To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have a good Honours degree in Religious Studies or a dual Honours degree that includes Religious Studies or an equivalent qualification. For Biblical studies, biblical languages are a prerequisite. Those who intend to pursue Masters Studies in the Old Testament must have done biblical Hebrew at the undergraduate level and those who intend to pursue studies in the New Testament must have done New Testament Greek 

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1 EMPLOYABILITY: 

 Religious Studies graduates can find employment; in high schools offering lessons on all issues covered under the new curriculum: Family and Religious Studies (Form 1-4 & 5-6); work in religious institutions as counsellors, lecturers, administrators or pastors; in NGOs as gender activists, counsellors; those who are pastors already can be employed as Chaplains for the uniformed forces like the Prisons, Police, Army; in welfare institutions as gender activists, HIV/AIDS counsellors and advisors; in colleges and universities as lecturers and any other religious oriented fields.

4.1   FURTHER STUDIES  

PhD Studies

AFRICAN INDIGENOUS/TRADITIONAL RELIGION

Level 1 Semester 1

Module name                                                                                                          Credits

*MARS 501 Approaches to the Study of African Indigenous Religion/ History and Methods of                    the Study of African Indigenous Religions                                   20

*MARS 502 Comparative Study of Some Zimbabwean and non- Zimbabwean Traditional                       Religions                                                                                          20

MARS 503   African Indigenous Religions and Environment                                  20

*MARS 504 African Traditional Religion and Modernity/African Indigenous Religion, Human                           Rights and Development                                                       20

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 505 Major Themes in the Study of African Indigenous Religions/Contemporary issues                           in African Indigenous Religions                                            20

MARS 506   Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                    20

* MARS 507    Inter-Religious Dialogue: African Indigenous Religion and Islam/Christianity, etc                                                                                                                           20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

* MARS 500    Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

PHENOMENOLOGY OF RELIGION

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 510 Phenomenological Approaches to the Study of Religion/History and Methods of                      the Study of Religion                                                                             20

*MARS 511 Major Themes in the Study of Religions                                            20

MARS 512   Religion, Food and Security                                                              20

*MARS 568 Religion and Ecology                                                                       20

        

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 514 Religion and Human Rights                                                               20

*MARS 515 Selected Religious Traditions from Asia and Africa/ Inter-Religious Dialogue                                                                                                                                 20

MARS 506   Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                    20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

CHRISTIAN HISTORY AND THOUGHT

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 516 History and Methods of the Study of Christian History and Thought/Perspectives                    on the Study of Christian History                                                     20

MARS 517   Christian History: Early Church to the Reformation                            20

*MARS 518 Survey of Christianity in Africa                                                         20

MARS 519   Christianity and Islam in Contact                                                       20

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 507 Inter-Religious Dialogue: Christianity and African Culture                 20

*MARS 520 New Religious Movements                                                               20

*MARS 521 Special Study of an Epoch/Christian History and Thought up the middle

Ages/From the Reformation to the Present                                         20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                   20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

ISLAMIC STUDIES

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 522 History and Methods of the Study of Islam                                         20

*MARS 523 Early History and Development of Islam                                            20

*MARS 524 Islam in Southern Africa                                                                   20

*MARS 525 Islam and Gender/Women in Islam                                                    20

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 526 Contemporary Islam in North and West Africa                                   20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

MARS 527   Christianity and Islam in Contact                                                       20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

MARS 507   Inter-Religious Dialogue                                                                   20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

STUDIES IN AFRICAN AND ASIAN RELIGIONS 

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 528 History and Methods in the Study of African and Asian Religions       20

*MARS 529 Study of Selected African and Asian Religious Texts                          20

*MARS 530 Major Themes in the Study of African and Asian Religions                 20

*MARS 507 Interreligious Dialogue in African and Asian Religions                       20

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 531 Human Rights and Development in African and Asian Religions         20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

MARS 533   Religion, Gender & Health                                                                20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

MARS 506   Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                    20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

 

NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES     

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 534 Methods in the Study of the New Testament/Approaches to the Study of the New                Testament                                                                                    20

*MARS 535 History and Trends in the Study of the New Testament                       20

*MARS 536 Greek Translation and Analysis of Texts                                            20

MARS 537   Trends in the Quest for the Historical Jesus                                        20

 

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 538 Hellenistic Greek: Reading and Exegesis of Selected Texts                 20

*MARS 539 Major Themes in the Study of the New Testament                              20

MARS 540   Contemporary Scholarship in the New Testament                               20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

 Level 2 Semester 1

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES      

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 541 History and Trends in the Study of the Old Testament                         20

