Bachelor of Arts in Theology
If your love of God, the Church, and your fellow man has urged you to study our faith more deeply, the perfect degree is ready for you here at Helderberg.
If your love of God, the Church and of other people has given you a burning desire to study our faith more deeply, the perfect degree is waiting for you here at Helderberg College of Higher Education. This stimulating, inspiring and satisfying programme will feed both your mind and soul, while preparing you for a life of service to God’s Church.
Programme Purpose
- To prepare committed pastors for ministry, spiritual nurture, counselling and evangelism in the Seventh-day Adventist Church
- To expose you to the following areas of knowledge: Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Biblical Languages, Missiology and Pastoral Care
- To give you opportunities for preaching and doing practical mission work in the community
- To develop in you a strong work ethic
- To create in you a powerful sense of Christian values
- To teach you research skills
- To prepare you for further study
Qualification Outcomes
A BA Theology degree will prepare you to:
- Have a knowledge and love of God which will help you become a leader with strong values
- Have a deep understanding and appreciation of the field of Theology, including: Systematic Theology, Practical Theology, Biblical Studies, Missiology and Pastoral Care
- Think and reason like a theologian by appreciating the possible impact which different theoretical models can have on people’s faith and behaviour
- Understand and be proficient in Biblical Greek and Hebrew (the languages of the Bible)
- Have an in-depth understanding of Seventh-day Adventist theology and how it can be applied in a South African context
Degree Details
4 YEARS NQF Level 7
SAQA Qualification ID Number: 58333
Career opportunities
Chaplain
Pastoral Counsellor
Teacher/ Lecturer
Evangelist
Community Worker
You can do postgraduate studies in the following areas:
- Systematic Theology
- Biblical languages
- New and Old Testament
- Church History
- Homiletics
- Pastoral Ministry
- Evangelism
- Missiology
- Youth Ministry
- Pastoral Clinical Care
- Pastoral Counselling
Alumni
Holders of the BA (Theology) degree from the Faculty of Theology serve the church as pastors, many of them assuming leadership roles in the various structures of the church. In addition, there are many opportunities for our graduates to pursue further studies in South Africa and elsewhere upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Theology programme.
DEGREE CURRICULUM
YEAR 1 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 1 | SEMESTER 2
YEAR 2 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 2 | SEMESTER 2
YEAR 3 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 4 | SEMESTER 1
YEAR 4 | SEMESTER 2
FOUNDATION – YEAR
SEMESTER 1
Faculty of Theology
Contract Lecturers
Dr. Passmore Hachalinga
Contract Lecturer
Pr. Ben McKenzie
Contract Lecturer
Dr. Tankiso Letseli
Contract Lecturer
Pr. Penny Brink
Contract Lecturer
Bachelor of Arts (Theology)
CPT 118 End User Computing I (8 credits) NQF 5
This module develops mastery of both the alphabetic and numeric keyboarding on the computer by touch. Basic micro-computer skills will be presented. The emphasis is on accuracy and a minimum speed of 20 words a minute. Computerized diagnostic tests identify individual weaknesses and levels of proficiency. The module will introduce the basic functions of MS Word in typing simple documents.
BHS 151 Philosophy of Education & Service (8 credits) NQF 5
This module explores the definition, nature and foundations of True Education and reflects upon issues that have deep significance for our lives as human beings. Traditional, modern and post-modern philosophies of education are examined and its influence and contribution to education at present are considered. The making of a world view is explored with regards to a Christian approach to philosophy and education. Included in this module is the rationale for community engagement, laying the foundation for students to actively participate in a service learning project in their local communities.
ENG 142 Academic Writing (16 credits) NQF 6
This module introduces the student to a broad spectrum of aspects in English study. It aims to develop and provide the student with practice in various writing skills thereby enabling the student to write effectively in various academic disciplines. It promotes the use of critical thinking and serves to develop the skills of analysing, synthesizing summarizing and reading from a critical perspective.
HLD 126 Principles of Health (8 credits) NQF 5
This module introduces health principles within the framework of the Scriptures, the Advent Health message and current medical practices. Principles of health will be examined in light of the students’ understanding of healthy lifestyle practices and how these principles may be integrated into individual lifestyles and applied within the greater environmental and social contexts.
