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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

 

LEVEL 100

 

FIRST SEMESTER

Students to choose any two UGRC Courses (6 credits) in addition to SREL 111            

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
UGRC 110	Academic Writing I	3
UGRC 120	Numeracy Skills	3
UGRC 141-146	Science and Technology in Our Lives	3
UGRC 150	Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning	3
SREL 111	Introduction to Islam	3
Other Subjects	2 courses from other depts in your combination	6
	Minimum credits required	15

 

SECOND SEMESTER

Students to choose any two UGRC courses (6 credits) in addition to SREL 112*

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
UGRC 110	Academic Writing I	3
UGRC 120	Numeracy Skills	3
UGRC 141-146	Science and Technology in Our Lives	3
UGRC 150	Critical Thinking and Practical Reasoning	3
SREL  112	Introduction to Christianity	3
Other Subjects	2 courses from other depts in your combination	6
	Minimum credits required	15

* The UGRC courses chosen in the First Semester must be different from those chosen in the Second semester.

 

LEVEL 200

 

FIRST SEMESTER

Students to choose either UGRC 210 or UGRC 220-238* (3 credits) in addition to SREL 211   and SREL 213

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
UGRC 210	Academic Writing II	3
UGRC 220-238*	Introduction to African Studies	3
SREL  211	Introduction to the Study of Religions	3
SREL 213	Introduction to Philosophy of Religion	3
Other Subjects	2 Courses from the other assigned Dept (s)	6
	Minimum credits required	15

 

SECOND SEMESTER

Students to choose either UGRC 210 or 220-238 (3 credits) in addition to SREL 214    and SREL 216 *

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
UGRC 210	Academic Writing II	3
UGRC 220-238*	Introduction to African Studies	3
SREL  214	Introduction to Ethical Theories and Religious Ethical Systems	3
SREL 216	Introduction to Theological Studies	3
Other Subjects	2 Courses from the other assigned Dept (s)	6
	Minimum credits required	15

* The UGRC courses chosen in the First Semester must be different from those chosen in the Second semester

 

    

LEVEL 300

Major:  A minimum of 24 credits by the end of the year

    Combined:  A minimum of 15 credits by the end of the year

        Minor:  A minimum of 6 credits by the end of the year

 FIRST SEMESTER

Students should choose one of three options: Christian option, Islamic option or Religious Studies option. They are required to choose the General Core course (SREL 315: African Indigenous Religions) in addition to the appropriate option core course. Students should then select their remaining credits from their chosen options. Minimum credit requirements are as follows: Major 12; Combined 7 ½; Minor 3 per semester.

 

GENERAL CORE

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
SREL 315	African Indigenous  Religions	3

 

CHRISTIAN OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 339	Old Testament Introduction	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 377	Introduction to Biblical Exegesis & Hermeneutics	3
SREL 379	Background to the New Testament	3
SREL  383	The History of the Early Church	3
SREL 385	Christian Ethics	3
SREL 397	Introduction to the Pentateuch	3
SREL 399	Introduction to  the Synoptic Gospels	3
SREL 331	New Testament Greek I	3
SREL 365	Religion and  the Renaissance	3
SREL 367	Christianity in the Middle Ages	3

 

ISLAMIC OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 313		3
ELECTIVES
SREL 389	The Life of Mohammad	3
SREL 333	Islamic Ethics	3
SREL 375	Arabic I (Unavailable to Students of Arabic)	3

 

RELIGIOUS STUDIES OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 391	Religion in Ghana	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 349	Psychology of Religion	3
SREL 393	Gender Issues in Religion and Culture	3
SREL 395	African Traditional Ethics	3
SREL 373	Historical Studies of Africa Indigenous Religions	3

LEVEL 300

SECOND SEMESTER

Students should choose one of three options: Christian Option, Islamic Option or Religious

Studies Option. They are required to choose the General Core course (SREL312- Oriental Religions) in addition to the appropriate option core course. Students should then select their remaining credits from their chosen options. Minimum credit requirements are as follows: Major 12; Combined 7 ½; Minor 3 per semester.

 

GENERAL CORE

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
SREL 312	Oriental Religions	3

 

CHRISTIAN OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
CORE
SREL 374	New Testament Introduction	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 324	New Testament Texts in Greek (pre-req.: Srel 332)	3
SREL 354	New Testament Interpretation (Pre-req: Srel 377)	3
SREL332	New Testament Greek II (Pre-req: Srel 331)	3
SREL 302	Pentecostalism in Ghana	3
SREL 358	The Reformation	3
SREL 306	Introduction to Pauline Literature	3

 

ISLAMIC OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
CORE
SREL 314	Hadith Studies	3
ELECTIVE
SREL 396	Arabic II (Pre-req: Srel 375, Unavailable to students of Arabic)	3
SREL 336	Arabic Texts (Pre-req: Srel 396)	3
SREL 384	The Orthodox Caliphate ( Pre-req: Srel 389)	3
SREL 346	Islam in Ghana	3

 

RELIGIOUS STUDIES OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 388	Philosophy Set Texts	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 382	African Myths and Symbols	3
SREL 362	Religion and Leadership	3
SREL 368	Magic and Witchcraft	3
SREL 392	Contemporary Ethical and Moral Issues	3
SREL 372	Methodological Issues in African Indigenous Religions	3

LEVEL 400

Major: A minimum of 30 credits by the end of the year.