*MARS 542 Methods in the Study of the Old Testament/Approaches to the Study of the Old                   Testament                                                                                        20

*MARS 543 Egyptology/Ancient Egypt and its Influence on the Old Testament      20

*MARS 544 Advanced Classical Hebrew/ Further Studies in Biblical Hebrew         20

 

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 545 Classical Hebrew: Reading and Exegesis of Selected Texts                 20

MARS 546   Major Themes in the Old Testament                                                  20

MARS 547   Assyriology                                                                                     20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90   

THEOLOGY STUDIES    

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 548 Major Themes in the Development of Theology                                 20

*MARS 549 Major Western Theologians/ Contemporary Western Theologies or Major                                       Theologians                                                                         20

*MARS 550 Liberation Theology                                                                         20

*MARS 551 African Theology                                                                             20

 

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 552 Black Theology                                                                                20

MARS 553   Theologies of African Independent Churches                                     20

MARS 533   Religions, Gender and Health                                                            20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

 

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

        

RELIGION AND ETHICS

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 555 Religion and Environmental Ethics                                                    20

MARS 556   African Ethics                                                                                  20

MARS 557   Religion, Food and Security                                                              20

MARS 558   Bioethics and Religious Heritage                                                       20

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 559 Religion and Business Ethics                                                             20

MARS 560   Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                    20

MARS 507   Inter-Religious Dialogue                                                                   20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                   20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                        20

LEVEL 2 SEMESTER 1    

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

RELIGION AND GENDER  

Level 1 SEMESTER 1

*MARS 562 Approaches to the Study of Religion and Gender/ History and Methods of the                         Study of Religion and Gender                                                         20

*MARS 563 Femininities and Masculinities                                                          20

*MARS 564 Religion and Gender in African Indigenous (Traditional) Religions     20

MARS 565   Religion, Gender and Contemporary Themes                                     20

 

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 566 Religion and Gender in Selected Traditions (eg Islam/New Religious Movements)                                                                                                                           20

MARS 533   Religion, Gender and Health                                                             20

MARS 567   Women and the Bible in Africa: Becoming a Transformed Woman     20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                         20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

RELIGION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT      

Level 1 Semester 1 

*MARS 568 Religion and Ecology                                                                       20

MARS 569   Religion and Development Strategies in Africa                                  20

MARS 570   Theories on the Origin and Development of Religion                          20

MARS 571   Religion and Sustainable Communities                                              20

Level 1 Semester 2 

*MARS 500 Advanced Research Methods                                                             20

MARS 572   Religion and Globalisation                                                                20

MARS 573   Religion, Gender and Sustainable Development                                 20

MARS 509   Sociology of Religion                                                                       20

MARS 574   Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability                                          20

Level 2 Semester 1 

*MARS 508 Dissertation                                                                                      90

NB *MBK MODULES

Electives

MARS 575   Critical Issues in Philosophy of Religion                                            20

MARS 576   Ethics and Social Transformation in Africa                                       20

MARS 577   Classical Hebrew                                                                              20

MARS 578   Elementary Biblical Greek                                                                20

MARS 579   Religion and Water Sustainability                                                      20

MARS 580   Religion and Bio-diversity                                                                20

MARS 581   The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha                                                   20

MARS 582   Religion and World Hunger                                                              20

MARS 583   Religious Fundamentalism                                                                20

MARS 584   African Spirituality                                                                           20

MARS 585   Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education                                               20

MARS 586   Pentecostal Theology                                                                        20

MARS 587   Healing Initiatives in Africa                                                              20

MODULE SYNOPSES (For all the 80% Modules Threshold)

Option

(a): AFRICAN INDIGENOUS RELIGION       

MARS 501   Approaches to the Study of African Indigenous Religion /History and                                       Methods in the Study of African Indigenous Religions      

The module seeks to acquaint students with the history and methods in the academic study of African Indigenous Religions (AIRs). It makes a survey of the major trends and historiography of AIRs. The module tackles methods such as anthropology, the history of religion, and the phenomenology of religion. The module examines the ideas of key proponents to interrogate methodological issues that reveal some harmonious and discordant voices.

MARS 502   Comparative Study of Some Zimbabwean and non-Zimbabwean Indigenous                Religions    

The module explores African Indigenous Religions from a comparative perspective. It focuses on Zimbabwean and non-Zimbabwean Indigenous Religions. It covers the religious beliefs and practices of the African communities like the Shona/Ndebele, Yoruba, Akan and Chewa, among others. The module tackles the traditional cosmology, the spirit world of ancestral spirits, alien spirits, and nature spirits. In addition, myths and rituals, symbolic objects, symbolic beliefs like omens, prohibitions and dreams are examined. Issues of health and well-being, traditional medicine, witchcraft and sorcery as well as death and the hereafter are also explored.