REB 110 OT Studies I: Law & Writings (12 credits) NQF 5
This module provides an introduction to the Old Testament. It will focus on the Pentateuch and selected books from the Writings, including the Psalms and Wisdom books. In the study of the biblical literature attention will be given to the authorship, structure, theological themes, historical setting and the significance of this literature in Christian interpretation.
REB 137 NT Studies I: Gospels (8 credits) NQF 5
A study in the interpretation and message of the New Testament Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The module gives a general contextual overview of each of the Gospels; examines the actual narrative of the incarnation of Jesus Christ; gives a detailed analysis of significant passages; and expounds a cohesive theology with the intention of supplying a Christological point of entry for the biblical narrative as a whole.
REP 103 Pastoral Practicum I (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module deals with the practical aspects of a pastor’s work. The student will be introduced to the services and ordinances of the Seventhday Adventist Church; whether in small groups or in the broader church setting. Specifically, the module deals with the content and application of the Seventh-day Adventist Minister’s Handbook.
ENG 111 Principles of English I (16 credits) NQF 5
English 111 is designed to prepare you for the writing that you will do in other College modules. The module focuses on, amongst others, vocabulary, grammar which involves understanding the communication function of sentences, understanding relations between parts of texts, metaphorical expressions and other important grammatical concepts. It aims to equip you with knowledge, experience and skills necessary for the rigour of formal College writing. Therefore, the module includes exercises on structure and mechanics and instructions in the principles of composition.
BHS 145 Research Methodology and Design (8 credits) NQF 5
This module provides an introduction to the theory and application of the principles of research, specifically in theology, as well as in the broader area of social/human science. The module addresses philosophical frameworks, methodologies, strategic planning and ethical considerations involved in both basic and applied research. In this module, students will learn to write clear, concise and well-developed exposition where critical thinking and editing skills are emphasized. There will also be an introduction to Library Research, Harvard and Chicago (Turabian) referencing styles, the basic components of a theology research proposal and basic research methods. This module will attempt to provide an adequate foundation for students to write research papers for their module-work. The class will also be engaged in a research project which involves manual work as part of Eco-theology.
BIB 151 Biblical Exegesis (8 credits) NQF 5
Biblical Exegesis I includes the methods and procedures of unpacking the meaning of biblical texts. It is also concerned with teaching students to understand and apply scripture based on sound principles of biblical interpretation. The module will include a rudimentary understanding of the following ideas: identifying and understanding the significance of biblical literary genres; contextual analysis (in its immediate setting as well as in relation to the broader Gospel narrative understood as the principal unifying theme of Scripture); a basic appreciation of the grammatical forms and meanings of the original languages (Greek and Hebrew); identifying and explaining the theological themes of the text; and a self-critical awareness that recognises the distinction between eisegesis (reading into the text) and an exegesis that allows the text to speak.
CPT 125 End User Computing II (12 credits) NQF 5
This module provides an introduction to Windows, the Internet, E-mail, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. In Word, students will create Word documents and apply the document concepts. They will become well versed with the terminology and create and modify the following traditional documents: letters, memorandums, newsletters, business cards, resumes, financial reports and a range of other documents that include multiple pages of text. In Excel, students will learn to create a professional-looking spreadsheet, enter data into spreadsheets and manipulate the data. In PowerPoint, the students will create and modify a professional-looking electronic slide show, prepare speaker notes and hand-out pages. In Access, the students will learn to: create a database, add tables working with fields and records in the database, and create queries, forms and reports using the tables in a database.
Prerequisite: End User Computing I
PSY 101 Fundamentals of Psychology (12 credits) NQF 6
This module provides the student with a broad introduction to the principal subject areas that make up the scientific study of human behaviour. This module is designed to lay a foundation of the structure and basic scope of psychology, helping the student to develop an understanding of psychological processes and how different fields encountered in subsequent modules are related.
