Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology) MA(Pub&ContxtTh)

Including:
Graduate Diploma of Public and Contextual Theology [exit point only] GradDipPub&ContxtTh
Graduate Certificate in Public and Contextual Theology [exit point only] GradCertPub&ContxtTh

CSU's Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology) builds on previous study in a given discipline through the addition of advanced knowledge and skills in the discipline of Public and Contextual Theology, thus enabling students to develop a mastery of the field for their professional or ministerial practice.

About the course

The course provides opportunity for students to gain an in-depth understanding of, and to critically reflect on, the contemporary issues in a chosen specialisation within the discipline - the sub-disciplines offered are Public Theology and Cross-Cultural Theology. Students may also choose to undertake research in their chosen sub-discipline.

Where it will take you

Graduates will be working in both church and non-church based positions, for example, local, state or federal government, or church ministry in specific public or cross-cultural contexts. In these environments they will be dealing with issues relating to the context of contemporary society. Such issues may include social justice, welfare, the environment, the public or political sphere, the place of people from minority cultures within Australian society, or the role of cross-cultural portfolios.

The Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology) aims to equip students to be able to apply their critical thinking, acquired knowledge, and analytical and research skills to issues arising in their area of professional practice or ministry within a specified context of contemporary society.

Graduation requirements

To graduate with the Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology), students must successfully complete 96 points.

Students may choose to exit with the following awards before completing the Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology):

• Graduate Diploma of Public and Contextual Theology [exit point only] (64 points)
• Graduate Certificate in Public and Contextual Theology [exit point only] (32 points)

Master of Arts (Public and Contextual Theology)
Graduate Diploma of Public and Contextual Theology [exit point only]
Graduate Certificate in Public and Contextual Theology [exit point only]

How to apply

Choose your preferred method. Make note of the admission code as you will need this to complete your application. More information on application closing dates.

Course structure

The course comprises four components:

• three core subjects (32 points)
• a specialisation (32 points)
• two restricted elective subjects (16 points)
• a project (16 points), or two subjects chosen from the opposite specialisation (16 points)

Core Subjects
THL480 Principles of Public and Contextual Theology
THL481 Scripture, Culture and Context
THL454 Christologies in Context (16)

Upon successful completion of 32 points (3 core subjects), students may elect to exit with the award Graduate Certificate in Public and Contextual Theology.

Specialisations
32 points chosen from one of the following streams:
Cross Cultural Theologies Stream
THL482 Cultural Foundations of a Cross Cultural Theology
THL483 Multiculturalism in Australia
THL486 Practice of Cross Cultural Ministry in Australia
THL488 Doing Theology on Aboriginal Land
or
Public Theology Stream
THL492 Introduction to Public Theology (16)
THL493 Christian Ethics
THL495 Mark in the Marketplace

Upon successful completion of 64 points (3 core subjects plus a specialisation of 32 points), students may elect to exit with the award Graduate Diploma of Public and Contextual Theology.

Restricted Electives
Two electives chosen from:
THL485 Christian Theology and Religious Pluralism
THL489 Theology and Ministry in Diaspora
THL494 Contemporary Discipleship
THL496 Ecotheology

Project
THL515 Issues in Public and Contextual Theology: Project (16 points)
or
Two subjects (16 points) chosen from the opposite stream selected above.

Enrolment Pattern

Session 1
THL480 Principles of Public and Contextual Theology
THL481 Scripture, Culture and Context

Session 2
THL454 Christologies in Context (16)

Upon successful completion of 32 points (3 core subjects), students may elect to exit with the award Graduate Certificate in Public and Contextual Theology.

Cross Cultural Theology Stream

Session 3
THL483 Multiculturalism in Australia
THL488 Doing Theology on Aboriginal Land

Session 4
THL482 Cultural Foundations for a Cross Cultural Theology
THL486 Practice of Cross Cultural Ministry in Australia

Public Theology Stream

Session 3
THL492 Introduction to Public Theology (16)

Session 4
THL493 Christian Ethics
THL495 Mark in the Market Place

Upon successful completion of 64 points (3 core subjects plus a stream of 32 points) students may elect to exit with the award Graduate Diploma of Public and Contextual Theology.

Session 5
[          ] Restricted Elective
THL515 Issues in Public and Contextual Theology: Project (16 points) (commenced)
or
[          ] Subject (8 points) chosen from opposite stream selected above.

Session 6
[          ] Restricted Elective
THL515 Issues in Contextual Theology: Project (16 points) (completed)
or
[          ] Subject (8 points) chosen from opposite stream selected above.

Admission requirements

Applicants shall have an appropriate Bachelors degree from an Australian university or equivalent overseas tertiary institution, taken over a minimum of three years (full-time equivalent), and at least two years full-time experience in their chosen field.

In recognition of prior learning, applications from those without formal qualifications who have eight or more years of full-time relevant work experience (in a professional field or church ministry) may be considered at the discretion of the Course Coordinator for entry into the course.

About Distance Education

The following information gives you an overview of studying by distance education.

Course materials
When studying by distance education you may receive:

• course materials divided into topics, organised into week-long schedules prepared by acknowledged experts in distance learning
• study modules containing activities designed to encourage participants to apply ideas to their own jobs
• assignments designed to test the mastery and application of course materials, that are carefully assessed before feedback is provided
• resource materials containing interesting, practical or contentious views
• computer-based education packages to support some topics.

Distance education students usually study two 8 point subjects per semester. More or fewer subjects may be studied in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

Staff & student contact

Teleconferencing
Telephone tutorials may also be used to supplement face-to-face contact between students and academic staff. Conference calls enable several students, either at home or at a common location, to participate in a group tutorial with academic staff.

Direct telephone contact and email
Students are encouraged to maintain direct contact with staff by telephone or email. Office telephone numbers and email addresses will be supplied and telephone answering services are available in the offices of Course Coordinators. Students will also be advised of numbers for the School's central telephone answering and facsimile machines.

Online forums
Students may participate in various forums online, enabling direct and instant contact with staff and other students.

Contacts

For all inquiries about Charles Sturt University courses, please contact info.csu on:

Telephone: 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) Telephone: +61 2 6338 6077 (outside Australia) Facsimile: (02) 6338 6001 (within Australia) Facsimile: +61 2 6338 6001 (outside Australia) Email: inquiry@csu.edu.au Web inquiry: www.csu.edu.au/student/contact Web: info.csu.edu.au