MARS 503  African Indigenous Religions and Environment    

The module shall examine the contribution of African Indigenous Religions to the preservation and reclamation of the environment. The module examines some of the beliefs and practices underlying African Indigenous religion’s attitudes to nature. The module makes use of examples from various African Indigenous Religions found in Africa.

MARS 505   Major Themes in the Study of African Indigenous Religions/ Contemporary                 Issues in African Indigenous Religions

The module shall explore topical issues in African Indigenous Religions that include salvation, health, marriage and sexuality, death, and politics. The module explores trends in these concepts with a desire to see how African Indigenous Religions interface with social changes.

MARS 506  Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

The module shall explore how communities in diverse world regions preserve traditionally valued knowledge and create new knowledge. It examines how such communities navigate and respond to global forces such as natural disasters, environmental changes, political restructuring, health concerns, economic volatility, livelihood uncertainties, education crises, ethnic conflicts and develops problem-solving approaches. The connectedness between indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous religious traditions is the cornerstone of this module.

MARS 504   African Traditional Religion and Modernity/ African Indigenous Religion,                   Human Rights and Development

The module covers the interface between African Indigenous Religion and modernity, which entails human rights and development. It considers the various ways in which AIR influences and is influenced by the human rights discourse and development.  

MARS 507  Inter-Religious Dialogue: African Indigenous Religion and Islam/                                 Christianity, etc     

The module shall examine the role of inter-religious dialogue as a factor of mutual understanding, social cohesion and peace- building in world societies (international level) and within our society (national level). The module considers how African Indigenous Religion intersects with other religions found in the African context, especially Islam and Christianity.

MARS 500   Advanced Research Methods and Theories

The module shall provide students with the tools needed to study religions at an advanced level and to enable them to become initiated into the scholarly standards in their respective fields. An exploration is undertaken of the professional and ethical standards for undertaking research. Practical and empirical research methods are explored. Issues for research such as emic/etic perspectives, the significance of insider information, gendered discourses, questions of power and indigenous categories are explored.

MARS 509  Sociology of Religion  

The module shall examine the social theories that have been propounded by social theorists and critics such as Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, Milton Yinger, and Calvin Smith, among others.  It also interrogates the social values of religion within social institutions such as politics, economy, culture and social interactions.

MARS 508  Dissertation

This is a research study of at least 25 000 to 30 000 words that is based on a research area in Religious Studies. The work must show originality and contribute to the body of knowledge in the area of investigation. The work must reflect a critical analysis of the issues at stake.

(b): PHENOMENOLOGY OF RELIGION

MARS 510  Phenomenological Approaches to the Study of Religion     /History and                                Methods of the Study of Religion   

This module examines the contributions of classical and modern phenomenologists in the study of religion. It explores the various phenomenological strands that have been employed in the study of religion. Above all, it discusses the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches in contemporary religious discourses.

MARS 511  Major Themes in the Study of Religions

The module shall provide students with an in-depth study of some of the major themes shaping the discipline of religious studies. Themes such as the concept of religion; insider/outsider perspectives; post modernism/postmodern religion; religion and culture; texts power/religious authority; gender; belief; myth and ritual; religion, migration, diaspora and transnationalism; religious pluralism and religion and science shall be looked at.

MARS 512   Religion, Food and Security

The module shall enable students to familiarise themselves with the main lines of the current debates about food and farming, as well as to give a thorough grounding in the theological background. The module has three parts. The first examines the basic issues surrounding religion and land use, religion and water sources and the likely impacts of climate change. The second considers some of the key issues in religion and contemporary farming; the third, likewise, in religious teachings on food security

MARS 515   Selected Religious Traditions from Asia and Africa/ Inter-Religious Dialogue

The module focuses on selected religious traditions from Asia and Africa with a view to promoting inter-religious dialogue. A thematic approach shall be adopted on concepts such as salvation, life after death, and gender relations, among others

MARS 568  Religion and Ecology 

The discourse on ecology has often sidelined religion. The module shall explore the contribution of different religious traditions to the ecology discourse. The module explores also the emergence, history, theories, and practices of eco-feminism and the environmental justice movements as subfields of radical ecology, environmentalism, feminist activism, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

MARS 514  Religion and Human Rights

The module shall focus on how dominant religions in Africa influence the African worldview with a particular focus on human rights and development issues. Among the topics given detailed attention are: women’s rights, responses of African traditional communities to development initiatives such as the construction of a dam or a town that affects their sacred shrines, the African Charter, non-governmental organisations & human rights.