RET 104 Systematic Theology I: Introduction to Theology & Biblical Hermeneutics (8 Credits) NQF 5
Introduction to Theology: This component incorporates an introduction to the academic study of theology as a general field of study; an introduction to the specific study of systematic theology as a particular discipline; an introduction to Christology as the basis of theology; and a brief examination of the doctrine of revelation and inspiration within the context of the Seventhday Adventist Church. Biblical Hermeneutics: This component incorporates an introduction to the field of hermeneutics in general and biblical hermeneutics in particular; an examination of various hermeneutical models, together with their historical origins, rules, goals and applications; and the study of the principles of biblical hermeneutics within a Seventh-day Adventist Christian context.
ENG 112 Principles of English II (16 credits) NQF 6
The module introduces the student to a broad spectrum of aspects in English study. It aims to develop and provide the student with practice in various writing skills thereby enabling the student to write effectively in various academic disciplines. It promotes the use of critical thinking and serves to develop the skills of analysing, synthesizing, summarizing and reading from a critical perspective.
Prerequisite: Principles of English I
BIB 265 Biblical Greek II (12 credits) NQF 6
The module provides an introduction to Biblical Greek (BG) which forms the basis for the study of New Testament modules taught within the Faculty of Theology. This module deals with the elements of grammar and syntax of the Koine Greek of the New Testament. The parsing of substantives, conjugation of verbs and various grammatical paradigms form an integral part of this module. Vocabulary, translation and reading from the Johannine tradition (the Epistles and the Gospel) are necessary to keep the student’s conceptual level above average.
Prerequisite: Biblical Greek I
REB 238 NT Studies II: Acts & Epistles (8 credits) NQF 6
A brief introduction to principles of New Testament interpretation; a study of Acts, the early epistles of Paul (Thessalonians, Corinthians and Galatians and Romans) with a specific emphasis on their relation to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The module gives a general overview; gives detailed analysis of significant passages in Acts and the Epistles; and expounds a cohesive theology both for the book of Acts and the Epistles of Paul under consideration.
Prerequisite: NT Studies I: Gospels
REP 203 Pastoral Practicum II (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module seeks to acquaint and equip the student with the practical aspects of pastoral ministry. It brings together the theory acquired in the classroom with the practice in the local congregation. It includes the observation and practice of various aspects of ministry in the local congregational setting. Practical work is the essence, and must be done under the guidance of a senior pastor or his designee in the district. This module also acquaints the student with the art and practice of Bible studies. Pastoral Practicum II concentrates on the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, which guides the student in the function and practice in the congregation.
Prerequisite: Pastoral Practicum I
REP 210 Pastoral Counselling I (12 Credits) NQF 6
Pastoral Counselling I equips the student to be an effective counsellor, particularly in the Southern African context. The module introduces the student to the theory and practice of pastoral counselling. In addition to the principles of counselling, some practical aspects of counselling such as contracting, ethics, attending, etc. will be discussed. The module also explores selected psychotherapies that may have a bearing on the counselling process. The module is intended to help the student to develop counselling strategies and skills through which the parishioners can be empowered to deal with the challenges of life
REP 231 Homiletics & Liturgy I (12 credits) NQF 6
This module introduces the student to the art of Biblical preaching: the art and craft of sermon construction and the art of sermon delivery. It has to do with the product of the processes of homiletics; hermeneutics and exegesis as applied to the text. It results in the message given by the preacher to the people, as a result of his investigation and organization of the Biblical data, emanating from study of a literary unit (pericope). It deals with different kinds of sermons; however, it lays the foundation for expository preaching. It includes practical and reading assignments.
REP 235 Principles of Evangelism (12 Credits) NQF 6
This module introduces the student to the theoretical principles of evangelism. The various types of evangelism are explored including the empowered church model. Furthermore, students will learn how to conduct a Bible study; how to run a small group ministry; and how to conduct public evangelism. This module forms part of the preparation for the Evangelism field school. Students will also participate in Eco- theology by doing a class project.
BIB 285 Biblical Hebrew I (12 credits) NQF 5
The module provides an introduction to Biblical Hebrew (BH) which forms the basis for the study of Old Testament modules taught within the Faculty of Theology. It also serves as a prerequisite to Biblical Hebrew II. The module will focus on a basic understanding of the language (commencing with the BH alphabet of 22 consonants) including phonology, morphology, syntax, and last but not least, a focus on the vowels and also the diacritical marks/signs which the Massoretes have added in order to retain as much as possible of Biblical Hebrew phonology, etc.
