Description: The Bachelor of Arts (Social & Religious Studies)is a full-time program. Students usually take units worth forty credit points a semester and take four years to complete the program.

Entry requirement: Minimum “C” grade average in final year 12 examinations.

Program structure

 

 

 

 

Requisites to complete the award: Students are required to gain 300 credit points to be eligible to graduate.

Brief unit descriptions by semester

Year One Semester One
RS131 Hebrew Scriptures 1 8cp
This unit examines the political, social and religious development of the people of Israel from the time of the patriarchs until the time of Jesus. It enables the students to form basic interpretations of the Pentateuch and the Historical Books. It introduces the students to recent scholarly approaches in biblical interpretation.

RS132 Religious Education 1 8cp
The emphasis in this subject is on planning and practice in religious education. Various approaches to teaching in a classroom are studied, and well-established pedagogical principles of classroom practice are taught. The nature and aims of religious education are examined, as well as areas such as the evaluation of lessons.

RS133 General Psychology 8cp
This unit broadens students’ ability to understand human behaviour. Two approaches are used: the developmental approach which explains behaviour on the basis of what has gone before, and the interactive approach, on the basis of what is presently happening in the matter of stimuli, bodily conditions and conflicting tendencies.

RS134 English Language and Literature 1 8cp
The main aim of this course is to improve the students’ written and spoken expression. English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary are studied along with essay writing. The novel, short story and poetry, from both PNG and the wider world, will provide material for a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature.

IS117 End-User Computing & Word Processing 8cp
This unit provides an introduction to the PC including its structure and place in the home or small office environment. It seeks to develop basic computer literacy and typing skills. Included is an understanding and facility with the use of a graphical user interface. Students are also provided with skills to use an Office suite of software, email, Internet and an intranet. Word Processing is an essential skill in the home and the small office and for student assignment writing. Students are given a comprehensive introduction to the basics of text formatting using word processing software.

Year One Semester Two
RS141 New Testament 1 8cp
This unit provides a background of historical, social and cultural information relating to the New Testament. A study of the formation of the Gospels leads to an examination of one of the synoptic Gospels. The birth of the early Church is treated in studying the Acts of the Apostles.

RS142 Religious Education 2 8cp
This unit continues Religious Education 1 through a study of methods for teaching specific aspects of religion, the organization of programs for a class or school, documents of the Church and leading religious education practitioners. A religious education practicum together with a critical review of the performance of students continues.

RS143 Counselling 8cp
The Counselling course is focused on the theory and practice of basic counselling. It involves the understanding and practice of many skills linked to relationships, helping others, stress, personal differences, support for those in need and referral of difficult cases. Self-understanding is a key part of the course.

RS144 English Language and Literature 2 8cp
This course continues RS134 English Language and Literature 1 in giving attention to vocabulary, punctuation and grammar. Students learn to use the appropriate format and language for documents required in office and community work. They study poetry, short stories and the novel. Oral expression is in the form of debate.

IS113 Spread Sheet Management 8cp
Electronic spreadsheets now replace hand-written financial record keeping and calculating in the small or home office environment. As well the typical ‘what-if’ analysis feature of spreadsheets facilitates decision-making. Skills in spreadsheets management are, therefore, essential for those entering the business world. With a commonly used software application this skills-based unit students are introduced to the fundamental principles and practical skills required to produce accurate calculations in worksheets with a professional appearance.

Year Two Semester One
RS232 Church History 1 8cp
This unit involves a study of the history of the Church as it developed from movement to institution in the early centuries after Christ to the tumultuous times of the Reformation. The many challenges faced by the Church and its successes and failures in responding are discussed.

RS 234 Christian Ethics 8cp
Ethics is a systematic, critical study concerned with the evaluation of human conduct from a Christian perspective to help make decisions about the future. It is concerned about what is right, fair, just or good; about what we ought to do, rather than what is most acceptable or expedient.

RS235 Welfare Issues 8cp
This unit helps students to broaden their knowledge of welfare issues in society, ways of assisting people to cope, and information about services in local communities that deal with these problems. This will lead to an understanding of government regulations and the involvement of government and Church in these areas.

RS236 Statistics and Algebra 8cp
This unit familiarizes and equips students with major statistical and algebraic concepts, techniques and skills in teaching secondary school mathematics. Learners familiarize themselves with the interrelatedness of statistical and algebraic ideas for the purpose of solving everyday mathematical problems. Students relate and integrate statistical knowledge in their unit specializations.

PG208 Contemporary Themes in Literature 8cp
In continuing their development of a critical approach to literature students undertake extensive reading of classical and contemporary social issues. The major theme of study in both classical and PNG literature is injustice in view of transitional periods in the development of a society. The Classical literature focus will be on inequality and injustice during the industrial revolution in Europe, while gender issues, ethnicity, political life, corruption and nepotism, prejudice, growing up, aging and nation building will be studied in PNG literature.

Year Two Semester Two
RS242 Church History 2 8cp
The history of the Christian Church from the post-Reformation period to the present day is explored. Efforts of the Church to cope with rapid social change at a time of declining faith will be analysed. Special emphasis is placed on Christian missionary endeavour in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

RS244 Social and Ethical Issues 8cp
This study examines the various contemporary social and ethical issues like abortion, domestic violence, rape, squatter settlements and evictions. By eliciting Christian insights into the social and ethical questions of the day, the unit will better equip students to contribute to the common good in whatever profession they choose.

RS245 Youth Social Work 8cp
This unit explores the stages of development that youth go through and the varied cultures they experience. Their needs are examined. Studies of the means of engaging with youth have theoretical and practical dimensions, the latter through carrying out a program for several days at an off-campus venue.

