Theology & Chaplaincy

Dean

Prof. Nkosiyabo Zvandasara

D.Th, DMin, M.Th, M.Div, BThH, BA

Lecturers

  • Hebert Ndlovu – DMin, MA, MTh, BPhil, BA
  • Canaan Mkombe – PhD, M.Div, MA, BA
  • Robson Mazibisa –  D.Th, MA, BA
  • Clifford Sibanda – PhD Candidate, MA, BA 
  • Yousry Guirguis – PhD Candidate, MA, BA
  • Linos Ncube –  MA, PGDE, BA
  • Givemore Benesi – MA, PGDE, BA
  • Amos Ndlovu – PGDE, BA
  • Blessing Nyahuma – MA, BAHons, BA
  • Christopher N. Thebe – D.Ed, MA, BA, B.Ed
  • Fairchild Mhlophe – MTh, MBA, BA
  • Felix Njini – MEd, MA, BTech, BA
  • Jonathan Musvosvi – DMin, M.Div, BTh
  • Leonard Masuku – DPTh, MA, BTh
  • Richard Sithole – DMin, MA, BA
  • Robert Muzira – DMin, MA, PDGE, BA
  • Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu – DMin, DTh, MTh, BA
  • Zibusiso Ndlovu – MA, BA
MISSION
 The mission of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is to develop and prepare pastors and scholars in Religion; through instruction and fellowship to serve God, the church and society as commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ.

PHILOSOPHY
The faculty of Theology and Religious Studies believe that God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and in love He sent Jesus as atonement for the sins of humanity. It is God that has commissioned us to advance His work of reconciling human beings to God and to fellow men, and to do the work of restoring the image of God in humanity in preparation for the return of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
OBJECTIVES

The aims and objectives of the Department of Theology & Religious Studies are stated broadly below to:

  1. Provide adequate content in all courses, covering biblical, historical, linguistic, professional and theological fields in order to enhance the students’ effectiveness as servants in their chosen fields.
  2. Impart theological and religious knowledge that is biblically, culturally and contextually grounded, and relevant to the realities in Africa.
  3. Equip students for general and specialised services with sound biblical knowledge, principles, methods, and procedures for doing effective ministry.
  4. Promote engagement and participation in religious activities that are intended to deepen the spiritual life.
  5. Foster a stimulating academic and professional environment that provide for development of critical but responsible appraisal and examination of different belief systems and world views.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 Admission requirements for this Faculty and Department are stipulated in the admission section of this bulletin. The applicant must have five O’ levels and at least two subjects at A’ levels. International applicants from other countries are admissible if they qualify to enter a university programme in their home country. Students from countries that require O-levels for university entry are required to complete the Pre-University Programme. (See the Pre-University Programme section in this bulletin) Students may also be admitted on the basis of successful completion of the Mature Age Entrance Examination at Solusi University.

For the Certificate in Chaplaincy with Theology & Religious studies, a minimum of 5 “O” level passes including English language is required.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The degrees offered by the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies provides ample opportunities for graduates to be employed in and out of church settings. The Department of Theology and Religious Studies equips pastors with professional training to serve the Church in its various organizational structures while the Department of Religious Studies provides students with academic qualifications leading to various forms of services such as teaching religion in schools, counselling, health, legal, and social services, etc.

COURSE DURATION
Due to the professinoal component of this degree, the programme will take three and a half (3 and 1/2) academic years.

Bachelor of Arts - Theology

To be eligible to graduate with a BA in Theology, one must have successfully completed the following requirements:

Requirements
Credit Units
General Education 22
Core Courses 107
Cognates 7
Field Experience 5
Research Skills 6
BA Theology Total Credits 146
Click HERE for BA in Religious StudiesClick HERE for Certificate in Chaplaincy

