Study for Personal Enrichment
St Barnabas College can offer limited Personal Enrichment Places (PEPs) in its entry level classes for those who want to learn more about their faith but don’t want to enrol in a degree.
PEPs are:
- About learning for its own sake – you will not be awarded any certification
- Low Cost – $100 per subject per semester
- Degree level but not assessed
- Not assessable for academic credit
Free positions
We offer PEPs in select classes to lay people for free. However, these positions are limited.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements – you don’t need to have matriculated and you don’t need any formal qualifications to attend subjects for personal enrichment. However, these are University level subjects and there is an expectation that you enjoy reading, analysing material and discussing your views.
Expectations
It is expected that, in order to maximise the benefit of the subject, those enrolling this way will attend each class at the required time, complete the required reading and participate in discussion. PEP students are required to observe the same college behavioural rules as full fee paying students.
Reading materials
No reading materials are provided, and it will be necessary to purchase the set text books. Furthermore, you will not be eligible for access to online CSU resources. Alternatively, students can borrow the set texts from the St Barnabas College Library, having borrowing privileges of up to four texts for 28 days. Likewise, one of the other local Theological Libraries (Adelaide Theological Library, Brooklyn Park or the Australian Lutheran College, North Adelaide) could provide the necessary resources, though you will need to pay additional fees and register as a community borrower.
Semester 2 PEP offerings:
THL106 Introduction to New Testament Studies
This subject introduces the various writings that comprise the New Testament. It does so with reference to their historical context and their literary and theological features. It also introduces critical methods of New Testament interpretation, including basic exegetical skills. Attention is given to long-standing interpretive issues, including the relations between the gospels, the historical value of Acts, authenticity and pseudonymity in Paul, and apocalyptic literature.
THL113 Being the Church
This subject examines the scriptural, theological and sacramental bases for the identity and mission of the church in the twenty-first century. The emergence of the ecumenical movement will be discussed, as will contemporary critiques of the church related to the history of colonialism, the abuse of power and the end of Christendom.
THL120 Practical Theology
This subject introduces students to the discipline of Practical Theology in which theory and practice are considered together across a range of areas of ministry, mission, worship and pastoral care. It examines its relationship to the biblical, systematic and historical subdisciplines in theology. Students will develop an understanding of what is distinctive about Practical Theology and the range of methodologies appropriate to it.
THL132 European Reformations
This subject begins with an overview of fifteenth-century Western Christianity and society, emphasising the impact of scholasticism, Christian humanism and novel nationalism. It then explores: the reformations in continental Europe and reform movements within Roman Catholicism; the radical reformations, inquisitions and the plight of religious minorities; English and Scottish reformations from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I; Puritan influence; and the Stuart, Commonwealth and Restoration settlements. Consistent attention is given to the reformations’ long-term legacies and the broader context of the early modern world, as well as socio-cultural issues such as gender and sexuality, death, witchcraft and moral discipline.
THL215 Jesus the Christ
This subject surveys the biblical sources and major historical developments of Christian thinking concerning the claim that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ of God. It introduces major classical, modern (twentieth-century) and contemporary developments in the theology of the person and work of Christ. Further contemporary themes are also examined, including Christology and religious pluralism, liberation Christologies and contextual Christologies.
To register for a PEP in any of the above classes, please fill out an enrolment form and send it to our academic administrator, Damian Szepessy, by email. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to call on 8305 9309.