Combined: A minimum of 15 credits by the end of the year.

 

FIRST SEMESTER

Students should choose one of three options: Christian option, Islamic option or Religious Studies option. They are required to choose the general core course (SREL 403 Comparative Study of Religion) in addition to the appropriate option core course(s). Students should then select their remaining credits from their chosen options. Minimum credit requirements are as follows: Major 12; Combined 7 ½.

 

GENERAL CORE

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
SREL 403	Comparative Study of Religion	3

 

CHRISTIAN OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 453	Theology and Ethics of the Old Testament	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 461	Missions	3
SREL 455	Introduction to Old Testament Prophetic  and Apocalyptic Literature	3
SREL 457	Introduction to Johannine Literature	3
SREL 467	Hebrew I	3
SREL 469	The Theology of the Gospels	3
SREL 471	The Doctrine of the Early Church  ( Pre-req: Srel 383)
SREL 475	The Old Testament & African Life & Thought	3

 

                                                                             ISLAMIC OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 409	The Faith & Practice of Islam	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 407	Islamic Spirituality	3
SREL 449	Islamic History and Civilization	3
SREL 463	Arabic III	3
SREL 465		3
SREL 473	Islam in West Africa	3
SREL 479	Modern Trends in Islam	3

 

  

 

RELIGIOUS STUDIES OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 477	Comparative  Ethics	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 451	Religion & Society	3
SREL 483	Religion & Human Rights	3
SREL 459	Ecological Ethics	3
SREL 425	African Indigenous Religions & Development	3

 

GENERAL ELECTIVE

SREL 410	Long Essay	3
SREL 481	Special Paper I	3

 

LEVEL 400

SECOND SEMESTER

Students should choose one of three options: Christian Option, Islamic Option or Religious Studies Option. They are required to choose the appropriate option core course(s). Students should then select their remaining credits from their chosen options. Minimum credit requirements are as follows: Major 12; Combined 7 ½.

 

CHRISTIAN OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
CORE
SREL 416	West African Church History	3
SREL 426	Theology & Ethics of the New Testament	3
ELECTIVES		3
SREL 406	Old Testament Texts in Hebrew	3
SREL 428	Christianity & African Culture	3
SREL 458	Old Testament Interpretation ( Pre-req: Srel 377)	3
SREL 464	Hebrew II ( Pre-req: Srel 467)	3
SREL 476	Introduction to Wisdom Literature	3
SREL 478	The Theology of St. Paul	3
SREL 488	The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Christian History	3

 

ISLAMIC OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT
CORE
SREL 424	6KDUL¶DK	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 446	Islamic Theology	3
SREL 448	Islam & African Culture	3
SREL462	Advanced Hadith Studies	3

 

 

RELIGIOUS STUDIES OPTION

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDITS
CORE
SREL 468	History of Religion in West Africa	3
ELECTIVES
SREL 436	Women in African Indigenous Religions	3
SREL 484	Professional Ethics	3
SREL 486	Intra & Inter Faith Relations	3
SREL 482	Religion  in the African Diaspora	3

 

GENERAL ELECTIVE

SREL 410	Long Essay	3
SREL 474	Special Paper II	3

 

Course Descriptions

 

SREL 111:           Introduction to Islam   

A study of Arabia in the 6^th Century, life of the Prophet, the spread of Islam, Islamic Sacred

Texts, beliefs and practices (Articles of Faith and Pillars of Islam), Islamic groups i.e. Sunnis, Shites, Ahmadiyyah, Ahlus Sunnah, Tijaniyyah etc. Aspects of Islam in Ghana, Misconceptions about Islam e.g. jihad, women.

 

SREL 112:           Introduction to Christianity    

The origins and development of Christianity; its early spread; differences among the various forms of Christianity: Orthodox, Roman Catholic; Protestantism; Pentecostalism; Key doctrines and Traditions; Christianity in Africa; Christianity in Ghana. Ecumenical bodies ± the World Council of Churches, the All African Conference of Churches, the Christian Council the Ghana Pentecostal Council, among others.

 

SREL 211:           Introduction to the Study of Religions    

Methods of studying religions, especially the scientific/phenomenological approach. Theories of Religion, e.g., Definitions and Origins of Religion, Dimensions and characteristics of Religion, e.g., Religious experience and its expressions. Social dimensions of Religion with special emphasis on the African/Ghanaian situations. The study shall reflect the pluralistic nature of Religion.

