National Diploma in Theology

Module Descriptions

DRS100 English for Academic Purposes

This module, taught as a block, focuses on improving students’ English language and writing skills, introduces them to different research methods, and addresses issues of plagiarism and HTC’s layout & requirements for written papers.

DRS101 Phenomenology of Religion

This module provides students with a survey of the Old Testament and essential background knowledge for Old Testament studies.

DRS102A Old Testament 1

This module provides students with a survey of Genesis to Esther and gives essential background knowledge for further Old Testament studies.

DRS102B Old Testament 2

This module provides students with a survey of Job to Malachi and gives essential background knowledge for further Old Testament studies.

DRS113 New Testament 1

This module provides students with an overview of the New Testament and essential background knowledge for New Testament studies.

DRS114 Christian History & Thought

This module is a study of the major people, events and movement of church history from the apostolic era to the present, with a view to challenging students to contextualise lessons learned from that history.

DRS115 Introduction to Philosophy

This module introduces students to the key concepts, personalities and movements in the History of Philosophy and to current discussions in the philosophy of religion and natural philosophy.

DRS131 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation

This module equips students in the inductive method of Bible study, emphasising the historical setting, authorship and purpose of each book as well as applying the three major steps in inductive study.

DRS132 Spiritual Formation

This module teaches principles and practices enabling students to deepen their own spiritual lives as well as the lives of those they disciple.

DRS106A Theology 1

This module lays the initial foundation and framework for further theological study, enabling students to understand key theological terms and concepts, as well as the contemporary relevance of theology and whetting their appetites for more in-depth theological reflection.

DRS106B Theology 2

This module provides a foundation for further theological research, constructing a framework for understanding the Scriptures as a whole, including the nature, method, and sources of theology; revelation and the inspiration of Scripture; biblical and systematic theology; and theological encyclopaedia.

DRS234 Preaching

This module introduces the art and science of expository preaching, fosters appreciation of its value as well as providing the essential tools to develop correct exegetical, hermeneutical and homiletical skills to preach in a contextually relevant manner.

DRS232 Christian Leadership

This module exposes students to the value of good leadership and administration in organisations and enables students to understand the essential elements of effective leadership in a variety of leadership styles as well as recognise potential leadership pitfalls.

DRS231 Counselling

This module provides students with a Bible-based philosophy of care and counselling, weaving together theoretical knowledge with practical application to a variety of real life situations.

DRS133 Church Life & Ministry

This module examines the place of pastors/elders and congregation members in terms of both communal identity and societal influence, exploring aspects of church life, leadership and impact upon the larger societal community.

DRS201 African Traditional Religion

This module explores the aspects of African traditional religious practices and considers contextual models that could be employed to root the Christian faith in Zimbabwe.

DI105T Christian History

DRS202 Further studies in Old Testament

This module will give students an opportunity to study one book (e.g. Daniel), a section of a book (e.g. Psalms of Ascent), or series of Old Testament books (e.g. Pentateuch) in more detail.

DRS214 Christianity in Africa

This module focuses on the development of Christianity in countries such as Congo, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the era of colonization i.e., imperialism and Christianity, the London Missionary Society emergence of African independent churches and Pentecostalism.

DRS215 Religion and Ethics

This module stresses the relationship between Religion and Ethics. Western approaches to Ethics such as Deontology and consequentialist theories will be explored.

DRS233 Innovation in Ministry

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the nature of enterprise and ministry and introduces the role of innovation and technology in pastoral life and ministry.

DRS213 Further studies in New Testament

This module will give students an opportunity to study one New Testament book (e.g. Romans), a section of a New Testament book (e.g. Sermon on the Mount), or series of New Testament books (e.g. Petrine Epistles) in more detail.

DRS206 World Religions

This module surveys the major world religions, explores their primary texts and enables students to critically assess their major teachings and practices from a biblical worldview.

CMCT1 Christian Ministry & Community Transformation

The two CMCT modules introduce the student to Church and Community Transformation (CCT) and the Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP) as a tool for Integral Mission with the objective of empowering people to use their own God given resources in a sustainable and holistic way, so that churches and communities may be transformed to the glory of God.

CMCT 1 is stage 1 in this process, with the aim of awakening students to the mission of the church in their communities and to identify ways in which this can be done practically, with the resources available in their community.

CMCT2 Christian Ministry & Community Transformation

This module builds on CMCT1 and involves a description of the church and the community it is part of. The objective of stage 2 is to enable students facilitate the church and community to “read into” the reality of their situation and desire to transform it.