(c): CHRISTIAN HISTORY  

MARS 516  History and Methods of the Study of Christian History and Thought/                            Perspectives on the Study of Christian History

The module examines Christian historiography from four perspectives. The focus is on the imperialist, sectarian, Marxist and liberal approaches to the study of Christian history and thought.  The thrust is to configure how and why the Christian message, from the beginning, was grafted on human history. The module examines how, the majority of church historians, have divided the trajectory of Christian history into four (4) broad areas, namely; the Early Church Era up to the end of the New Testament writings, the Imperial Church Era of the Patristic Fathers, the Medieval Church Era which closes with the Great Reformation of the 16th century and the foundations of the Modern Era to the present day.

MARS 517  Christian History: Early Church to the Reformation

The module shall explore some themes in Christian history and thought from the early Church to the beginning of the Reformation and assess its impact on the development of Christianity.

MARS 521  Christian History and Thought from the Reformation to the Present        

The module covers Christian history within a specific context, pre-Reformation or Reformation to present. The aim is to show some milestones in Christian history. How an epoch is linked to a particular way of doing theology shall also be covered.

MARS 518  Survey of Christianity in Africa

The module examines the history of Christianity in Africa. The African mission cycles are studied to trace properly the implantation of Christianity in specific African regions like the Kongo, Ethiopia, Sudan and Munhumutapa. In addition, the module evaluates the notions of the ‘balance sheet’ for Christianity and the emergence of ‘African Christianity’ in light of decolonisation and globalisation.

MARS 519   Christianity and Islam in Contact  

The module shall examine the relationship between these two major religions in their quest for world domination. The module explores the many points of contact between Christianity and Islam.   It also highlights how this relationship has impacted on Africa.

MARS 507  Inter-Religious Dialogue: Christianity and African Culture

The module shall examine the role of inter-religious dialogue as a factor of mutual understanding, social cohesion and peace-building in world societies (international level) and within our society (national level). The module considers how Christianity intersects with African culture.

 

MARS 520  New Religious Movements

The module explores the rise, development, nature, practices, belief and doctrinal systems of New Religious Movements (NRMs) in Africa, in general and Zimbabwe, in particular. Students are expected to evaluate why the NRMs continue to be almost more popular than the mainline historical churches in the Zimbabwean context today.

(d): ISLAMIC STUDIES   

MARS 522  History and Methods of the Study of Islam

This module seeks to expose students to the methods used in the study of Islam. The historical, social-scientific, anthropological, theological, phenomenological and feminist methods will be employed. The methods will be used in light of the religious intellectual and cultural orientation. Both the historical and the contemporary aspects of Islam will be explored through an analysis of Quranic and Hadith literature.

MARS 523  Early History and Development of Islam

The module traces the origins of Islam and its early development and expansion in Arabia. It covers the period just before the advent of Islam, Muhammad’s prophethood and the growth of Islam as a religio-political organisation in Medina. It covers the period of the orthodox caliphate up to the division of Islam into two major groupings.

MARS 524  Islam Southern Africa

The module surveys Islam in Africa, with reference to Southern Africa. The mutual interaction of Islam and African cultures is a central theme. The module also considers inter-religious dialogue between Islam and Christianity in Southern Africa.

MARS 525  Islam and Gender/ Women in Islam

The module covers Islam and notions of masculinity and femininity. It explores how Islam constructs, reconstructs and deconstructs gender. It considers how Islamic teachings affect gender relations in various aspects of life-social, political, economic, and so on.

MARS 526  Contemporary Islam in North and West Africa     

The module focuses on contextualised Islam in the contemporary period. It covers the influence of Islam on societies in North and West Africa. It also considers the interplay between Islam and contemporary problems and issues such as health, gender-based violence, and human rights, among others.

MARS 527  Christianity and Islam in contact   

The module shall examine the relationship between these two major religions in their quest for world domination. The module explores the many points of contact between Christianity and Islam.   It also highlights how this relationship has impacted on Africa.

(e): STUDIES IN AFRICAN AND ASIAN RELIGIONS   

MARS 528 History and Methods in the Study of African and Asian Religions      

The module seeks to acquaint students with the history and methods in the academic study of African and Asian religions. The perennial problem of defining religion and a thorough examination of selected methods from the sub-disciplines like Humanistic studies of religion; Social-Scientific studies of religion and the Phenomenology of religion are pursued. The key proponents and their ideas are interrogated to unveil some harmonious and discordant voices in the study of these religions.