 

SREL 213:           Introduction to Philosophy of Religion    

The nature of religious and philosophical thinking. The nature, concerns and methodology of Philosophy of Religion. Aspects of religious faiths and practices that provoke philosophical questions, e.g., arguments for and against the existence of God; life after death; miracles; prayer and providence; the problem of evil; meaning and problem of religious language; analogy. Verification. Reason, Faith and Revelation. Humanism. Religious pluralism and truth.

 

SREL 214:           Introduction to Ethical Theories and Religious Ethical Systems    

Definition of various terms; e.g., Ethics and Morality; Moral/Non-moral; Moral/Amoral;

Moral/ Immoral. Examination of a variety of ethical theories; e.g., Utilitarianism; Stoicism; Kantianism; Situation Ethics. Main features of Christian Ethics, African Traditional Ethics, and Islamic Ethics. Examination of some specific ethical and moral teachings related to such things as sexuality, wealth and stewardship.

SREL 21 6:           Introduction to Theological Studies

Definitions, meaning and nature of theology from Christianity, Islam and African Indigenous Religions (AIR) perspectives; Methodological issues ± basic theological orientation; exegesis and interpretation, academic and popular approaches; importance of context in theologizing; some key theological elements in AIR, Christianity and Islam. Some contemporary theological issues in relation to culture, religion, ecology, health and development.

 

SREL 302:           Pentecostalism in Ghana    

The socio-religious setting of Ghanaian Pentecostalism. The History of Pentecostalism; Spirituality, Theology and Practices of Pentecostalism. Pentecostalism and Ghanaian social life.

 

SREL 368:             Magic and Witchcraft

Definition of terms. Witchcraft and magic in the Bible. Witch hunting; witch meetings.

Cannibalism and the Black Mass. Witches and devils.  Confessions.  Interpretations of European Witchcraft and magic.  Modern African witchcraft and magic. Activities of African witches; confessions of African witches; African witch hunting; witch doctors; the social setting of witchcraft and magic. The future of witchcraft and magic.

 

SREL 306:             Introduction to Pauline Literature

The issue of Pauline authorship of the writings attributed to St. Paul, their dating, place of writing, background, addressees, purpose and how these writings fit into the life of Paul. The contents, concerns and main theological themes of these writings.

 

SREL 312:           Oriental Religions                                                            

The course surveys Eastern/Oriental religions in their diversities; it explores the history of their origins and growth; their fundamental teachings and the variety of forms they assume as they travel beyond their original homes; a focus on Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism and Shinto; their modern manifestations around the world, especially, their presence in Ghana.

 

SREL 313:            Qur’anic Studies    

Arabia in the 6^th century (Jahiliyyah) a study of literary work in the Jahiliyyah period, concept

Madinan, Hizb, Juz, Manzil), Tafsir or Exegesis and types, a study of selected Suwar of the

 

SREL 314:           Hadith Studies                                                                    

Definition, origin and structure of Hadith with reference to Sunnah, Isnad and Matn. Transmission, Preservation, Collection and Classification of Hadith. Six authentic collections of Hadith. Muwatta, Musanad of Ahmad b. Hanbal and an-Nawawi collections. A study of selected Ahadith from an-Nawawi including Nos. 1, 2, and 3. The religious, cultural and social significance of Hadith

 

SREL 315:           African Indigenous Religions    

Critical study of existing sources. Methods and approaches to studying African Indigenous Religions. Reflections on some themes on the structure and characteristics of African Indigenous Religions with emphasis on their relevance for society. Rituals. Reflections on some basic issues in relation to beliefs in African Indigenous Religions, e.g., Life after death, humanity in relation to nature/ecology. Concepts of community, ethics and destiny. Cult personnel. Current trends. 

 

SREL 324:           New Testament Texts in Greek    

This is an advanced New Testament Greek course. It aims at helping students gain proficiency through the reading and translation of selected books or passages from the New Testament. Attention will be paid to exegetical and theological issues in the selected texts.

 

SREL 331:           New Testament Greek I

The course introduces students to the fundamentals of New Testament Greek. It will cover: Greek orthography-alphabet, accents, transliteration; the structure of a sentence ± the parts of speech, clauses, phrases, the Greek verbal system and morphology ± active, middle and passive voices and the different moods (indicate, imperative, subjective, participle, infinitive). Nouns and adjectives 1^st and 2^nd declensions. The 1^st declension, predicative/attributive use of words in a sentence; pronouns ± personal, demonstrative, reflexive; prepositions and compound verbs.

 

SREL 332:            New Testament Greek II (Pre-requisite: SREL 331)                  

This is a continuation of Greek 1. Students will be introduced to more complex syntactic and grammatical issues. This course will deal with the following: 3^rd declension nouns; indefinite and interrogative pronouns; contract and «mi» verbs; comparative and superlative adverbs and adjectives and genitive absolute. 

