MA in TMM modules

This module will introduce students to a number of hermeneutical approaches to the Bible,

ranging from those concerned with the world behind the text (historical criticism), those oriented to the world of the text (literary approaches), and those that recognize the influence of the world in front of the text (the role of readers). It will equip students to raise questions concerning the meaning(s) of the biblical text, and about the assumptions or models operating behind different interpretations. It will also enable students to explore how the Bible (both Old and New Testaments) can be related to the contemporary world.

The overall aim of the module is to enable students to explore a theme in the Bible in a comprehensive and nuanced way. There will be an introduction to the various approaches to biblical theology, with particular attention to the challenge of relating the Bible to history. The importance of the foundational narrative character of the Bible will be discussed. Several examples of how a theme might be explored will be given, both in brief (weeping) and in a more extended way (the Temple). The specific theme of the temple will then be explored in more detail. An outline of the theology of a single book will provide a complementary perspective on how to reflect theologically on the distinctive contribution of a book in relation to other scriptures.

Key writers in the area of biblical theology will also be introduced, since the exploration of a theme will require critical engagement with others who have written on the theme from different points of view and employing different methods. The module will conclude with student seminar presentations of their chosen theme.

Revival is an exhilarating word: it evokes visions of new life, the power of the Spirit, renewal and restoration and the promise of hope. Yet it is a diverse, multifaceted and controversial phenomenon. Against a rich and broad context of European and Transatlantic church history we trace landmark changes in both the understanding and practice of renewal and revival that took place in the 18th century British church. This is not merely a record of the church’s past but a key to understanding contemporary evangelicalism and exploring the possibility of God choosing to work in such a way again.

During this module students will explore a significant area of church history and will be introduced to methods of critical evaluation and a range of sources (including primary and secondary texts, art, hymnody and other material evidence) The module will include:
• In-depth exploration of the chosen area.
• Consideration of this area’s connections to the wider history of Christian life and thought.
• Attention to the relationships between this historical area and contemporary Christian practice and experience.

This module will examine and assess the contribution of the missionary theologian Lesslie Newbigin (1909-1998) to the thinking and practice of mission over the last 70 years. The module will explore the range of his thought from early insights into ecclesiology, epistemology and his pioneering work on a Trinitarian approach to mission, through to his later work on engaging secular post-Christian Western culture with the gospel. It will examine the theological and philosophical dimensions of his approach to theology, and study in particular his contributions to the disciplines of epistemology, Trinitarian theology, ecclesiology, apologetics, cultural hermeneutics, and public theology.  Students will be encouraged to assess the continuing significance of his work as a missionary theologian in the increased secularisation and pluralisation of Western cultural contexts.

The Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Theology, Ministry and Mission are designed to offer personal and professional development for a range of Christian ministries as well as to satisfy the aspirations of those students who undertake their studies to enhance, broaden and deepen their discipleship and ministry in other contexts. This core module aims to explore key aspects of quantitative and qualitative, empirical and theoretical research methods in theology, ministry and mission. Students will learn general research skills and how to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses and appropriate use of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods for a particular study and context.

Through the design of a small-scale research project, students will understand how to develop a conceptual framework, how to use practical methods and examine ethical issues appropriate to their context and study. Students will also gain the skills required for the preparation of a literature review in support of their research proposal through the comparison of two works relevant to the study of Theology, Ministry and/or Mission.

A dissertation provides an opportunity to develop research skills and inquiry-based learning and to lay the foundations for possible future work at a higher degree level. Participants will, in consultation and negotiation with a potential supervisor, identify a topic, issue, or ministerial area relevant to the study of theology, ministry and mission. The proposed title of the dissertation, together with a brief description and initial bibliography, must be submitted for approval by the Examination Board.

The student is responsible for arranging supervisions and organising a timetable and plan for his/her work. An introductory meeting with the year group will introduce the dissertation and explain the process for approving the proposed topic. The area chosen may enhance and integrate study from the taught module programme providing the independent study is clearly distinguished from the content of such taught modules.

This module brings into dialogue experience gained in the placement context with aspects of theology and the dimension of the student’s own self-awareness concerning their growth in pastoral and ministerial practice. Students will have the opportunity to enhance skills in understanding and analysing a specific context, and integrating theological enquiry with pastoral, ministerial and/or professional practice. It draws upon the resources of Scripture and relevant Christian traditions in critical conversation with insights from other sources, including the social sciences. This is a module requiring reflexivity – students will need to be attentive to their own assumptions and biases. Reflecting upon their placement, ministerial or work-based context, students will take responsibility for identifying key aspects, encounters and themes out of which to develop work for assessment.

The course will also allow students to gain further experience of using a variety of methods of theological reflection in the light of their placement context in order to develop their ministerial practice.

Students will be expected to agree a plan of activities with their placement supervisor, which takes into account specific learning outcomes agreed by their Director of Pastoral Studies/Practical Theology and any requirements of their sponsoring church. A working agreement form must be completed at the start of the placement hours. At the end of the placement the on-site supervisor will complete a report identifying the student’s contribution and growth. Both of these documents must be submitted in appendices with the assessed work.

Students will be expected to work with a journal of their experiences; research their context fully using available resources and apply methods of reading and/or profiling a context, provide accounts of pastoral encounters and ‘critical incidents’ for analysis in a group context and reflect with a placement supervisor on their own development. Group teaching on specific areas of pastoral and practical theology for ministry will be linked to independent reading and research as well as to the material students bring to the group for reflection.

This module is to enable participants to engage in independent learning related to a chosen subject area in the context of discipleship, mission and ministry. In consultation and negotiation with the tutor, participants will identify a topic, issue, or ministerial area relevant to the study of the theory and practice of ministry and in which there is academic expertise in the Cambridge Theological Federation. An independent learning project will be developed which may include both library and practical research. The area chosen may enhance and integrate study from the taught module programme providing the independent study is clearly distinguished from the content of such taught modules.

This module will provide students with the opportunity to study particular Christian doctrines in the context of contemporary, predominantly secular, culture. The module will introduce students to different methodologies of Christian apologetics and cultural hermeneutics, with the aim of helping them to present and promote a dialogue between Christian faith claims and contemporary culture. Assessment activities will comprise an in-class presentation and an essay. Students may use a portion of the in-class presentation to demonstrate connections between the module content and their ministry, missional, or placement contexts.

In this module we will explore the ways in which Christian worship helps to nurture human communities and conversely how worship is shaped by and reflects the communities in which it arises. Exploration will involve historical, theological and pastoral study of acts of worship as well as some consideration of worship as mission. Analysis of case studies will help to link the theoretical approaches studied and students will be encouraged to use this module to further develop skills in theological reflection.

This module requires the student to undertake a term of study at an institution which has been approved by the Common Awards Management Board for this purpose (including approval of a conversion scheme for marks from that institution to grades for the student’s Durham award). The Management Board will also need to have approved the TEI’s processes for ensuring that:

• the particular programme the student will undertake, in conjunction with their study at their TEI, will enable them to fulfil and demonstrate fulfilment of the level 7 learning outcomes for the MA or Postgraduate Diploma in Theology, Ministry and Mission
• the student will be appropriately supported before and during their time away
• the student is not inappropriately charged full fees by their TEI if they are also paying a fee to the overseas institution
• the student will engage in modules as provided by and agreed with the host institution. These modules will also be subject to the agreement of the sending TEI, and where necessary the student’s sponsoring church.