Course Descriptions
Theology, Mission and Ministry | Education | Counselling
The following courses are listed in alphabetical order and are a representative list of courses offered. A full list of courses is available in the Laidlaw College Academic Calendar.
Theology, Mission and Ministry
101.515 Biblical Hebrew: Introduction
An introduction to the study of the grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew, and its application in translation and exegesis.
102.615 Biblical Hebrew: Intermediate
A continuation of grammar and vocabulary of Biblical Hebrew Introduction, and its application in translation and exegesis.
104.515 New Testament Greek: Introduction
An introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis.
105.615 New Testament Greek: Intermediate
This course is a continuation of 104.515, a study of the grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek, and its application in translation and exegesis.
111.615 Biblical Interpretation
Building a method for understanding, exegeting and interpreting Scripture so that it can be applied accurately in life and ministry today.
There are many ways to practice theology. Biblical Theology is an approach that seeks to work closely with the contents and forms of the biblical texts in their relationship with one another. This course explores the unity, diversity and central themes of God’s written word, the Bible. In doing so, it introduces students to critical discussion concerning the relationship of theology to the Bible. It also looks at the relationship between Biblical Theology and other theological methods such as Systematic Theology. Finally, it assists students to begin making sense of the relationship between the Bible, theology and all the stuff of life.
120.515 Old Testament: Introduction
A survey (overview) of the Old Testament.
122.615/715 Old Testament: Pentateuch
The theology of the Pentateuch with special reference to the book of Deuteronomy. Either
a) the exegesis of selected chapters from the English text of Genesis 1–11 or
b) the translation and exegesis of the Hebrew text of chapters from Genesis 1–11.
123.715 Old Testament: Eighth Century Prophets
The nature of Old Testament prophecy and the language of prophecy. The eighth century prophets with special reference to the book of Amos. Either exegesis of the English text of Amos, or translation and exegesis of the Hebrew text of Amos 2–5, 7.
140.515 New Testament: Introduction
An introduction to the historical background of the New Testament, and a study of the main features of the life and ministry of Jesus, the beginnings of the expansion of the church in the apostolic age, and the major issues confronted in, and the main teaching of, a selection of the New Testament epistles.
142.615/715 New Testament: Luke
Detailed study of the text of Luke’s Gospel; theology and critical issues of Luke’s Gospel. Exegesis of selected English texts, or translation and exegesis of selected texts in Greek.
143.615/715 New Testament: John
An introduction to modern study of the Fourth Gospel, including key critical issues and approaches, as well as important literary and theological themes in the Gospel. Exegesis of selected English texts, or translation and exegesis of selected texts in Greek.
148.615/715 New Testament: 1 Corinthians
An examination of the life setting, contents and theological perspectives of 1 Corinthians, together with a consideration of selected themes in Pauline theology. Exegesis of selected English texts, or translation and exegesis of selected texts in Greek.
201.515 Theology: Introduction
An introduction to theology that answers the question: What do Christians believe and why? The course examines the sources of theological authority; theological method based on those sources; the content of Christian belief; and how theology relates to individual, communal and global life.
202.615/715 Theology: Christ and Revelation
A Biblical, theological and historical survey of the person of Christ. A survey of the major models and motifs of the atonement. Further discussion of the theologies of revelation, Scripture, canon and hermeneutics.
203.615/715 Theology: God and Creation
The existence and nature of the triune God; biblical overview of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit; God in creation and providence; the problem of evil; humans made in the image of God; the nature and origins of sin; dialogue with contemporary and scientific reflections on creation and humanity; angels and powers and principalities.
204.615/715 Theology: Salvation in History and Beyond
Salvation in history: Biblical overview of the doctrines of grace, justification, sanctification, regeneration, and conversion; Salvation at the fulfilment of history: Biblical and historical models of eschatology; contemporary currents in eschatology.