 

MARS 529  Study of Selected African and Asian Religious Texts

The module explores selected religious texts from selected religions in the African and Asian contexts. Students are expected to make an in-depth study of selected texts from religions like African Indigenous Religions, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Baha’i Faith and Rastafari. The origins, nature, status and teachings contained in selected religious texts are also explored. Students are expected to juxtapose the written scriptures with the oral texts from African Indigenous Religions as a way of evaluating ‘holy writ’.

MARS 530  Major Themes in the Study of African and Asian Religions  

The module examines the major themes in the study of African and Asian religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, Baha’i Faith, Rastafari and African Indigenous Religions. Students are expected to do a detailed study of selected themes like salvation; scripture; sacred places; symbolism; myths and rituals; music; status of women; human rights; the environment; food and dietary issues; HIV and AIDS; migration, diaspora and transnationalism.

MARS 507  Interreligious Dialogue in African and Asian Religions

The module focuses on the intersection of African and Asian religions with a view to promoting mutual understanding. Emphasis shall be on similarities rather than differences.

MARS 531  Human Rights and Development in African and Asian Religions

The module focuses on the interface between African and Asian religions and development as well as human rights. It seeks to show the ways in which the said religions influence and are influenced by development and human rights discourses. The ambivalence of the religions when it comes to human rights and development shall be explored. 

 MARS 533  Religion, Gender & Health

The module shall critically examine the portrayal of men and women in religion and explore related issues of health and well-being. It aims to provide an understanding of the breadth and diversity of the role of men and women in religion, and open up discussion on the critical role religion plays in shaping health policies and practices. Students will undertake case studies on topics which may include sexual and reproductive health and rights, sex education, mental health from a gender perspective, the medicalisation of childbirth, environmental health, HIV and AIDS, substance use and abuse, and sex work.

 

(f): NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES

MARS 534  Methods in the Study of the New Testament/Approaches to the Study of the                      New Testament  

The module shall examine various approaches which have been proffered in an effort to appreciate and understand the New Testament. Approaches such as reader-response criticism, redaction criticism, the New Hermeneutic and others have been coined by both Jewish and Christian scholars as well as those whose interests have been primarily historical or literary and new inroads continue to be made such as reading in front of the text, post-colonial feminist interpretation and others.

MARS 535  History and Trends in the Study of the New Testament     

The module will focus on the history of methods of interpretation, both traditional and modern. The following methods will be dealt with in detail: methods in the Hebrew Scriptures and Judaism, the use of the Hebrew Scriptures by Jesus, Paul and the Early Church, Methods in the Patristic period, Medieval and the Reformation.

 

MARS 536  Greek Translation and Analysis of Texts   

The module focuses on an in-depth knowledge of Greek textual criticism. It discusses, analyses, and synthesises the grammatical principles (syntax), semantics and lexicography of the Greek language. The module will also enable the translation of more complex selected Greek passages to provide insight into the linguistic detail and coherence of each sentence and or periscope. Passages for translation will be taken from the New Testament and the LXX.

MARS 537   Trends in the Quest for the Historical Jesus

The module shall look at past and current trends that have characterised the search for the historical Jesus. Beginning with a variety of sources and criteria used within the ‘Quests for the Historical Jesus,’ the module shall go on to look at the divergent theological interpretations of the life and teachings of this mysterious Galilean.

MARS 538  Hellenistic Greek: Reading and Exegesis of Selected Texts

This module examines the analysis of the Greek text. Reading and exegesis will be based on one gospel and one epistle. This module will also explore various morphologies in the Greek language.

MARS 539  Major Themes in the Study of the New Testament

The module shall seek to utilise various approaches that have been proffered to understand the voice of the New Testament. A critical look at the major themes of the New Testament from various angles will enable students to appreciate its many different voices expressing the breadth and beauty of the human experience of God over the ages.

MARS 540 Contemporary Scholarship in the New Testament

The module shall provide a critical examination of the work of some selected current leading New Testament Scholars.  The focus will be on the critical evaluation of their writings, assessing how this has influenced current discourse in New Testament scholarship.  At least one of such scholars to be examined must be African.

(g): OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES

MARS 541  History and Trends in the Study of the Old Testament 

The module explores the selected methods in the study of the Old Testament from the rise of biblical interpretation up to the 16th century. The scope of this module covers the following areas: the rise of biblical criticism, challenges, Jewish exegesis, and biblical interpretation in the Apostolic, Patristic, Medieval, and Reformation up to the modern era.