 

SREL 333:           Islamic Ethics                                                      

General introduction to ethics. Characteristics of Muslim Ethics and morality. Selected moral philosophers, e.g., Imam Ghazzali. Inner and external actions. Moral education and enforcement of morals. Ethical and moral teachings, contemporary issues e.g., human rights, abortion, HIV/AIDS, usury, teenage pregnancy.

 

SREL 339:            Old Testament Introduction

The History of the formation of the Old Testament Canon.

Basic literary features/problems associated with the three divisions of the TANAK (Torah, Neviim, Kethuviim). Questions of Jewish, Christian (Catholic and Protestant) positions about the Old Testament Canon and how they affect the interpretation of the OT Scripture (e.g. the Septuagint, Apocrypha, Deutero-canon etc).

 

SREL 346:           Islam in Ghana                                                                   

The origins and development of Islam in Ghana. The origins, nature and characteristics of Islam in the Volta Basin. Islam in the North, Asante and on the coast of Ghana. Islam and national politics; Islamic literacy tradition; Islamic organizations; Islamic leadership; interreligious relations; Zongo and national development; etc.

 

SREL 349:           Psychology of Religion                                      

Psychological understanding of religious experience. Religion as pathological and as therapeutic. Conversion. Religion and stress. Religion and personal values. The religious individual and society. Religious experience in the Ghanaian context.

 

SREL 354:           New Testament Interpretation (Pre-req.: SREL 377)    

A  study of  the  historical  background,  the  context  and  purpose of selected New Testament books. An exegetical study of the selected book that makes use of modern hermeneutical methods, including linguistic analysis, textual criticism and other historical-critical methods. 

 

SREL 358:           The Reformation                                                                                

The background to the Reformation. The causes of the Reformation. Erasmus and Martin Luther. Martin Luther and the Holy Roman See. The Formation of Lutheran Churches. The Roman Catholic Reformation (The Counter-Reformation). The Reformation and the emergence of Missionary Societies

 

SREL 362:            Religion and Leadership                                  

Examination of various forms of traditional leadership forms (e.g., Chieftaincy, Priesthhood, Asafo Leadership, female chiefs and leaders, new forms of traditional leadership such as the Sact of social change and modernity on these forms of leadership. The impact of Islam and Christianity on traditional forms of leadership. The influence of traditional leadership on modern types of leadership in Ghana. The responses of traditional leadership forms to the challenges of modernity and non-indigenous religions like Islam and Christianity; adaptations and the future of traditional leadership.

 

SREL 365:             Religion and the Renaissance

The rise of the Renaissance.  Renaissance and Reformation.  The rise of rationalism and Religion. The influence of Liberal Protestantism.  The Renaissance and the 19^th Century Missions in Ghana.  The Renaissance and Religions in Ghana: effects and impact.  The future of Religion in Ghana.

 

SREL 367:            Christianity in the Middle Ages

The Growth of Christianity 700 to 1300.   Christianity and Islam.  The Papacy.  The Religious Orders.  Dissent and Pentecostalism in the middle Ages.  Magic and Witchcraft: European and Ghanaian.  Religion and the Decline of Magic.  The Rise and fall of scholasticism. Late Medieval Missions and Ghana.

 

SREL 372:           Methodological Issues in African Indigenous Religions

Issues of research methodology in African Indigenous Religions. Critical examination of some theoretical and methodological approaches e.g. phenomenological, comparative, sociological, anthropological, linguistic, meta-narratives among others. Engagement with current issues: Insider/Outsider debate, self-reflexivity and research sensitivity.

 

SREL 373:           Historical Studies of Africa Indigenous Religions

Historical development of African Indigenous Religions (A.I.R.) as an academic subject, definitions and problems. Attitudes and stereotypes that affect the research and study of AIR. Historical encounter between African Indigenous Religions and Islam, Christianity among others. Current developments in the study area.

 

SREL 374:            New Testament Introduction    

The history of the formation of the New Testament canon. Outstanding literary problems found in the Gospels (e.g., Synoptic Problem, Proto-Luke hypothesis). Questions of authorship, date, place and purpose of writing, etc, of the New Testament books.

 

SREL375:            Arabic I (Unavailable to students of Arabic)  

 

SREL 377:           Introduction to Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics   

Definition of terms (exegesis; hermeneutics); Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis in historical perspective. Historical-critical exegesis; Structuralist exegesis; Post-modern exegesis – the philosophical presuppositions and cultural conditions, the methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches. An Integrated Hermeneutical Model of Contextual exegesis.

 

SREL 379:            Background to the New Testament    

The political, economic, social and religious situation of Palestine at the time of Christ. The attempts at the hellenization of Palestine under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Roman involvement in Palestine from 63 B.C. to the Bar Cochba Revolt (A.D. 132-135). Religious groups and institutions in Judaism; feasts and festivals.

 

SREL 382:            African Myths and Symbols                                           

Theories of Myths and symbols; the universality of mythical motifs and symbols, and the functional value of myths and symbols. Detailed study of selected myths and symbols from various religious traditions especially African/ Ghanaian ones. Cross-cultural comparison of Myths and Symbols.