210.615/715 Faith Has Its Reasons: Christian Apologetics Today
Christian apologetics is the constructive defence of the Christian faith, especially in the face of doubt and unbelief. This course looks at such issues as: the appeals to reason, evidence, experience, revelation and faith in apologetics; the role of ‘points of contact’; popular excuses for avoiding or rejecting Christianity; the existence of God; the problems of evil and suffering; alternatives to the Christian faith in a pluralist world; the relationship of the faith to the wider spheres of human knowledge – especially history, the social sciences and scientific method; the debates over creation and evolution; the central roles of Christ and Christian Scripture. The course aims both at answering objections and also at building bridges for the Gospel of Christ.
270.615/715 Worldviews and Ways of Life
This course explores worldviews – the assumptions and beliefs, stories and symbols, visions and dreams – that have shaped cultural trends and societal developments in present day Aotearoa New Zealand and global contexts. In an introductory manner, it also looks at the relationship between networks of worldview beliefs and significant philosophical theories that have impacted the world in which we live. Finally, the course addresses important issues paced by students as they embrace ways of life by which they will explore, incarnate and communicate truth, goodness and beauty in contemporary contexts.
301.515 History of Christianity: Early Church to Reformation
A survey of the major developments in the history of Christianity from the early church through to the early phases of the reformation.
302.615/715 History of Christianity: Reformation to Current Times
Selected topics in the history of Christianity, from the later part of the reformation through to the twenty first century.
John Calvin wrote that the true knowledge of God and of ourselves are mutually connected. This course aims to help students deepen both kinds of knowledge, through engagement with Scripture, with others, and with the challenges of contemporary life and vocation.
403.615/715 Spirituality for Ministry
This course builds on the topics and spiritual disciplines introduced in 401 Formation. The focus is on developing approaches to life and ministry which will help to maintain balance, sustainability and growth in ourselves and others. The term “ministry” here has the broad sense of using our gifts and our time for God’s service, whatever our context.
This course spans how we know (epistemology), how we interpret (hermeneutics), how we think from the Gospel (theological method), and how ideas shape society (public discourse). The aim is to throw useful light on how people actually make sense of themselves, ideas, events and things – both when we think about thinking and when we don’t – and to suggest how we might engage and influence in the marketplace of ideas.
513.615 Pastoral Care in Life’s Crises
Pastoral approaches to significant life crises, including experiences of loss, death and dying, getting married, divorce, alcoholism, mild depression, past hurts. Developmental issues.
549.615 Relational/Incarnational Youth Ministry
An introduction to the common youth ministry practice of relational or incarnational ministry and the historical, sociological, and theological presumptions that brought this practice to the forefront of ministry with adolescents. The course looks at both the problematic foundations that support this practice and redirects students to imagine the practice within a deeper theological perspective that is more affirming of the theology of the Incarnation and the humanity of young people in our postmodern world. By both destructing and then reconstructing the practice the course desires to provide students with a truly relational relational youth ministry that he or she can use in his or her ministry context.
605.615/715 Biblical and Contemporary Theology of Mission
This course considers what is a biblical theology of mission and examines the application of the bible to contemporary issues in mission. It also provides an overview of how these issues developed and were debated through some of the major mission conferences in the twentieth century. It provides an opportunity to integrate biblical, theological and other studies for mission in today’s world.
607.615/715 Christianity and World Religions
An introduction to the Christian study of World Religions, theology of religions and issues relating to pluralism, community relationships, dialogue and evangelism. An introduction to primal religions, Islam, Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as alternative or neo-pagan spiritualities in Western contexts. The course balances sympathetic appreciation, understanding and sensitivity with positive evangelistic commitment.
612.615/715 Majority World Theology
This course offers an introductory look at ‘local’ theologies. It considers how cultures bring differences of emphasis and insight into their leading of Scripture and ways in which evaluation is still required and possible as the Gospel is related to the worldviews of particular contexts.
Education
There are many ways to practice theology, that is, to deliberately formulate thoughts and words about God. Biblical Theology is an approach that seeks to work closely with the contents and forms of the biblical texts in their relationship with one another. This course is an introduction to Biblical Theology. It explores the unity, diversity and central themes of God’s written word, the Bible. In doing so, it introduces students to critical discussion concerning the relationship of theology to the Bible. It also looks at the relationship between Biblical Theology and other theological methods such as Systematic Theology. Finally, it assists students to begin making sense of the relationship between the Bible, theology and all the stuff of life.