MARS 542  Methods in the Study of the Old Testament/Approaches to the Study of the                       Old Testament  

The module shall examine the approaches which have been proffered in an effort to appreciate and understand the message of the Old Testament. To understand the Bible various approaches have been utilised by both Jewish and Christian scholars as well as those whose interests have been primarily historical or literary and new inroads continue to be made.

MARS 543  Egyptology/Ancient Egypt and its Influence on the Old Testament

The module shall explore the histories, languages, cultures and sciences of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and their neighbours. These regions, sometimes known collectively as the Ancient Near East, have a long history stretching back to the formation of the first complex societies and have a strong influence on the formation of the Old Testament.

 

MARS 544  Advanced Classical Hebrew/ Further Studies in Biblical Hebrew  

The module examines Biblical Hebrew at an advanced level building up from the introductory level. The scope of the module covers the following areas: review of Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, absolute and construct nouns, pronouns, pronominal suffixes, adjectives, participles, nominal sentences, relative clauses, various forms of the perfect aspect: qal, piel, niphal and hiphil, translation of words, phrases and sentences.

MARS 545  Classical Hebrew: Reading and Exegesis of Selected Texts

The module shall provide students the opportunity to read the Hebrew Bible in its original language. Selected passages from the Hebrew Bible will be used for exegesis.

MARS 546   Major Themes in the Old Testament

The module shall apply various approaches to the study of the Bible in understanding of major themes of the Hebrew Bible. A critical look at the major themes of the Old Testament from various angles will enable one to appreciate its many different voices expressing the breadth and beauty of the human experience of God over the ages

MARS 547   Assyriology

The module shall introduce students with little or no previous knowledge to the study of Ancient Mesopotamia in the historical period. It provides an appreciation of the principal languages of Ancient Mesopotamia, Akkadian and Sumerian, and allows the study of aspects of Mesopotamian culture, from 5000 BC through the earliest literate and urban societies of the Near East to the Assyrian and Babylonian empires.

(h): THEOLOGY STUDIES  

MARS 548  Major Themes in the Development of Theology     

The module is an analytical survey of major theological trends in the development of Christian theology. This includes in-depth study of the Patristic, Medieval, Enlightenment, Modern and Contemporary periods.

MARS 549  Major Western Theologians  

The module focuses on post-Reformation theologians in the West. It outlines how the Reformation ushered in the spirit of thinking outside the box of the dogmatic theology of the proceeding eras.  Some of the theologians to be studied include Karl Barth, Schleiermacher, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rudolf Bultmann, Karl Rahner and others.

MARS 550  Liberation Theology  

The module uncovers the development of theology in the Third World context of South America (also known as Latin America).  It looks at how Marxian ideologies were applied by South American theologians to address the socio-economic forms of oppression perpetrated by the West.

MARS 551  African Theology   

The module covers God-talk in an African context. It considers the sources of African theology and discusses the different theologies that fall under the brand of African Theology. It also examines how African Theology is similar and different from other theologies. The contribution of African theology to development shall also be explored.

 

MARS 552  Black Theology

This module covers a brand of theology that originated in America among African-American people. It examines how theology can liberate non-white people from various forms of oppression. It also demonstrates how theology mixes with civil rights.

MARS 553   Theologies of African Independent Churches

The module shall explore the theologies of the AICs in society today. It looks at the AICs’ engagement with social changes in contemporary society. African Independent/Initiated/Instituted Churches (AICs) place emphasis on the biblical warrant to include African cultural norms into their modes of worship, theology, and practice, though to varying degrees.

(i): RELIGION AND ETHICS      

MARS 555  Religion and Environmental Ethics

The module shall introduce environmental ethics through an engagement with issues of population growth and resource use, sustainability, non-human animal welfare, biodiversity loss, environmental justice, and global climate change. The module seeks to engage students’ ethical reasoning and reflection on environmental issues in particular. The module also reiterates the inherent influence of various world religious traditions in shaping and implementing environmental ethics and decision-making.

MARS 556  African Ethics

The module shall examine African ethical values, focusing on Ubuntu/Unhu and its relevance in the African context. It also explores key issues such as African bioethics, business ethics, traditional attitudes to the environment and the possible development of a new form of democracy based on indigenous African political systems.

MARS 557   Religion, Food and Security

The module shall enable students to familiarise with the main lines of the current debates about food and farming, as well as to give a thorough grounding in the theological background. The module has three parts. The first examines the basic issues surrounding religion and land use, religion and water sources and the likely impacts of climate change. The second considers some of the key issues in religion and contemporary farming; the third, likewise, in religious teachings on food security.