MGT 241 Introduction to Management (8 credits) NQF 5
This module introduces the student to the rudimentary fundamentals of management strategies for ministry and the module consists of three components. The first component covers the theoretical aspects of management strategies. The second component is the application of the theory to a pastoral ministry setting. The third component is the implementation of pastoral management strategies in an experiential learning task.
REB 216 OT Studies II: Early Prophets (8 credits) NQF 6
This module builds onto Old Testament Studies I in the Faculty of Theology. The former deals with the history and the function of biblical prophecy, the identity of a prophet and the pre-writing prophetic figures (pre-monarchy and monarchical prophets). The module also covers the theology of the former prophets which would include Joshua, Judges (OT Bible book containing stories between Joshua and Samuel), Samuel and Kings (the two divisions of the Book of Kings contain the major history of the Israelite monarchy, covering the four centuries of the death of David and the succession of Solomon ca. 965 BC, until the destruction of Jerusalem and the Exile (586 BC). A background knowledge of the Old Testament is vital in this study in order to prevent a lack of what Ancient Near Eastern Studies consists of.
REM 281 Missiology I: African Studies & Multicultural Ministry (12 credits) NQF 5
African Studies gives the student an overview of common African beliefs and aspects of culture. This module deals with the conceptual framework, culture and religion of an African person as he / she responds to God. Areas like culture, African traditional religion, African worldview, etc. will belooked into. This module also gives guidelines and recommendations to the Seventh-day Adventist Church on how to respond to the challenges of spiritualism in Africa. Multi-cultural Ministry provides a theoretical framework for pastoral work in a multi-cultural setting. Multi-Cultural Ministry is a module designed to expose students to multi-cultural settings, communication, lifestyle and culture. This module is designed to prepare young men and women to effectively minister and serve in a multi-cultural setting by using the incarnational ministry model of Jesus Christ.
REP 341 Homiletics & Liturgy II (12 credits) NQF 6
This module follows on from Homiletics & Liturgy I, and builds on the first part in which the student worked with the forming of a main idea from a given pericope of scripture. It addresses particular aspects of the nature of expository preaching, which is crucial for the acquisition of skills, and for the effective communication, and transmission of the Gospel. It places emphasis on certain phenomena of sermon construction. What is the best way to transmit these various kinds of material found in scripture?
Prerequisite: Homiletics & Liturgy I
RET 251 Systematic Theology II: God & Man (12 Credits) NQF 6
Doctrine of God: A study of the being of God: God’s existence, self-revelation, names and attributes. A study of the ground of the works of God: God’s divine decrees and the biblical doctrines of election and providence. Specifically, the module unpacks the notion of the Trinitarian God and the God of Jesus Christ. Doctrine of Humanity: A study of the nature of essential humanity, the notion of fallen humanity, the biblical idea of humanity being created in the image of God and the nature of humanity in the light of the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ.
Prerequisite: Systematic Theology I: Introduction to Theology and Biblical Hermeneutics
BIB 385 Biblical Hebrew II (12 credits) NQF 6
Biblical Hebrew II (BH II) provides the student with a broader background to an understanding of the Biblical Hebrew language which is to form a secured basis in terms of the origin of the Bible, its transmission and interpretation. Its further aim is to sharpen the perception of the student of the Biblical text and to ascertain the form of the original wording based on extant manuscripts and reconstruction. This module will lead the student into an advanced module in Hebrew, namely that of Biblical Hebrew III. The major focus to be stressed is that of an intermediate understanding of the ancient Hebrew language which includes the sections of morphology, phonology, syntax and semantics. Students are to prepare themselves to be able to complete the module with 1) the skills of translation, 2) reading critically, 3) acquiring a substantial amount of words in order to increase their vocabulary, and 4) forming the fundamental steps towards an exegesis of the Old Testament.