270.715 Worldviews and Ways of Life
This course explores worldviews – the assumptions and beliefs, stories and symbols, visions and dreams – that have shaped cultural trends and societal developments in present day Aotearoa New Zealand and global contexts. In an introductory manner,
it also looks at the relationship between networks of worldview beliefs and signifi cant philosophical theories that have impacted the world in which we live. Finally, the course addresses important issues faced by students as they embrace ways of life by which they will explore, incarnate and communicate truth, goodness and beauty in contemporary contexts.
John Calvin wrote that the true knowledge of God and of ourselves are mutually connected. This course aims to help students deepen both kinds of knowledge, through engagement with Scripture, with others, and with the challenges of contemporary life and vocation.
503.615/715 Ways of KnowingThis course spans how we know (epistemology), how we interpret (hermeneutics), how we think from the Gospel (theological method), and how ideas shape society (public discourse). The aim is to throw useful light on how people actually make sense of themselves, ideas, events and things – both when we think about thinking and when we don’t – and to suggest how we might engage and influence in the marketplace of ideas.
810.515 Curriculum History; Reflective Practice
Part (a) Introduction to the New Zealand curriculum – this unit is designed to give students
understanding of The New Zealand curriculum (2007), all current curriculum documents, as well as an overview of the New Zealand education system, its structures and history.
Part (b) The Reflective Practitioner – this unit is designed to give students the skills needed for academic reading, writing and reflection. There are important links to professional placement and mentoring.
812.515 Understanding Mathematics; Assessment & Evaluation
Understanding Mathematics – the goal of this unit is to ensure that students develop their personal mathematical skills and knowledge through an appreciation of the wonders of the subject. They will achieve this through interactive workshops, personal research and
reading, along with an introductory study of mathematics curriculum documents. They will investigate ways to transfer to children a love of learning, especially mathematics.
Assessment and Evaluation – during this unit student teachers make an in-depth study of the important role of assessment and evaluation in effective teaching and learning.
814.515 Pedagogy and Practice 1
The goal of this unit is to introduce students to the complexities of classroom teaching. They begin the transition from student to teacher by being actively involved in all
aspects of classroom life. Observation skills relating to the demographic characteristics of the learning environment are embedded in this unit. Limited teaching practice is undertaken under the guidance of the Associate Teacher. Reflections are recorded and discussed.
820.615 Curriculum Development and Design
Part (a) Curriculum Development and Design – the goal of this unit is to understand the developmental, philosophical, analytical, creative and technical components of curriculum in ways that will equip student teachers to serve the learner in the pre-secondary classroom. It introduces students to the nature, characteristics and component parts of curriculum as these would apply to the task of teaching and learning in the classroom.
Part (b) Teaching and Learning Studies 2 – this unit builds on the theoretical foundations laid in Year Causing Learning practicum, and seeks to strengthen the relationship
between theory and practice.
823.615 Teaching English; Te Aho Reo
Part (a) Teaching English – this unit introduces students to English curriculum documents, investigating the integration of all strands (oral, written, visual language including handwriting and spelling) and considering current issues of literacy in New Zealand.
Part (b) Te Aho Reo – in order to be effective teachers in a diverse school community in New Zealand, it is important that students are able to communicate across cultural
perspectives and be effective. This unit aims at working towards that goal by way of teaching basic knowledge of te reo Maˉ ori and the development of tikanga Maˉ ori across
the curriculum.
824.615 Developmental Psychology and Educational Theory
Developmental Psychology and Educational Theory – this unit is designed to give students an understanding of a wide range of theories of human development, and their application to the educational needs of young children in pre-secondary classrooms.
825.615 Pedagogy and Practice 2; School for the Day
Part (a) Pedagogy and Practice 2 – the goal of this unit is to ensure that students develop a deeper appreciation of children’s learning by undertaking a micro-teaching experience with a small group of children. They will achieve this through integrating broad theories of
learning, assessment and evaluation into their teaching programme, demonstrating a commitment to a Biblical perspective.
Part (b) School for the Day – this unit is designed to allow student teachers the opportunity to undertake team teaching duties in special events.