CA125 PNG History 8cp
In this unit students examine and discuss the achievements of their ancestors, the colonial experience and most recent developments of the post-independence period. The unit puts emphasis on the experience of being colonised. Students explore the ways in which villagers who became ‘Papuans’ and ‘New Guineans’ responded to the ideas, images and institutions imported by the colonisers. Students are encouraged to appreciate the cultural and historical context through which PNG became a Sovereign Nation State.

IS105 Desktop Publishing 8cp
Desktop Publishing develops student competency in most of the major features provided by publishing applications, including advanced graphical features of word processing applications. Desktop Publishing Software allows students to take advantage of the skills they have developed with other Office applications, with which data and tools can be shared. With a publisher, professional quality business forms, newsletters, letterhead, brochures, invitations, posters and Web pages are designed. The level of skill attained should enable graduates to perform tasks required in a small office environment, such as designing a line of marketing materials, developing advertising promotions, or developing flyers and other published documents for a community organization.

Year Three Semester One
RS311 Gospel and Letters of John 10cp
The study of the Johannine literature reveals a distinctive portrait of Jesus. Themes of the Gospel emerge and the unique characteristics of the Gospel are identified. References to the Synoptic Gospels indicate differences and similarities. The three Letters of John are examined for their message and their particular characteristics.

RS314 Church & Sacramental Life 10cp
This unit examines the nature of the Church and its mission in the world. The redemptive work of Christ is shown to continue through the activity of the Church, especially through the sacraments. Emphasis is placed on sacraments that are common to most Christian Churches, such as Baptism and Eucharist.

RS316 Physical and Human Geography 1 10cp
The emphasis in this unit is on physical geography in studying aspects of the earth’s dynamic systems and the ways in which humans interact with them. The approach considers local, national and global interests when appropriate. The reading and interpretation of topographic maps forms an important part of the study.

PG303 Development and Practice 10cp
Students consider community development strategies in practice. They explore how community development can address macro and micro problems in society using case studies relevant to PNG. Emphasis is on how community development skills can be developed in ways that facilitate the empowerment of communities to take control and responsibility for their own development. Students develop skills in strategy development, funding proposal submissions, needs analysis and conflict management. Students critically reflect upon the application and outcomes of community development as they enter into an agreement with a community-based group to design, initiate or implement a project.

Year Three Semester Two
RS321 Christology 10cp
An exploration of the question ‘Who is Jesus Christ?’ through a comparison of the four Gospels highlights many facets of Jesus’ humanity and divinity. An exploration of the understanding of Jesus as expressed in the creeds, and a study of the contribution of contemporary theologians enhances the picture of Jesus.

RS322 Marriage and Family Issues 10cp
Means of promoting healthy pre-marital and marital relationships are discussed. Practical ways of assisting people with marriage and family problems are suggested and work carried out by welfare offices in this field will be investigated. Attention is drawn to agencies and their work in assisting people to live harmoniously.

RS326 Physical and Human Geography 2 10cp
The involvement of humans in the development and exploitation of renewable and non-renewable resources, especially for secondary industry, is studied. Particular reference is made to Papua New Guinea in the course of this study. A knowledge of maps and geographic features of other countries will be given attention.

PG309 Social Policies of Community Development 10cp
This unit highlights how community development needs to be guided and strengthened by relevant and appropriate social policies. A policies’ framework provides an avenue to pursue meaningful development. This unit examines some social development policies in areas such as health, education, law and order women’s issues, welfare and population, and demonstrates how these are related and relevant to social and community development.

Year Four Semester One
RS414 Letters of Paul 10cp
Selected passages of Paul’s letters reveal what it means to be a Christian as Paul responds to problems faced by the early Christian communities. Students study the relevance of these writings to our own times as the Church faces questions concerning its identity and the meaning of Christian life today.

RS416 Supervised Research Project 10cp
This unit focuses on the preparation of an individual research proposal. To this end students develop the necessary writing skills and the research instruments for the approach they will choose for their major project. The proposal will lead to the major research project to be carried out in semester 2.

RS422 Pastoral Care of the Sick and Terminally Ill 10cp
Students deepen their understanding of pastoral care and develop skills in assisting the sick, the dying, and those who are grieving. The role of the Church, particularly in providing sacramental assistance to the sick, is considered. The Christian view of suffering and death is compared to views held by other religions.

RS425 Modern World History 10cp
Students study important political, social and economic developments that occurred in the twentieth century, more especially those developments that concerned Europe, America, Australia and the Middle East. The study reveals the evil of which humans are capable but, also, the nobility of aspirations and efforts to improve life for humanity.

Year Four Semester Two
RS415 Western English Literature 10cp
Students are introduced to a variety of literature from outstanding novelists, dramatists and poets with a Western approach to life. They enhance their understanding of literary characteristics and learn to evaluate and appreciate the different forms of literature according to the criteria normally used in judging literary genre.

RS421 Major Research Project 10cp
Working from their approved proposal of RS416, students apply their knowledge of research skills to produce a work between 5,000 and 8,000 words in length. Students present a plan of action and meet regularly with a supervisor. Students are encouraged to present research findings in creative ways (dramatic, artistic).

RS424 Prophecy and Poetry 10cp
The unit provides for a study of the nature, contribution and theology of the prophetic movement in Israel. The relevance of prophetic concerns to the situation in the world today is emphasized. The themes, characteristics and value to Christians of Hebrew poetry are drawn from a study of selected works.

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