 

SREL 383:            The History of the Early Church    

The Jewish and Graeco-Roman setting and the beginnings of the Church. Christianity and the Roman Empire. Attacks on Christianity and the work of the Apologists. Outstanding religious movements and personalities. Asceticism and Monasticism. Christianity in North Africa.

 

SREL 384:           The Orthodox Caliphate (Pre-req.: SREL 389)     

Concept and origins of the Caliphate as a religious and political institution. Introduction to the four Caliphs. Expansion of Islam. Administration of Territories. The Caliphs and their nonMuslim subjects. Civil wars. Rise of early sects.

 

SREL 385:           Christian Ethics                                                                  

General introduction to ethics. Distinctive characteristics of Christian Ethics. Development of Old Testament Ethics. Some ethical teachings of Jesus, Paul, the Reformers. The Place of the Holy Spirit in the moral life. Christian decision-making process. Some contemporary social problems considered from Christian ethical and moral perspectives, e.g., genetic engineering, abortion, extra-marital relations, teenage pregnancy, gambling, drug addiction, Church-State relations, work ethic, gospel and culture.

 

SREL 386:           New Religious Movements                              

Theories of origins, and typologies. Attraction. International and local influence in Ghana. Detailed study of selected International Movements, e.g., Nichiren Shoshu, ISKCON, Eckankar, etc., and local/ indigenous Movements, e.g., Afrikania Mission, Independent Churches, Charismatic Ministries and Charismatic Movements within Mainline Churches.

 

SREL 388:           Philosophy Set Texts                                         

Historical and critical study of selected texts from major philosophers and theologians ± preChristian, non-religious, anti-religious, Christian and Islamic; and from the classical, medieval, modern and contemporary periods. Philosophers to be studied will include Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Hume, Kant, Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein, John Hick; Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn-Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Rushd,  of God, Analogy, Religious Language, Religious Experience, Reason and Faith, Knowledge, Revelation, Evil, Miracles, The Soul, Meaning of Life and Death, Immortality, Science and Religion.

 

SREL 389:           The Life of Muhammad           

Abyssinian empires. Early life of Muhammad (S.A.W). Call to prophethood. Muhammad

(S.A.W) at Mecca. Muhammad (S.A.W) at Madinah. Death of Muhammad (S.A.W.). The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in the writings of the Orientalists.

 

SREL 391:            Religion in Ghana                                              

The role of Religion in traditional Ghanaian societies; the role of Religion in modern Ghanaian society; Religious revitalization and social change; Religious diversity, tension and conflicts; Civil religion.

 

SREL 392:            Contemporary Ethical and Moral Issues                    

The theological, ethical and moral dimensions of some contemporary social issues and problems. Issues will be taken from the fields of medicine, politics, family life, culture, business, etc.

 

SREL 393:            Gender Issues in Religion and Culture     

Definition of religion, gender and culture and how these are related. Theoretical and methodological issues; critique and deconstruction of religious traditions, beliefs and practices with regard to gender; reconstructing images of gender and power relationship. New and renewing models of gender relationship in the work of such groups and bodies as Circle of Concerned African Theologians, Institute of Women in Religion and Culture, FOMWAG, etc.

leadership structures in major religions in Ghana, Gender-based violence and religions.

 

SREL 395:            African Traditional Ethics    

Diversity and uniformity of Values in Traditional African Societies. The moral standard. Survey of moral ideals and practices in African societies. Virtues and Vices. Critical study of methods of moral education and enforcement of morality. The place of community, tradition and religion in morals. Study of the works of selected writers on African ethics. Modernism and traditional values and practices. Reform. Discussion of some contemporary social problems from the traditional perspective.

 

SREL 396:           Arabic II (pre-req.: SREL 375; Unavailable to students of Arabic) foreign drama and novels on religious topics.

 

SREL 397:            Introduction to the Pentateuch

Historical background of Ancient Israel and the Text of the Old Testament; The formation of the Pentateuch: principal theories and their values; relationship between narrative and legal Texts; the Sinaitic covenant and its importance in the history of Israel; exegetical study of selected texts.

 

SREL 399:            Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

The issue of the authorship of the Synoptic Gospels, their dating, place of writing, background, addressees and purpose. The Synoptic Problem. The contents, concerns and main theological themes of these gospels.

 

SREL 403:           The Comparative Study of Religions      

Treatment of themes in Religions comparatively in order to uncover universal conceptual patterns of religiosity and how these are expressed contextually in different Faiths. Treatment of such themes as conceptions and categories of Ultimate reality; the concept of Man; Soteriology and Rituals.

 

SREL 453:            Theology and Ethics of the Old Testament    

Knowledge of God, Covenant, Theology of kingship, Messianic expectation, Problem of suffering, The Destiny of Man, Old Testament perspective on death. Basic characteristics of Old Testament Ethics, the concept of truth, possession and use of wealth, real estate. The Decalogue, work and worship, concept of law and administration of justice.