MARS 558   Bioethics and Religious Heritage

The module shall look at religious and moral issues involved in bioethics. Tapping on religious heritage, the module seeks to develop moral wisdom and build a stronger commitment to act morally on issues such as doctor-patient relationships, life-sustaining treatments (including CPR, and medical nutrition and hydration), reproductive Iissues (including contraception, artificial reproductive technologies, abortion) & controversial issues like euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and the stem cell controversy).

MARS 559  Religion and Business Ethics

The module shall trace the development of business ethics from the larger field of General Ethics as a discipline which addresses morally correct conduct in human affairs. Its genesis in the field of philosophical studies is traced. The module underscores how issues of faith and religion have a major bearing on business engagements and more importantly on making business decisions.

MARS 560   Religion and Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                 

The module shall explore how communities in diverse world regions preserve traditionally valued knowledge and create new knowledge. It examines how such communities navigate and respond to global forces such as natural disasters, environmental changes, political restructuring, health concerns, economic volatility, livelihood uncertainties, education crises, ethnic conflicts and develops problem-solving approaches. The connectedness between indigenous knowledge systems and indigenous religious traditions is the cornerstone of this module.

 

(j): RELIGION AND GENDER

MARS 562 Approaches to the Study of Religion and Gender/ History and Methods of the Study of Religion and Gender

The module shall present some major developments in the academic discipline of religion and gender. Key factors and forces which led to the emergence of this academic discipline are explored in this module. The module also presents some of the key theories that have emerged over time in the history of the study of religion and gender.

 

MARS 563 Femininities and Masculinities

The module focuses on major issues such as femininities and masculinities. The module shall examine how femininities and masculinities are constructed and represented in religious and secular spaces. The module shall challenge negative and harmful ideas of what a “real man” and “real woman” is and advocate for transformative ways to empower and liberate males and females from oppressive notions of what it means to be a man or woman.’

MARS 564 Religion and Gender in African Indigenous (Traditional) Religions

Drawing insights from African Indigenous Religions, the module shall illustrate how the diverse African religious traditions shape the concept of gender in a particular African setting. The module acknowledges the importance of paying specific attention to the different experiences of African men and women which influence and inform their understanding of gender roles in their particular lived realities

MARS 565 Religion, Gender and Contemporary Themes

The module explores how religion intersects with gender and contemporary themes such as health, human rights and gender-based violence.

MARS 566 Religion and Gender in Selected Traditions (eg Islam/New Religious Movements)

The module shall illustrate the connectedness between religion, culture and gender roles from different religious contexts. It foregrounds the continuities and discontinuities of gender roles in the selected contexts. The overall aim of the module is to illustrate that each context has its particular strengths and weaknesses and to show that these specific experiences can be used as the vantage point to inculcate transformed and renewed communities. 

MARS 567 Women and the Bible in Africa: Becoming a Transformed Woman

Using stories of Biblical women who endured and overcame many challenges, this module shall respond to some of the key issues confronting many African women daily and motivate them to become renewed and transformed. Some of the key themes covered in this module include infertility, single parenting, poverty, the raising and teaching of children, life with an unbelieving or unfaithful husband, and maintaining faith in desperate times.

MARS 567 Women and the Bible in Africa: Becoming a Transformed Woman

Using stories of Biblical women who endured and overcame many challenges, this module shall respond to some of the key issues confronting many African women daily and motivate them to become renewed and transformed. Some of the key themes covered in this module include infertility, single parenting, poverty, the raising and teaching of children, life with an unbelieving or unfaithful husband, and maintaining faith in desperate times.

(k): RELIGION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

MARS 568 Religion and Ecology

The discourse on ecology has often sidelined religion. The module shall explore the contribution of different religious traditions to the ecology discourse. The module explores also the emergence, history, theories, and practices of eco-feminism and the environmental justice movements as subfields of radical ecology, environmentalism, feminist activism, and Women’s and Gender Studies.

MARS 569 Religion and Development Strategies in Africa

The module shall explore various aspects of how societies since immemorial have been using religion to advance as well as address some of the challenges that inhibit human development on the African continent. Tapping from the indigenous knowledge systems, the module appreciates the religious-based development strategies and solutions with the hope of reviving the fruitfulness of Africa, thus curbing hunger that is ever stalking the African continent

 

MARS 570 Theories on the Origin and Development of Religion

This module critically examines various theories that have been proposed by various scholars on the origin and development of religion.  Special attention will be made to the following categories of scholars: evolutionary/anthropologists, sociologists, psychologists and phenomenologists. Their theories are to be used as a basis of analysis for the origin and development of religions in Africa today.