Prerequisite: Biblical Hebrew I
REB 320 Apocalyptic Studies I: Daniel (8 credits) NQF 6
This is an introductory module in the Apocalyptic Studies and it serves as a basis for interpretation of the Old Testament prophetic passages taught in the Faculty of Theology. The module deals with the background and content of the Book of Daniel with emphasis upon the interpretation of the symbolic prophecies. The module focuses on the (1) theological introductory matters, namely, authorship, dating, historical context, literary structure, Apocalypticism, interpretative approaches, and themes/theology; (2) exegesis of narrative texts – chapters 1- 6; and (3) exegesis of eschatological and apocalyptic texts – chapters 7 – 12. The module addresses the Maccabean Thesis in comparison with other modes of interpreting the text of Daniel.
Prerequisite: Biblical Hebrew I
REH 325 Church History I (8 credits) NQF 6
The history of the Christian Church in South Africa covering the Dutch (1652 – 1800) English (1800 – 1910) and Modern (1910 -current) Periods.
REM 381 Missiology II: Urban Ministry & Community Development (12 credits) NQF 6
This course prepares the student for Ministry in the city and Community Development. Its underlying premise is the biblical mandate for urban ministry. A special emphasis will be placed upon comprehensive urban evangelism as promoted by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. The plight of women and children in Africa, particularly the problems of abuse and human trafficking, will be dealt with. A community project will be done by students after they have learned some basic skills of community development. They will also be taught how to do prepare community food gardens and granted the opportunity to do one as part of Community development. Students will also participate in Eco- theology by doing a class project.
Prerequisite: Missiology I: African Studies & Multicultural Ministry
REP 303 Pastoral Practicum III (8 credits) NQF 6
This module exposes the student to all the Seventh-day Adventist Church structures particularly that are at grassroots level, and the constitution of various SDA church organizational structures will form a basis for this exposure. It focuses on the Southern Africa Union Conference church policy and how it is interpreted and executed by the administrative officials in the SDA Church. Students will also be exposed to various working policies used around the world such as the General Conference Working Policy, Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division Working Policy, etc. The relationship between the pastor, church members and the employing organization plays a vital role in pastoral ministry.
Prerequisite: Pastoral Practicum II
RET 347 Systematic Theology III: Christology & Soteriology (12 credits) NQF 6
Doctrine of Christ: A study of the unique person of Christ (Christology), including: the pre-incarnate Christ; the humiliation of Christ in the incarnation, comprising his birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension; and the state of his exaltation following his resurrection and ascension. Emphasis is given to the nature of Christ as it relates to his person and work. Doctrine of Salvation: The study of the doctrine of the ministration and work of salvation (soteriology). This includes the grace of God, conversion, faith, justification, sanctification and vocation. The vital role of the Holy Spirit as the mediator of salvation is studied. Emphasis is given to the nature of salvation as it relates to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Prerequisite: Systematic Theology II: God & Man
BHS 326 / BHS 426 Research Paper I (12 credits) / Research Paper II (12 credits) NQF 8
This is a single year-long module, which, for time-tabling purposes is divided into two parts, one for each of the semesters that comprise the Helderberg College academic year. Students are required to perform research and write a paper applying the relevant research methodology to one of seven theological disciplines: Ecclesiology / Missiology / New Testament / Old Testament / Pastoral Counselling / Practical Theology / Systematic Theology. Students may select their preferred area of research and will be assigned a relevant supervisor to guide them through the research process. The module will include instruction in the various research methodologies for all students irrespective of their chosen field.
REB 316 OT Studies III: Latter Prophets (8 credits) NQF 7
This is an exit module in the study of the Old Testament. Old Testament Studies III relates to a background understanding of the Old Testament, the history and the function of prophecy, as well as the theological themes expressed in the major prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the books of the writing prophets of the late 9th century BC to the close of the Old Testament era. Significantly, each book has its own character, therefore its authorship, dating, themes, and outline of content will further be scrutinised. Notwithstanding all this, each book is to be studied in the light of the diverse witnesses of the Old Testament and each within its own social stratum.