 

SREL 406:            Old Testament Texts in Hebrew    

This is an Advanced Hebrew course in which the student will be required to exhibit a mastery over grammar, vocabulary and syntax of Biblical Hebrew as a foundation for proficient reading and translation, and interpretation of assigned Old Testament texts in prose and poetry. The course will entail the commitment of the student to employ all the seven stems (verbal forms) of the Hebrew language:  Qal, Niphal, Hiphil, Hophal, Piel, Pual, Hithpael, including their specific conjugations, participles infinitives etc., and other morphological, grammatical and syntactic nuances as they are presented in the texts.  The nature and techniques of Old Testament narrative and Old Testament poetry including metrics, line and strophic structure as they are exhibited in the texts will further be explored.

 

SREL 407:           Islamic Spirituality    

The origin and development of Sufism. Asceticism, mysticism and pantheism. Al-Ghazzali and Sufism. The Fraternities. The origin and development of Islamic Philosophy. Orthodoxy, Rationalism. Al-Ashari, Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazzali.

 

SREL 409:           The Faith and Practice of Islam    

Introduction to the main belief systems, creeds, doctrines and dogmas of Islam. An assessment of their influence on the daily life of the Muslim. The main Islamic Rituals and Modes of worship. The five pillars of Islam; the doctrinal teachings behind them and their relevance to the conduct of the Muslim.

 

SREL 410:           Long Essay    

An approved project work to be taken up under supervision. To be completed before the end of the academic year.

 

SREL 416:            West African Church History    

Assessment of materials on the History of the Church in West Africa. Events which led to the establishment of Christianity in West Africa – Two stages of mission (1) Catholic and Portuguese in the 15^th century. (2) Protestant and Catholic – from 18^th century. Mission Theories and Mission Methods. Mission and West African Cultures. Impact and consequences. Formation of African Churches. Types of Mission, Ministry and Evangelism today.

 

SREL 426:           The Theology and Ethics of the New Testament    

Major New Testament theological and ethical issues as presented by Paul, the Synoptics and sin and its remedy, the Holy Spirit and his gifts, the church, and the resurrection of the dead. The work of Jesus and how he carried it out (e.g., by way of parables and miracles) and some of the major concepts in the writings of John.

Some ethical matters based on the New Testament such as property and wealth, marriage and divorce, politics and revolution.

 

SREL 424:            Shariah   

Sources and developments of Islamic Law. Nature and scope of Islamic Law. Islamic legal categories and conceptions. Development of the four main schools of Sunnijuris prudence

(Maliki, Shafi, Hambali and Hannafi). Law of personal status. Law of contract. Family law (Marriage, divorce, inheritance, wills and bequests: succession and inheritance). Penal law. Commercial law. Politics and the State. Modern legal reforms. The practical aspects of the Shariah its implementation in some African states and attendant problems.

 

SREL 425:           African Indigenous Religions and Development

Defining major concepts: African, indigenous, religions, development. Indigenous beliefs and practices, concepts of development. Attitudes towards African Indigenous Religions, knowledge systems and their roles in modern concepts of development.  Impact   and problems. Emerging trends: leadership systems e.g. priest and priestesses, Nkʫsuoʫhene, chiefs, queen-mothers and other traditional leaders and local government in relation to community development.

 

SREL 428:            Christianity and African Culture    

The historical encounter between Christianity and African Traditional Religions. Problems of the encounter, e.g., Chieftancy, Libation, Polygamy, Healing, Ancestral beliefs, Rites of Passage, Taboos, etc. The counter influences of the two faiths on each other especially in the lives of adherents; intellectual and practical attempts at the indigenisation of Christianity.

 

SREL 446:           Islamic Theology   

Meaning, origin and development of Islamic theology. Early Muslim Sects, scholastic theology. Maturing of Sunni Theology. A study of some classical theologians e.g. Al-Ashari theology and contemporary Muslim theologians.

 

SREL 448:            Islam and African Culture    

Introduction to the History of Islam in Africa with special reference to Ghana. Comparative study of some African and Islamic concepts, e.g, God, Divinities, Man, Spirits. Adaptation of Islam in the African context.

 

SREL 449:           Islamic History and Civilization    

Overview of selected dynasties, e.g. the Umayyads, the Abbasids. Influences on Islamic civilisation. Theological developments, intellectual, scientific and cultural achievements. Classical Islamic institutions, influence of Islam on Medieval Europe. Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate.

 

SREL 451:           Religion and Society    

Religion and Ethics as socializing influences. Religion and development. Elements of individuality and plurality in religious communities and their relevance for Ghanaian society. Religious faith, property and wealth. Religion and politics in Ghana. Religious communities and the State in Ghana.