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

BIBLICAL STUDIES


RELB 150 - Law & Writings of the Old Testament (3 Credits)
This course is a study of the Pentateuch and the “writings” (historical books, psalms, and Wisdom Literature). The history of the Ancient Near East serves as a background to the interpretation of these books.
RELB 160 - Biblical Hermeneutics(2 Credits)
This course is an introduction to basic interpretation. It introduces students to apocalyptic interpretation. It also guides practice of various criticisms.
RELB 180 - Studies in the Gospel (3 Credits)
This course is offered for non Theology students. The course covers the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospels. The synoptic problem and generally held scholarly positions are examined. Various critical approaches are studied and evaluated
RELB 241 - Prophets of Israel I (3 Credits)
This course includes the history of prophecy, the pre-writing prophetic figures, and the books of writing prophets of the 8th and early 7th century BCE. A research paper may be required.
RELB 242 - Prophets of Israel II (3 Credits)
This course includes the books of the writing prophets of the 7th century BCE to the prophetic canon. A research paper may be required.
RELB 261 - Apocalyptic Studies I (3 Credits)
This is a study of the background, genre, and content of the book of Daniel. An analysis of the hermeneutical principles involved in interpreting biblical apocalyptic literature helps to equip students for an appreciation of the message of Daniel for modern times.
RELB 262 - Apocalyptic Studies II (3 Credits)
This is an investigation of the biblical, apocalyptic and the historical backgrounds to the book of Revelation, including the nature of apocalyptic literature and its relevance in today’s world. Attention is also given to the interpretation of symbolic prophecies. A research paper may be required.
RELB 371 - Acts & Epistles I (3 Credits)
This course includes studies in the history of the Apostolic Church as documented in the book of Acts. It also includes interpretation of the letters of 1st and 2nd Corinthians, 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, and Pastoral Epistles. A research paper may be required.
RELB 372 - Acts & Epistles II (5 Credits)
This course is an exegetical study of Romans and Galatians with special focus on their message of righteousness by faith. Also a study of the book of Ephesians, Hebrews, Colossians, and Philippians. An exegetical research paper is required.
DSGN 202 - Interior Design (4 Credits)
 This course covers the principles and elements of design applied to the selection and arrangement of materials and furniture in the home, office and in public buildings. It includes established space and lighting standards and application of these standards in rooms.

HISTORICAL STUDIES


HIST 200 - History of World Civilization (3 Credits)
A survey of the development of world civilization from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to early modern Europe.
RELH 360 - Seventh-Day Adventist Heritage (3 Credits)
The course is intended to acquaint students with the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, from the Millerite Movement, in which it had its roots, to the present. (Identical to HIST 300).
RELH 220 - History of the Christian Church in Africa (3 Credits)
A survey of the activities of the Christian Church when they entered and became stabilised in Africa. Deals with some of the earliest efforts of missionaries, but the main focus is on the 19th and 20th centuries. Particular attention is given to the Church in East and Southern Africa. The role of the Church in the present age of national development is analysed.
RELH 381 - History of the Christian Church I (3 Credits)
A study of the development of the Christian Church from Reformation to the 20th century. Also surveys the theology of reformers, and the rise of modern missionary movements. A research paper is required.
RELH 382 - History of the Christian Church II (3 Credits)
A study of the history of the Christian Church from apostolic times to the Reformation. Also surveys major theology of reformers, and the rise of modern missionary movements. A research paper is required.
RELH 355 - Biblical Archaelogy (3 Credits)
A study of the science of archaeology with particular attention to discoveries which validate and magnify scriptural evidence.

THEOLOGICAL & PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES


RELT 190 - Comparative Religions (3 Credits)
A survey of the phenomenology, beliefs systems, and practices of major non-Christian religions – especially those that are found in central and southern Africa. The selected religions are compared with one another and with Christianity. An educative field trip and a report on the trip will be required.
RELT 240 - Marriage & Family (4 Credits)
This course includes the fundamentals of organic chemistry: structure and properties, energy of activation and transition of state, saturated hydrocarbons, free radical substitution, alcohols and ethers, reactions of unsaturated hydrocarbons, electrophilic and free-radical addition, conjugation and resonance in dienes, cyclic aliphatic compounds, aromaticity, reaction of benzene and its derivatives, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic, amines and phenols, aryl halides, nucleophilic aromatic substitution.
RELT 321 - Christian Theology I (3 Credits)
Studies in systematic theology covering the doctrine of God, Revelation, creation, human beings and of Christ. A research paper is required.
RELT 322 - Christian Theology II (3 Credits)
Studies in systematic theology covering the doctrines of salvation, the Sabbath, the Sanctuary, the Church, and the Last Things (eschatology). A research paper is required.
RELT 326 - Ministry & Message of E.G White (3 Credits)
A study of the nature and purpose of the writings and works of Ellen G. White, along with principles that govern the interpretation of those writings.
RELT 355 - Religion & Ethics in Modern Society (3 Credits)
A study of the biblical and philosophical basis for Christian ethics and its relevance for personal, social, and business decision making. Major approaches such as situationism, relativism, consequentialism, and naturalism are examined, evaluated and contrasted with revealed Christian ethics.

