including Chan, Pure Land, Huayen and Tiantai Buddhism. We also seek to understand the Chinese Buddhist tradition by utilizing some recent researches in the field. Some examples are the research on northern school of Chan Buddhism by John McRae and Bernard Faure, on Pure Land Buddhism by Luis Gomez and Richard Payne, on Buddhism in the Song especially Tiantai Buddhism by Peter Gregory and Daniel Getz. Secondary sources will be used together with selected primary sources to stimulate discussion in class.

RELS5121

Local Religions in China Recent researches on Chinese religion show that the term “three religions” or sanjiao monastic Buddhism, priestly Daoism, and Confucian philosophy - is not adequate to describe Chinese religiosity. To subsume several thousand years of Chinese religious experience under the term of “three religions”, in effect, is to exclude the vast majority of Chinese religious behaviour. In reality, only a few elite orient their lifestyles to the Buddhist or Taoist concepts of transcendence. Over emphasis on the intellectual and

spiritual world of the scholarly official, the gentry and the literate elite, overlooks religious practices and beliefs of ordinary people, the peasants and the labourers who are the majority of the Chinese population. This course studies Chinese religion from the perspective of local society in South China. By making use of recent ethnographical studies on China, we examine Chinese religion from a holistic approach involving the analysis of lineage.

RELS5123

Taoist Thought This course aims to introduce the thought and doctrine of religious Taoism. Topics that constitute the essences of Taoist doctrine such as the idea of Tao, Taoist gods, Taoist cosmology, Taoist philosophy of life and nature, the value and meaning of life, the function of ritual and self-cultivation, and ethics will be surveyed. Selected issues in modern scholarship on Taoist doctrine will also be touched on.

RELS5125

Taoist Ritual This course will focus on the study of the liturgical tradition of Taoism. Special reference will be made to the structure and signifi cance of the death ritual of fast (zhai) and the festival of offering (jiao). Through fi eldwork studies, students will be shown how Hong Kong Taoists perform these two kinds of ritual services to the public nowadays.

RELS5129

Taoism and Chinese Culture This course aims at a general study of Taoism in Chinese cultural context. The focus is on Taoist elements and values in Chinese art, music, drama, and literature. This will allow students not only to study Taoism as one of Chinese religious traditions, but also to understand the intersections of Taoism and various aspects of Chinese culture. No prior knowledge of Taoism is assumed.

RELS5131

Biblical Hermeneutics in Asian Perspectives The course will focus on the recent development in biblical interpretation in Asia in the larger context of theological endeavours and religious studies of Asian scholars in their coming to terms with the diversity of Asian realities. Adequate attention will be paid to methodological issues in relation to the pluralistic religio-cultural traditions and the complex socio-political experiences of the Asian peoples. Biblical interpretation developed in various Asian countries will also be studied.

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RELS5132, 5133

Advanced Biblical Exegesis I / II This course will focus on exegesis of selected passages from the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. It would be an advantage if students have gone through either Hebrew Exegesis or New Testament Greek Exegesis.

RELS5134

Feminist Interpretation of the Bible This course will review various approaches to biblical interpretation in contemporary feminist scholarship, and hence examine closely various biblical traditions and passages in the light of contemporary discussion of gender politics.

RELS5135

Religion and Literature of the Bible This course is an advanced study of the biblical text (the Hebrew Bible and/or the New Testament) in the light of the contemporary critical biblical scholarship. The religious and cultural issues of ancient Israel and/or the early Christian church are to be tackled.

RELS5144

Women in Chinese Religions Women have played an active role in most Chinese religious traditions for many hundreds of years, but there are relatively few records of their activities and beliefs. Yet without knowledge of those activities the history of Chinese religions cannot be properly understood. This course is a comprehensive introduction to the role of women in popular or common religion, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism and Christianity. All of these will be discussed in relation to the place of women in traditional Chinese society. The emphasis will be on the activities of living women, not on goddesses or philosophical theory. As far as time and sources allow, these topics will be discussed both for the traditional and modern periods.

RELS5151

Christian Higher Education in China This course attempts to take Christian higher education in China as a case for the study of Chinese-Western cultural exchange. The study will focus not only on the educational activities of the Western missionaries, but also those of the Chinese Christians, including the faculty and students of Christian colleges in China. Students are encouraged to explore new methodologies in doing research on Christian higher education in the Chinese context.

RELS5273

Catholic Social Ethics This course attempts to examine the principles and ways of Church’s responses to social issues from the Catholic faith tradition. Topics include the relationship between morality and spirituality, the foundation of social ethics, the methods of theological reflection and pastoral actions. Particular attention is given to Catholic Social Teachings and its development, and its perspectives on issues like human rights, economic justice and globalization, work and labour, ecology, political participation, racism, women’s status and so on. Catholic social movements and individuals will also be introduced.

RELS5275

Spirituality and Religious Congregations This course offers a textual and thematic survey of developments of the major religious traditions in the Catholic Church, as they reflect the experience of God and its expression in piety, practice and ministry. Common characteristics and representative figures will be studied through lectures, critical reading and discussion of primary texts. The class will also examine modern interpretation of more traditional forms of spirituality.

RELS5276

Theology of Vatican II The purpose of this course is to introduce the contemporary Catholic theology through the study of Vatican II documents. The course will explore how the Vatican II council reconsiders her faith, with special attention to the relationship between grace and nature, church and world, hierarchy and charism, in the light of Eastern and Western theological tradition.

RELS5300

The Study of Islam This course will introduce the basic concepts of Islam to the students i.e. fundamentals of faith, rituals of worship, Seerah of the Prophet of Islam, Islamic Civilization and Muslim contribution to different cultures. It will help the students to understand the contemporary issues in the light of Islamic teachings and the methodogical issues in Islamic Studies. The course has been designed for such students who have never studied Islamic Studies so far.

2012-13 Prospectus

degree programmes of the chinese university of hong kong

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