MARS 571 Religion and Sustainable Communities

The module shall examine how contemporary world citizens are turning to religion in light of the disintegration of society’s moral fabric. The module also explores how religion plays a fundamental role amidst various actions taken by global citizens, local communities and governments to create towns and communities that are more sustainable. This focus on solutions helps establish several principles for sustainable community building that can be integrated into educational programmes.

MARS 571 Religion and Sustainable Communities

The module shall examine how contemporary world citizens are turning to religion in light of the disintegration of society’s moral fabric. The module also explores how religion plays a fundamental role amidst various actions taken by global citizens, local communities and governments to create towns and communities that are more sustainable. This focus on solutions helps establish several principles for sustainable community building that can be integrated into educational programmes.

MARS 572 Religion and Globalisation

The module shall examine the relationship between religious cultures and the forces of globalisation. It explores how religious cultural systems have been involved with globalisation. It proposes a cultural approach that is more sensitive to how the discourses of religion and globalisation are connected in a binary relationship to one another.

MARS 573 Religion, Gender and Sustainable Development

The module shall explore in particular women’s experiences of development in different parts of the world. It also explores ways in which women from a number of countries are working to promote sustainable development in their communities.

MARS 574 Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability

The module shall explore the importance of indigenous values and spirituality in providing guidance for sustainable living. Such principles and values encourage a spirit of harmony between people, their natural environments and their spiritual identities.

ELECTIVES

MARS 575 – Critical Issues in Philosophy of Religion

The module shall examine some core issues in the philosophy of Religion.  It discusses issues such as the problem of evil, the existence of God, moral responsibility, problem of religious language and seeks solutions to these issues within modern scholarship in this area of study.

MARS 576 – Ethics and Social Transformation in Africa

The module shall examine how ethical precepts of religious groups and institutions in Africa have informed social transformations and developments in Africa.  It examines the sources of religious studies and social ethics within the philosophical analysis of some ethical theories and analyses how the main religions on the continent – Islam, Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR) have used their ethical precepts to interrogate social changes in Africa.

MARS 577 Classical Hebrew

The module shall introduce students to Classical Hebrew and it shall focus on an understanding of the Hebrew alphabet, basic vocabulary, and sentence construction.  Hebrew is a Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic language family. Culturally, it is considered the Jewish language. In its modern form, it is spoken by most of the seven million people in Israel while Classical Hebrew has been used for prayer or study in Jewish communities around the world for over two thousand years.

MARS 578 Elementary Biblical Greek

The module shall provide an introduction to the language known as Koine Greek, in which the New Testament was written. It will cover some of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language. By the end of the module, students shall be able to read some select passages from John’s gospel.

MARS 579 Religion and Water Sustainability

The module shall introduce students to the place of religion in water sustainability in developing countries. It analyses and contrasts the traditional and Western methods of harnessing and managing water bodies. The module aims to foster an analytical and critical perspective on water and development through critical dimensions such as livelihoods and poverty, gender, beliefs, community participation, governance, political economy and collaborative stakeholder management.

MARS 580 Religion and Bio-diversity

The module shall examine biodiversity at a local, national and global level including the measurement and assessment of biodiversity and its implications. Of particular interest is an exploration of how the status of domestic pets continues to gain momentum in the modern world. The module also discusses how the apparent expression of disdain for game hunting and slaughtering of animals for human consumption and other uses is developing into a new religious movement among some advocates of animal rights

MARS 581 The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha

The module shall cover apocalyptic literature, testaments, legends, wisdom and philosophical literature, prayers, psalms and odes, and fragments of lost Judeo-Hellenistic works. The writers of the Bible depended on other sources for much of their work. Some of these sources may have been lost forever, but many have recently come to light. Known as the Pseudepigrapha, this collection of writings is for the most part, Jewish or Christian and is often attributed to ideal figures in Israel’s past.

MARS 582 Religion and World Hunger

The module shall look at how religion has either fostered or helped curb world hunger given that hunger is the world’s top health concern, killing more people than AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. The place of religion in ‘food security’ issues is thus of concern in this module.

MARS 583 Religious Fundamentalism

The module shall explore particular manifestations of religious fundamentalism in relation to socio-political developments in different parts of the world. The 21st C has seen the rise of global religious fundamentalism and this has challenged theories of secularisation and progress.

MARS 584 African Spirituality

The module shall examine the historical development of African religious symbols and themes that have shaped its spirituality and mysticism.  The module shall highlight the works and writings of African mystics and writers who affirm that African religiosity and spirituality are inevitable expressions of the African being.