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES


BIBL 121 - Greek I (3 Credits)
This course is a study of the elements of Koine Greek. It covers the Greek alphabet and grammar, basic forms of tenses, cases, voices, moods, genders, and numbers and their functions.
BIBL 122 - Greek II(2 Credits)
This course is a continuation of the study of Greek syntax as found in the New Testament. Vocabulary build up, conjugation, parsing, and translation are emphasised.
BIBL 221 - Greek III(3 Credits)
An intermediate study of the functions of Greek forms (i.e. the significance of what was covered in Greek I and II) with an appeal to mature work on the matter of grammatical and syntactical significance. Emphasis is placed on grammatical, exegetical, and syntactical aspects from selected New Testament passages.
BIBL 222 - Greek III (3 Credits)
This is an advanced study of Greek III. It introduces the student to textual analysis, critical apparatus, and the technique of phrasing and Ancient Greek manuscripts.
RELT 351 - Biblical Hebrew I (3 Credits)
This is a study of the fundamentals of biblical Hebrew. This includes practice in vocabulary, an understanding of grammatical structure, and the practice in translation. The aim is to provide the minister with practical study tools.
RELT 352 - Biblical Hebrew II (3 Credits)
This course provides development of reading ability in narrative portions of the Hebrew Bible. The contents of this course include the history of the Hebrew language, analysis and description of the Hebrew language in terms of morphology, syntax, semantics, textual linguistics and literary interpretation of the Hebrew texts.

PROFESSIONAL & PASTORAL STUDIES


RELP 100 - Sabbath School Experience (3 Credits)
A weekly practical exposure to the real church situation. Students are exposed to and participate in different age level Sabbath school programs. The development of locally relevant materials and resources is encouraged.
RELP 101 - Literature Ministry (3 Credits)
Students are expected to fulfil 2-3 months of practical literature evangelism before the completion of their study program.
RELP 121 - Homiletics I (3 Credits)
The art and practice of sermon preparation and delivery. It focuses on the basics of sermon preparation and delivery and tools used in making biblical sermons. The basics of pulpit management is included. Classroom and church preaching are required.
RELP 122 - Homiletics II (3 Credits)
The art of biblical preaching with emphasis on the preparation and delivery of expository and narrative sermons. Classroom and church preaching are required.
RELP 330 - Christian Witnessing (3 Credits)
A study of the dynamics of Christian witnessing in the community, at work and in casual one-to-one contact. To be offered just prior to RELP 440. A position paper is required.
RELP 141 - Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (3 Credits)
An in depth study of the pastoral ministry. Emphasis is placed on the nature and models of the church, pastoral roles, worship, special services and community development ministry. A field education program allowing students to mingle with the community from a position of concern, friendship and caring is required.

PROFESSIONAL & PASTORAL STUDIES CONT..


RELP 400 - Leadership & Administration (3 Credits)
A study of the minister, and the role as a leader of worship services, church administrator, and soul-winner. Principles and strategies for effective spiritual leadership are also explored.
RELP 422 - Music & Worship (3 Credits)
A survey of key issues in the theology and practice of corporate worship in the church, and the role of music in Christian worship.
RELP 325 - Foundation of Youth Ministry (3 Credits)
Designed for students who wish to develop expertise in working with the youth of the church, or to work as a youth director, secondary school teacher, or in any other guidance capacity. A project may be required.
RELP 345 - Pastoral Care & Counselling (3 Credits)
A course in basic psychology (PSYC 232) or human development/permission of the lecturer. A study of the current theories and principles of counselling within the setting of pastoral ministry, and their application to the African context. A case study may be required.
RELP 445 - Principles of Church Growth (3 Credits)
 A study of the dynamics of Christian witnessing in the community, at work and in casual one-to-one contact. To be offered just prior to RELP 440. A position paper is required.
RELP 450 - Steward & Self Reliance (3 Credits)
An exploration of selected biblical principles of stewardship, and their application to the current African context.

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GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES

Behaviour Development

CONV 111-412: CONVOCATION (0 Credits)
ORIE 100: ORIENTATION (0 Credits)
WOED 121-122: WORK EDUCATION (0 Credits)
Health and Physical Education

PHED 116: Physical Education (2 Credits)
HLED 115: Healthier Living (2 Credits)

Mathematics

MATH 159: General Algebra (3 Credits)                                                                                                                     STAT 160:  Basic Statistics (2 Credits)

Languages Communication

COMM 102: Communication Skills and Academic Writing (3 Credits) 
Natural & Social Sciences

BIOL 389: Philosophical Biology (2 Credits)
HIST 276: Selected Themes in Zimbabwean History (2 Credits)
Computers

INSY 100: Computer & Data Processing (3 Credits)
Ethics and Philosophy

RELT 215: Philosophy of Christian Education (2 Credits)                                                                                          RELT 355: Religion & Ethics in Modern Society (3 Credits)