 

SREL 455:  Introduction to Old Testament Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature General  Issues:  historical  and  social  contexts  of  the  Prophets; origin and final form of the    prophetic books: textual types; texts and prophetic phenomenon in the Ancient Near East. The four great collections (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets); structure, summary of the content and the redaction history of selected books; reading of some significant passages and theological reflection. Apocalyptic literature; origin and characteristics. The book of Daniel: introduction and reading of important passages.

 

SREL 457:           Introduction to Johannine Literature

The Fourth Gospel; introduction: author, date of composition, relationship with the Synoptics; structure and some characteristic themes; exegetical study of selected passages. The Letters: their relation with the fourth Gospel; their literary structures; exegetical study of selected passages from the First Letter. Revelation: historical background; literary genre and structure; exegetical study of selected passages.

 

SREL 458:           Old Testament Interpretation (Pre-req.: SREL 377)    

The course affords the student the opportunity to employ the exegetical/hermeneutical tools studied in Course SREL 377: Introduction to Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics, towards the development of theological /literary position on selected themes in the Old Testament. At the end of the course students will be able to (i) demonstrate a general knowledge of the enterprise of Biblical exegesis/hermeneutics (ii) demonstrate knowledge in the ways in which specific hermeneutical tools are employed to make meaning out of various texts (iii) use the Old Testament to discuss contemporary issues. Areas to be covered will include: the history of Old Testament Interpretation,  Basic issues in the current debate in Old Testament Interpretation, Beginnings and Development of Old Testament Theology, The Question of Methodology, The Question of History, History of Tradition and Salvation History, Basic Proposals for Interpreting Old Testament and Old Testament Theology for today.

 

SREL 459:           Ecological Ethics

Ecology:  Definitions. Development of ecological philosophies/ethics. Religion and ecology; Culture and ecology. Approaches to ecological ethics. Theological approaches to ecology. Anthropocentrism/ Ecocentrism. Life ethics and anima: l rights. Eco-tourism. Sustainability of the ecosystem.

 

SREL 461:            Missions                                                                               

Meaning, Biblical and Theological foundations of Mission. The Early Period ± from Pentecost to the Middle Ages. The Medieval Period to the 19^th Century. The Modern Period (20^th Century): Missionary activities in West Africa, e.g., Policies, Methods, Principles and Strategies of the historic Missionary Societies in the evangelization of West Africa. New trends in mission, ministry and evangelization, current problems, e.g., mission and the cultural revolution in Ghana.

 

SREL 462:        Advanced Hadith Studies

A study of the Arabic and EnglishHadiths.  Emphasis on identification, interpretation, application and lessons in the selected Hadiths. Gharib al Hadith.

 

SREL 463:           Arabic III (Pre-req.: SREL 396)    

 

SREL 464:           Hebrew II (Pre-requisite: SREL 467)     

This course is a continuation of Hebrew I in which aspects of the Hebrew grammar, vocabulary and syntax not covered in Hebrew I will be taught. It is expected that students will gain more competence and confidence towards the reading and translation of more complex Biblical texts in prose and poetry. Areas to be covered will include the other Verbal Stems : Niphal, Piel,

Pual, Hiphil, Hophal and  Hithpael   their respective conjugations in Perfect and Imperfect Tenses; Pronominal Suffixes with Masculine  and Feminine Nouns, Verbs with initial or final laryngal consonants, and translations of Biblical Texts structure in the areas covered.

 

SREL 465:         Advanced Quranic Studies

Interpretation of the Quran, Approaches to the study of the Quran, Early schools of classical and medieval exegesis, Survey of Tafsir literature, Studies on the Translation of the Quran,

 

SREL 467:           Hebrew I  

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental topics in Biblical Hebrew that will prepare them for deeper studies into the Hebrew language to afford them the ability to read and understand the Old Testament (TANAKH) in the Hebrew language. At the end of the course students will be able to (i) know and write the Hebrew consonants and vowels (ii) read and understand basic Hebrew sentences and (iii) identify the seven Hebrew Verb Stems and the conjugation of one of them. (Qal).  Areas to be covered will include, The

Hebrew Alphabets, Vowels and Syllable Structure, The Noun Sentence, The Hebrew Verb, Qal Perfect, Construct Relationship, Suffixed Pronouns, Qal imperfect, Adjectives and Demonstratives, Qal Active and Participles, and Translation of Biblical texts   structured in the areas covered.

 

SREL 469:            The Theology of the Gospels     

The historical Jesus; the individual gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John and their the relationship between the old Israel and the Church in Matthew and Jesus as a teacher of ethics; universalism in Luke; the Logos and Paraclete concepts in John, among others.

 

SREL 436:           Women in African Indigenous Religions

Definitions of concepts. Examination of the various concepts and stereotypes of womanhood in Africa. Status, roles, rights and responsibilities of women in African Indigenous Religious. Female leaderships in indigenous set-ups. Emerging roles of women in African Indigenous Religions. Challenges. Selected case studies.

