LTh Programme

The table below shows the structure of the LTh Programme for 2009/2010

Students take modules totalling 120 credits for the level as a whole.

All modules are worth 20 credits.

An average mark of 50% is required in order to proceed to the second year of the Binary Course.

* The decision whether to take L04 or L14 is not up to the student but to be taken by the Course Director after having met students individually at the start of the course.

MODULE OVERVIEW

L01 Hebrew Grammar
This module aims to give the student a foundational knowledge of biblical Hebrew grammar in order to enhance study of the biblical text by being equipped to read it in its original language.

L02 Greek Grammar
Knowledge of the Greek of the New Testament period will help students to evaluate the bewildering variety of translations of the Bible into English, it will enable them to use the best Greek-based reference works and commentaries, and it will equip them to engage in detailed exegesis of the New Testament in its original language.

L03 Studies in Biblical and Historical Theology
This module introduces the disciplines of biblical and historical theology. In the first part a number of themes are examined that illustrate the contribution that biblical theology can make to the theological quest, such as creation and fall, the Abrahamic covenant, the election and call of Israel, David’s kingdom and God’s kingdom, Solomon and Israel’s failure, the prophetic response, the promise of a new covenant, the promise of a new temple, the blessing of the nations, the ministry of Jesus, Jesus’ death and resurrection, the restoration of Israel, the fulfilment of the promises and mission. In the second part the module provides an introduction to historical theology through the examination of key texts such as those of Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Aquinas and Calvin.

L04 Studies in Systematic Theology
This module lays a foundation in systematic theology by providing key definitions, a systematised framework, and some exposure to less familiar doctrinal traditions. It helps students to position systematics in relation to biblical and historical theology. A definition of theology is developed through clarifying definitions of biblical, systematic and historical theology. Concentrating upon developments within the Calvinistic tradition, each of the major doctrines is then visited, including Scripture, God, Creation and Providence, Humanity, the Person and Work of Christ, the Church and the Last Things. The module then goes on to focus on the work of Christ in accomplishing redemption for the individual, the church, and the world; and in addition the work of the Holy Spirit in applying it.

L06 The Church in the Modern World
During the second half of the nineteenth century Christianity appeared to be experiencing unprecedented expansion. In reality, however, the church was being threatened from various directions, leading in the twentieth century to major questions concerning its raison d’être and even its continued existence. This module will discuss the challenges posed to the church during this period, together with the ways in which it has responded and is responding to them, in an attempt to explain the essential background to Christianity today.

L07 Theology and Culture
This module enables students to embark on a detailed examination of the philosophical and theological questions underlying the relationship between the Christian faith and the world. Throughout its life the church has encouraged tensions concerning the nature and extent of Christian influence in the world of the arts, politics and social interaction. These questions are considered relevant both to contemporary religious thought and to church life and ministry at home and abroad.

L10 Independent Study
Students undertake an extended piece of writing on a selected topic. Whilst receiving some guidance from a supervisor, students are to view their study principally as an opportunity for Independent Study. Students may either submit their own suggested topic or request suggestions from teaching staff.

L11 Islam
Taking an historical, comparative and theological approach, this Islamics module covers the life of Muhammad, the Qur’an, Hadith, and Sunnah, and Islamic festivals.

L12 Church and Context
In this module the factor of cultural context in ministry is developed to some depth. The concept of indigeneity is defined in its historical context and the limitations of the concept are delineated. The crucial element of hermeneutics is outlined, as are the concepts of ethnotheology and metatheology. The work of Harvie Conn is examined and compared with that of Charles Kraft and Paul Hiebert. Issues in contextualization, such as Bible translation, spiritual warfare, church growth, theological education, and partnership, are then looked at in more detail. Students then opt to attend four out of a range of seminars on the work of contextualization in tribal, Muslim, Hindu, and contemporary Western environments.

L13 Studies in Preaching and Pastoral Theology
This module investigates the hermeneutics and homiletics of the New Testament apostles and argues for a return to these long-neglected approaches in contemporary preaching. The apostolic interpretation of the Old Testament is analysed, and theological foundations and practical applications for this approach are proposed. Examples of historical and present-day preaching styles are also examined.
The pastoral theology element explores the pastoral and ethical implications of various social categories, such as education, marriage, gender, disability, life issues and racism.

L14 Studies in Christology and Redemption
The first part of the module considers the person of Christ both from biblical and theological perspectives. Special attention is given to the incarnation, with exegesis of key biblical texts, evaluation of the major conciliar decisions of the early church (Ephesus, Chalcedon, Constantinople II and III), the Christology of Cyril of Alexandria, and more recent developments.  The module then considers the work of Christ, with a particular focus on the atonement, and the work of the Holy Spirit in the ordo salutis.

To view the information on the Binary Course (the LTh being Part One of the Binary Course), please go to http://www.west.org.uk/index.php/courses/detail/binary_course