831.715 Teaching Physical Education and Health
Students will be encouraged to develop understanding of the broad principles and key concepts which underpin the notion of well-being. Such understanding will then be applied to the learning areas outlined in appropriate curriculum documents.
833.715 Teaching Social Studies
This unit introduces students to the teaching of social studies and to appropriate curriculum documents. Students will critique the impact of different philosophical perspectives on human society. Essential skills will be developed and practiced through the learning of social studies processes. Students will approach this study from a biblical worldview perspective.
836.720 Teacher as Educational Leader
This unit is designed for the student teacher to experience sole charge of a class over an extended period. During this time the student teacher will experience the full range of
responsibilities undertaken by a classroom teacher in a New Zealand school. S/he will be fully accountable to the school and the particular Associate Teacher at all times.
Counselling
NB: Mode 1 = Weekly lectures; Mode 2 = Block Course; Mode 3 = Block & Group Process; Mode 4 = Block & Practicum Placement
900.515 Foundations of Relational Practice (A) Mode 3
The conviction that people are best understood as “persons-inrelationship” has implications for the therapeutic approach adopted by the counsellor. This course is the first of six that form a core counselling practice development stream through the Bachelor of Counselling. The course combines theological and theoretical reflection with skill development and group-process workshops. It begins to develop a set of core person-centred practices aimed at I-Thou engagement that emphasise the restoration of self-awareness and the enriching of dialogical relationships.
901.515 Foundations of Relational Practice (B) Mode 3
This second course in the core counselling practice development stream enriches the student’s understanding of “person-inrelationship”, by combining theological and theoretical reflection, with deepening person-centred and associated skill development and group process workshop. It enriches the student’s ability to consider such issues as anxiety and depression.
902.615 Relational Theories and Practice (A) Mode 3
Key to a relational approach to counselling is the therapeutic relationship, or encounter, during which counsellor and client create a relational canvas upon which the change and growth can be sketched and explored. This third course in the core counselling practice development stream expands the student’s understanding of this encounter, and introduces narrative therapy as a means of assisting people to engage the social dimension of their lives. It explores the place of “story” in personal meaning-making, and advances skill development in a classroom and the group process workshop.
903.615 Relational Theories and Practice (B) Mode 3
People are formed through their relational encounters and the social discourses that guide these. Persons-inrelationship are also “storied” people – stories give shape and meaning to their worlds and experiences. The fourth course in the core counselling practice development stream develops students’ knowledge of personhood and practice skills within a narrative therapeutic framework.
904.715 Integrated Practice (A) Mode 3
Relational breakdown and dysfunction has psychological, social and theological foundations. The fifth course in the core counselling practice development stream develops the skills to identify where and how relationality has been damaged and where people have intentionally, or unintentionally, developed ways of relating that are damaging to themselves and others. It combines practice, theoretical, and theological reflection with group-based learning, and enriches the student’s ability to practice counselling in a personally and theoretically integrated way.
905.715 Integrated Practice (B) Mode 3
The hope of the therapeutic relationship is the restoration of people’s understanding of themselves as persons-in-relationship, and their freedom to love and trust in ways that are creative, adventurous, embracing, life-giving and expansive. The sixth course in the core counselling practice development stream helps students construct a meta-theory of integration that allows them to plumb key psychological and theological insights, personal experience and style, and practices drawn from a range of modalities. It combines practice with theoretical and theological refl ection within a group process setting.
906.515 Personhood, Relationality and Faith Mode 2
This foundational course introduces counselling as a therapeutic relational engagement that fi nds its context, and its goal, in knowledge of God and humanity drawn from the story of Christ. From this critical standpoint it engages with a broad range of counselling theories and models of practice.
907.515 Counselling and Biculturalism Mode 2The therapeutic relationship views people of all cultures as persons-in-relationship who draw their own self-knowledge from their engagement with other peoples and the world. In the Aotearoa New Zealand context this means an honouring of the covenantal spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi and an awareness of its relational intent. This course introduces Tikanga Maori on the basis of understanding people in their relational contexts, and combines theological, theoretical and historical refl ection with the development of practices drawn from an integration of these. Students willalso be expected to attend the Marae visit, usually held in August each year.