 

SREL 468:            History of Religion in West Africa    

Introduction to the history of the major religious traditions in West Africa, i.e., Traditional Religion, Islam and Christianity. Their modes of growth, and main institutions; their encounter with each other; modern religious trends in the West African region.

 

SREL 471:           The Doctrine of the Early Church (Pre-req.: SREL 383)    

Doctrinal beginnings in the Early Church. Trinitarian heresies (e.g., modalism), Christological The Christian community. The Doctrine of the sacraments. The Christian hope.

 

SREL 473:           Islam in West Africa                                                         

North Africa and the spread and dissemination of Islam to the Western and Central Sudan. Islam in the ancient kingdom of the Western Central Sudan. The spread of Islam to the Volta basin. Modes of and factors facilitating the dissemination of Islam. The Fulani Jihads. Islam, Western colonization and decolonization. The Sufi brotherhood. Islamic education and institutions. Current trends in Islam with special attention to Ghana.

 

SREL 474:           Special Paper II

Any current topical issue in the study of religions can be packaged and offered as a course under this title.

 

SREL 475:            The Old Testament and African Life and Thought                 

Attitude to the Old Testament in the history of the Church. African Christians and the Old Testament. Comparative study: theology of nature, spirit possession, the individual and the community, the concept of alienation, death and beyond.

 

SREL 476:           Introduction to Wisdom Literature    

The Course is an introduction to the third division of the Hebrew Bible which is Kethuviim, and the specific purpose in which Wisdom as an integral part of Jewish cosmology played a significant role. Areas to be covered will include Wisdom in early Israel, The Wisdom of Solomon, The earliest Core of Proverbs, Pre-exilic Wisdom, Post -exilic Wisdom and how the catastrophe of the exile shaped and pre-empted the issues raised in Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. Themes such as Theodicy, the Suffering of the Righteous, the futility of life and its pursuits,  explored in the main Books of Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament Canon.

 

SREL 477:            Comparative Ethics    

A study of the teachings of some ethical systems and moral theologians, e.g., African Traditional, Christian, Muslim, Humanist, ethical systems. Analysis and comparison of basic themes and values such as the summum bonum and the ideals of life; the moral standard: scales of values; guides to action: moral education, enforcement of morals; and moral reformation: moral decision-making process; virtues and vices; cherished values and abhorred vices. Religion and Ethics. Problem of a national ethic. Discussion of attitudes to some contemporary social problems, e.g., human rights, abortion, homosexuality, drug trafficking and addiction, war and violence, work and discipline.

 

SREL 478:           The Theology of St. Paul    

reconciliation, expiation, justification). The person of Christ; Holy Spirit; Sacraments. Pauline anthropology (the human being before Christ, human being in Christ); Pauline ecclesiology and ethics (the Church, the demands of Christian living); Pauline eschatology (the resurrection of the body).

 

SREL 479:            Modern Trends in Islam                                                                 

Contemporary global trends in Islam. Important themes such as misconceptions about Islam, Islam and human rights, Islam and terrorism, especially after September 11, 2001, Islam and the West, Islam and the mass media, Islam and global peace and development, Islam and Western democracy, among others.

 

SREL 481:           Special Paper I    

Any current topical issue in the study of religions can be packaged and offered as a course under this title.

 

SREL 482:            Religion in the African Diaspora    

Definition of the African Diaspora. African traditional religious retentions in the Diaspora and continuities in the Diaspora. Islam, Hebraism and Christianity in the African Diaspora. Religion and politics in the African Diaspora; Diasporic New Religious Movements return

 

SREL 483:           Religion and Human Rights    

The cultural and historical connections between religion and human rights ± paradigms that enable an appreciation of the differences and agreements between religious traditions and the modern human rights movements. Religious and cultural roots of human rights; human dignity as a religion  RI international human rights;  African religious values and human rights; religious pluralism and the right to freedom of religion; religion as an instrument of abuse; religion as a resource for the protection and promotion of human rights.

 

SREL 484:            Professional Ethics (Pre-req.: Any course in Ethics)    

A general survey of some ethical systems, concepts and norms. A study of professional ethics. Analysis of ethical codes of selected professional and business groups. Issues confronting professionals. Decision-making. Case studies.

 

SREL 486:             Intra and Inter-faith Relations                                                                     

The origins of the Ecumenical Movement. International Ecumenical Movements, e.g., World Council of Churches (WCC) and all African Conference of Churches (AACC). The Second Vatican Council. Inter-faith dialogue, Christian ±Muslim relations at the international, regional, national and grassroots levels in West Africa, especially Ghana. The Parliament of World Religions, etc.

 

SREL 488:           The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Christian History

The Apostolic Age.  The Spirit in the first two centuries.  The Spirit to the Council of

Chalcedon.  The Middle Ages and the Rise of Dissent.  The Spirit in the Reformation.  The Spirit in the Age of Reason.  The Spirit in the Methodist and Evangelical Revival. The Spirit in the Catholic/Anglo Catholic Revival.   The Spirit in the 21st Century.