Prerequisite: OT Studies II: Early Prophets
REB 330 History of Earth and Life (8 credits) NQF 7
A survey of the history of scientific endeavour with a focus on its philosophical presuppositions and its different ways of viewing the world and its origin. The question of origins – the creation/ evolution debate – is a central thrust and is explored with regard to palaeontology and geology in juxtaposition with a biblical worldview. The module will compare science and religion (particularly within a Christian framework) and the associated concepts of knowledge and faith with regard to their varying understandings of the earth and life.
REP 325 Moral Philosophy and Ethics (12 Credits) NQF 7
The objectives of the module are to examine differing ethical models and for the student to develop a personal model that will serve as the basis on which value decisions can be made. The module will examine what makes human conduct right or wrong – first, from the perspective of certain philosophers, then from the perspective of Christian thought. Specifically, this module considers how the Christian tradition confronts the ethical complexities of contemporary society from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective.
REP 327 Pastoral Ministry and Leadership (12 Credits) NQF 7
Pastoral Ministry and Leadership is a module that provides a theoretical framework for pastoral work. A study of the minister as leader in worship, as ministering pastor, as administrator and evangelist of the church, combined with a study of the principles of leadership as applied to pastoral ministry. It addresses the four-dimensional role of the pastor-person, administrator, church leader and priest. Students will also participate in Ecotheology by doing a class project in the College prayer garden.
REP 441 Studies in Denominational Finance (8 credits) NQF 6
This module concerns itself with the financial setup in the structure of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Starting with the local congregation, which is the source of money, it then moves up the hierarchy of the church. It also concerns itself with the processes of the administration of finance at the local congregation level, and its management of income that remains at the local church. In the main it wants to equip the student to be able to write up the church’s financial records and assist the church treasurer to be able to give an account, therefore, to the church board and business meeting.
REH 426 Church History II (16 credits) NQF 7
The history of the Christian Church from its origins to the Protestant Reformation including social, political and theological processes that influenced how the Church developed in both the east and west. The history of the Christian Church from the time of the Protestant Reformation, including the rise of modern denominations, worldwide mission expansion and ecumenism.
RET 462 Life and Teachings of EG White (12
Credits) NQF 6
A study of the life of Ellen G White with an emphasis on the culture of her times, the nature and purpose of her writings and the principles that govern their interpretation.
RET 477 Systematic Theology IV: Church & Sabbath (12 Credits) NQF 7
This module consists in its theoretical aspects of the following components; 1. The Doctrine of the Sabbath: A comprehensive study of the biblical data, both in the Old and New Testament, that deals explicitly with the Sabbath; a history, comprising both the change of the Sabbath to Sunday and the theological impact of this change; a theology, focusing on the biblical data, the themes that arise and their Christological significance; a praxis, identifying the meaning of the Sabbath in both its biblical setting and for us for today and how best to celebrate and proclaim it. 2. The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology): An analysis of the biblical data and the principal associated metaphors used to define and describe the church; an overview of various types of church governance with a specific focus on Seventh-day Adventist Church governance; an answering of the question “what does it mean to be the church?” in both its theological (Christological) and practical dimensions. The module incorporates the following practical application component: The integration of the theoretical components described above in community service projects in the South African context that will involve caring for the environment and poor communities as part of Christian social responsibility.
Prerequisite: Systematic Theology III: Christology
REB 431 Apocalyptic Studies II: Revelation (12 credits) NQF 7
This module introduces and acquaints the student with the book of Revelation (the apocalypse), its nature and interpretation; its hermeneutical guidelines, with a brief introduction to its literary analysis. It further, involves a historical, literary, and theological survey of the book. It concentrates on several major themes that are posited in the historical and eschatological sections of the book.
Prerequisite: Apocalyptic Studies I: Daniel
REB 439 NT Studies III: Acts & Epistles (8 credits) NQF 7
Studies in the interpretation and message of select New Testament Epistles: Pauline Epistles, including, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon and the Pastoral Epistles (I & II Timothy and Titus); the book of Hebrews; and the General Epistles (James, I & II Peter, I & II & III John and Jude) with a specific emphasis on their relation to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The module gives a general overview of each epistle; gives a detailed analysis of significant passages in the epistles under consideration; and expounds a cohesive theology of the epistles that is consistent with the biblical narrative as a whole.
