University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Biblical Studies

Human and Social Studies - Religious and Ethical Foundations of Society

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Purpose:

The primary purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:

  1. An in-depth understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Bible, encompassing its diverse range of texts.
  2. Advanced practical skills in interpreting various texts from both the Old and New Testaments.
  3. A comprehensive insight into the theological and ethical themes present in the Old and New Testaments.
  4. The ability to reflect on and apply insights derived from ancient biblical texts to contemporary societal issues.
  5. Proficiency in critically evaluating personal perspectives and promoting inter-religious dialogue with other faith traditions within the South African context.

Outcomes

  1. Identify at an advanced level differences between modern industrialised culture and pre industrialised biblical cultures to prevent anachronism### interpret diverse OT and NT texts in 'own theological and ethical right' to prevent fundamentalism and biblicism### bridge the 'meaning gap' between the Bible and modern society###
  2. Effectively work together, especially in multi-religious teams with regard to ethical matters###
  3. At an advanced level administer biblical knowledge to enrich their own culture and those of others###
  4. Demonstrate at an advanced level the ability to use the library competently and to critically evaluate large quantities of sources###
  5. At an advanced level define their biblical insights and skills orally as well as in the learning context (university) so as to anticipate the requirements of the work place###
  6. Use modern electronic aids and media (e.g. internet, computer programs, radio, television, video) at an advanced level to the benefit of research and society###
  7. At an advanced level demonstrate an ability to comprehensively evaluate the biblical word to the benefit of the modern world###
  8. At an advanced level demonstrate formally learnt strategies (e.g. proper time management, proper study methods, utilisation of electronic media, etc.) as well as life skills obtained informally###
  9. Devise ethical principles at an advanced level to influence and change the ethics of society for the better###
  10. At an advanced level demonstrate cultural and aesthetic appreciation of self and other, and cross-fertilise convictions, attitudes and values###
  11. Construct leadership profiles on advanced level to serve for church, school and public opinion forming (whichever career)###
  12. Create at an advanced level ethically sound public opinion forums to further advance society.

Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes Assessment:

  1. Bridging Between Biblical and Modern World

    • The learner will be assessed on their ability to creatively utilize ancient biblical texts to bridge the gap between biblical and modern concepts through written assignments and oral presentations.
  2. Tolerance and Open-Mindedness

    • Tolerance and open-mindedness will be assessed during team efforts and group discussions.
  3. Acquired Values and Attitudes

    • New acquired values and attitudes in terms of self-understanding and acceptance of others will be assessed during group discussions.
  4. Familiarity with Library and Sources of Information

    • Competency in using library sources of information will be assessed through assignments and examinations.
  5. Evaluation of Theological and Source Materials

    • The learner will be assessed on their ability to critically evaluate theological and other source materials for assignment writing.
  6. Integration and Interpretation of Information

    • Advanced skills of integrating and interpreting selected information will be assessed through assignments and examinations.
  7. Communication Skills

    • Effective communication with peers and lecturers will be assessed through oral and written tasks, including the use of visual aids.
  8. Use of Electronic Media

    • Proficiency in using electronic media for exploring biblical sources of information will be assessed.
  9. Recontextualization of Biblical Insights

    • The ability to recontextualize biblical insights in modern contexts will be assessed through assignment writing.
  10. Knowledge and Skills Application

    • Application of knowledge and skills obtained formally and informally will be assessed through assignments, tests, discussions, and examinations.
  11. Ethical Knowledge and Skills

    • Advanced ethical knowledge and skills will be assessed as part of the formative assessment.
  12. Cultural and Aesthetic Sensitivity

    • Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity will be assessed through assignments and discussions.
  13. Opinion-Forming Leadership

    • Opinion-forming leadership will be assessed through role plays in assignments and discussions.
  14. Organizational and Managerial Skills

    • Organizational and managerial skills will be assessed through the creation of public opinion forums.

Assessment Practices:

  • Formative Assessment: Written assignments, presentations in small groups, self-assessment activities, and peer assessment opportunities will be utilized.

  • Summative Assessment: End of module final examinations focusing on the achievement of exit-level outcomes will be conducted to assess the learner's overall understanding and application of the material.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Johannesburg
Description
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.