908.615 Counselling and Diversity Mode 2
Understanding ourselves as “persons-in-relationship” requires us to view others as constituted by the interrelationships to which they contribute and by which they are formed. This course explores the impact of persons from different cultures, ethnic and social groupings coming together, and the implications of these dynamics on people and their relationships, including the therapeutic encounter. It combines theological and theoretical reflection with a study of historical developments in New Zealand society, and an engagement with contemporary social issues that impact our sense of identity.
909.515 Human Development Mode 2
Relationality is an ontological axiom – people do not just do relationships, they are relational. Human development understood in this context explores how personsin-relationship are formed in their various relational contexts, and also explores the goal of human relationships, and the place of faith and hope in the human story. This course examines Erikson’s eight life stages, and introduction to other key theorists, and provides an introduction and examination of key integrative aspects of human development and counselling.
910.615 Relational Psychology Mode 2
As persons-in-relationship people not only find their ultimate joy in relationships but also their deepest insecurities and brokenness. As relational beings people are vulnerable to relational hurts. This course proposes a theoretical and theological framework that views brokenness in relationality as an important contributing factor to disorder. It introduces a working knowledge of the DSM-IV and explores its use and the effects of diagnostic labels that may foreclose on the possibility for change in relationships.
911.615 Relationships and Family Mode 2
Families, understood as unique and culturally-representative relational systems, provide a primary context for the formation of persons-inrelationship. This course combines theoretical and theological reflection in order to explore these family dynamics and develop strategies for therapeutically engaging with people within the context of their family relationships.
912.715 Research Methods in Counselling Mode 2
Counselling is a relatively new profession and thoughtful practitioners are equipped to contribute to ongoing conversations about what constitutes best practice. This course involves the planning and preparation of a literature-based research project for the purpose of focused and intentional professional development. It also prepares students for post-graduate research by familiarising them with fields of potential research, guided reading strategies, and exposure to a range of relevant research methodologies.
920.515 God’s Triunity and Human Relationality Mode 1
Trinitarian theology posits God as rlational – and relationally complete – in being. The divine relationality is viewed as a mutual indwelling – a perichoresis – in which personhood is defined as three “persons” participating inter-relationally as one. So, God creates in order to include creation within the (participatory) relationality of the divine life, and reconciles because humanity and creation generally, has become fundamentally non-participatory. This course is a foundational theology component of the Bachelor of Counselling. By dialoguing with both theological and anthropological methodologies, it explores how a trinitarian view of God informs our view of what it is to be human, and demonstrates how the reconciling act of God in Jesus radically shapes our understanding of relationality.
921.715 Theology of Suffering & Hope Mode 1
This course explores questions about human suffering and the God who engages with humans at the level of their despair. It engages with how the scriptures acknowledge human suffering, and looks at hope from a biblical/theological/anthropological/ relational perspective.
930.615 Professional Practice (A) Mode 4
A well-integrated understanding of ethical counselling practice and the ability to reflect robustly on this is fundamental to offering clients the safety to encounter self and others. This course introduces professional practice and requires students to reflective on 30 hours of counselling practice in a practicum placement.
931.615 Professional Practice (B) Mode 4
Key to a relational approach to counselling is the therapeutic relationship, or encounter. The counsellor must develop the ability to critically refl ect on their contribution to this therapeutic relationship. This course advances professional practice and requires students to reflect on 50 hours of counselling practice, and 8 hours of clinical supervision, in a practicum placement.
Central to a relational approach to counselling is the therapeutic relationship. It is in the context of this relationship, and on the basis of the trust that has developed, that the counsellor is able to invite the client to an awareness of themselves and others as relationally-constituted and impacted persons. This course requires students to experience 100 hours of practicum placement (plus preparation, reading and reporting), in order to integrate theoretical, theological and personal reflections, as well as development of skills and process.
The counselling process is an opportunity for the counsellor and client, in a therapeutic relational encounter, to identify where disordered relationality has resulted in life-restricting behaviours. It is also an opportunity to identify where relationality has been linked to joy and hope, and how these might be restored and enhanced. This course requires students to experience further 100 hours of practicum placement (plus preparation and reporting), and to critically reflect in their integration of theoretical and theological learning, as well as their development of skills and practical approaches.