Prerequisite: NT Studies II: Acts & Epistles
REH 441 History of the SDA Church (12 credits) NQF 6
A study of the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from its roots in the Millerite Movement to its global presence today. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s history in South Africa.
REM 481 Missiology III: Missions & World Religions (12 credits) NQF 7
This Module of Missiology introduces the student to the study of missions within the context of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It outlines the strategic plan of the SDA Church for 2015 – 2020. The ten objectives serve as the theoretical framework which explores “How to reach out with God.” A particular emphasis is laid on the following objectives namely: mission statement of the SDA church; theological foundations; 10/40 window; planting new groups of believers; methods of missions; and how to raise the profile of the church to non-Christian religions. The World Religions which are examined are both Eastern (Buddhism and Hinduism) and Western (Judaism and Islam) religious traditions; African Traditional Religions; as well as Religions in Contemporary Society. This Module also challenges the student to integrate the theoretical knowledge with the practical knowledge through a mission roject.
Prerequisite: Missiology II: Urban Ministry & Community Development
REP 411 Pastoral Counselling II (12 Credits) NQF 7
Pastoral Counselling II builds on the foundation laid in REP 210 Pastoral Counselling I. It prepares students to counsel parishioners with various kinds of personal problems. Selected personal and interpersonal problems that are relevant to the South African context will be explored. The module also prepares students to assist parishioners to deal with crisis, trauma, sickness and grief. The module will also explore selected intervention strategies that can be used by a pastor-counsellor in helping counselees to deal with challenges. Much emphasis will be placed on the application of principles learnt.
Prerequisite: Pastoral Counselling I
CPT 033 Fundamental Computing I
The module provides students with the mastery of the alpha- numeric keyboard using MS Word, with an emphasis on controlled speed, the correct display of basic documents, and a speed objective of 25-30 words per minute. Computerized diagnostic tests identify individual weaknesses and levels of proficiency.
MTH 040 Maths Literacy (12 CREDITS) NQF 5
This module is designed to satisfy the mathematics requirement of Foundationyear students intending to pursue Bachelor’s degree studies in Communication and Theology. Emphasis is placed on understanding and appreciating the validity of mathematics in daily life experiences. As such, it will cover a revision of numbers, profit & loss, budgets, cost & selling price, break-even analysis, simple & compound interest, banking, loans & investments, inflation, taxation, measurement systems, graphs and probability.
MTH 040 Maths Literacy (12 CREDITS) NQF 5
This module is designed to satisfy the mathematics requirement of Foundationyear students intending to pursue Bachelor’s degree studies in Communication and Theology. Emphasis is placed on understanding and appreciating the validity of mathematics in daily life experiences. As such, it will cover a revision of numbers, profit & loss, budgets, cost & selling price, break-even analysis, simple & compound interest, banking, loans & investments, inflation, taxation, measurement systems, graphs and probability.
CPT 034 Fundamental Computing II
The module provides students with keyboarding techniques to master the keyboard by improving their speed and accuracy. The module also includes the use of basic word processing functions in typing paragraphs, memorandums, letters, papers, reports and advertisements.
Prerequisite: CPT 033 Fundamental Computing I
REB 017 Values, Character, & Personal Enrichment (4 Credits) NQF 5
This module is taught as an interdisciplinary module for all foundation-year students at Helderberg College of Higher Education. The module aims to help students to develop a set of values which will assist them to achieve success in a tertiary environment and in their subsequent roles in life. The module will be taught from a faith-based perspective with a focus on the Christian faith.
SOC 101 Principles of Sociology (12 Credits) NQF 6
A study of the development of sociology as a social science focusing on: sociological theories, how social life is organized, social inequality, social institutions of human societies and change as a characteristic aspect of human societies.
MTH 052 Foundation Mathematics I (12 credits) NQF 5
This module provides a comprehensive study of basic mathematical skills and will provide a strong mathematical foundation in the application of mathematical concepts, in addition to serving as a basis for further studies in mathematics. Areas of focus include basic arithmetic (e.g. fractions, ratios, discounts, exponents); fundamental algebra (e.g. expressions, algebraic equations, inequalities, graphs); basic statistics (e.g. measures of central tendency, standard deviation, probability, data summary); and basic finance (simple & compound growth, foreign exchange rates). The module therefore focuses on a basic understanding of mathematics concepts.
REP 111 Spiritual Formation (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module deals with the practical aspects of a pastor’s work. The student will be introduced to the services and ordinances of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; whether in small groups or in the broader church setting. Specifically, the module deals with the content and application of the Seventh-day Adventist Minister’s Handbook. Students will also participate in Eco- theology by doing a class project.
REP 221 Pastoral Formation I (8 Credits) NQF 5
This module seeks to acquaint and equip the student with the practical aspects of pastoral ministry. It brings together the theory acquired in the classroom with the practice in the local congregation. This gives the student a foretaste of what is to be expected concerning the full-time pastoral practice by the student in training. It includes the observation and practice of various aspects of ministry in the local congregational setting. Practical work is the essence of pastoral ministry and must be done under the guidance of a senior pastor or his designee in the district. This module also acquaints the student with the art and practice of Bible studies as well as honing her/his skills in the presentation of the Sabbath School Lesson. Pastoral Formation I concentrates on the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, which guides the student in the function and practice in the congregation.
Prerequisite: REP 111 Spiritual Formation
REP 321 Pastoral Formation II (8 credits) NQF 6
This module exposes the student to the pastoral and administrative roles of a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Selected pastoral and administrative tasks will be discussed in class. Students will be exposed to the practical aspects of these pastoral roles by being assigned senior pastors whom they should job-shadow. Where possible, students will participate in ministry activities under the observation and/or guidance of the senior pastor. The module will also expose the students to selected policies that are applicable to the Seventh-day Adventist pastor’s life and work.
Prerequisite: REP 221 Pastoral Formation I
EDU 070 Study Skills (12 Credits)
This module is designed to improve academic study skills and introduce resources that will engender success in college-level courses. Topics include basic study skills, memory techniques, note-taking strategies, test-taking techniques, personal improvement strategies, goal setting, and learning resources. Students are also encouraged to monitor, regulate, and take responsibility for their own learning. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the techniques learned to improve their performance in academic courses.
ENG 082 Academic Language Skills (20 Credits)
The English Academic Language Skills module is meant to direct students towards effective ways of developing their academic language proficiency. The classes will therefore provide the initial opportunities for developing academic language proficiency, but students need to take ultimate responsibility for further growth. The module follows a problem-centred and task-based approach, which means that students learn by:
- Solving real academic problems, and
- Undertaking authentic academic tasks.
ENG 084 Academic Reading Skills (8 Credits)
Academic Reading Skills is a skills-development module designed to develop active reading comprehension, flexible reading rates, and strategies to meet varied purposes for reading. Since the development of skills only increases through repeated practice and application, students should expect to do about three hours of reading a week. Students are taught how to read better by improving control of language (understanding, identifying, analysing, criticising), speeding up their reading, coping with texts and applying strategies for learning. The skills focus is the development of a variety of strategic academic reading techniques. In this manner, the students develop the ability to, amongst other skills, successfully gather and process information, distinguish between thematically relevant and irrelevant information, derive the meaning of ‘unknown’ words by establishing the context based on clues in the text. Suitable, context-specific strategies and methods will be applied in this module.
ENG 020 Basic English: Language and Vocabulary (20 Credits)
A module to elevate the level of English in general to a point that will enable active participation in, and understanding of college lectures, procedures, and assignments. There will be a focus on so-called academic literacies which will include skills in reading, writing, listening and verbal communication, as well as developing thinking skills. Discussions, research assignments and presentations will aim at the integration of faith as part of the learning experience, by focusing on Bible-based values and SDA beliefs.
MTH 040 Maths Literacy (12 credits)
This module is designed to satisfy the mathematics requirement of Foundation Year students intending to pursue bachelor’s degree studies in Theology and Communication. Emphasis is placed on understanding and appreciating the validity of mathematics in daily life experiences. As such it will cover a revision of numbers, profit & loss, budgets, cost & selling price, break-even analysis, simple & compound interest, banking, loans & investments, inflation, taxation, measurement systems, graphs and probability.