DEPARTMENT FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGIONS AT UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

DEPARTMENT FOR THE STUDY OF RELIGIONS AT UNIVERSITY OF GHANA

SREL 112: Introduction to Christianity
The origins and development of Christianity; its early spread; differences among the various forms
of Christianity: Orthodox, Roman Catholic; Protestantism; Pentecostalism; Key doctrines and
Traditions; Christianity in Africa; Christianity in Ghana. Ecumenical bodies – the World Council
of Churches, the All African Conference of Churches, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Ghana
Bishops’ Conference and the Ghana Pentecostal Council, among others.
SREL 211: Introduction to the Study of Religions
Methods of studying Religions, especially the scientific/phenomenological approach. Theories of
Religion, e.g., Definitions and Origins of Religion, Dimensions and characteristics of Religion,
e.g., Religious experience and its expressions. Social dimensions of Religion with special
emphasis on the African/Ghanaian situations. The study shall reflect the pluralistic nature of
Religion.
SREL 213: Introduction to Philosophy of Religion
The nature of religious and philosophical thinking. The nature, concerns and methodology of
Philosophy of Religion. Aspects of religious faith and practice that provoke philosophical
questions, e.g., arguments for and against the existence of God; life after death; miracles; prayer
and providence; the problem of evil; meaning and problem of religious language; analogy.
Verification. Reason, Faith and Revelation. Humanism. Religious pluralism and truth.
SREL 214: Introduction to Ethical Theories and Religious Ethical Systems
Definition of various terms; e.g., Ethics and Morality; Moral/Non-moral; Moral/Amoral; Moral/
Immoral. Examination of a variety of ethical theories; e.g., Utilitarianism; Stoicism; Kantianism;
Situation Ethics. Main features of Christian Ethics, African Traditional Ethics, and Islamic Ethics.
Examination of some specific ethical and moral teachings related to such things as sexuality,
wealth and stewardship.
SREL 21 6: Introduction to Theological Studies
Definitions, meaning and nature of theology from Christianity, Islam and African Indigenous
Religions (AIR) perspectives; Methodological issues – basic theological orientation; exegesis and
interpretation, academic and popular approaches; importance of context in theologizing; some key
theological elements in AIR, Christianity and Islam. Some contemporary theological issues in
relation to culture, religion, ecology, health and development.
SREL 302: Pentecostalism in Ghana
The socio-religious setting of Ghanaian Pentecostalism. The History of Pentecostalism;
Spirituality, Theology and Practices of Pentecostalism. Pentecostalism and Ghanaian social life.
SREL 368: Magic and Witchcraft
Definition of terms. Witchcraft and magic in the Bible. Witch hunting; witch meetings.
Cannibalism and the Black Mass. Witches and devils. Confessions. Interpretations of European
Witchcraft and magic. Modern African witchcraft and magic. Activities of African witches;
confessions of African witches; African witch hunting; witch doctors; the social setting of
witchcraft and magic. The future of witchcraft and magic.
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SREL 306: Introduction to Pauline Literature
The issue of Pauline authorship of the writings attributed to St. Paul, their dating, place of writing,
background, addressees, purpose and how these writings fit into the life of Paul. The contents,
concerns and main theological themes of these writings.
SREL 312: Oriental Religions
The course surveys Eastern/Oriental religions in their diversities; it explores the history of their
origins and growth; their fundamental teachings and the variety of forms they assume as they
travel beyond their original homes; a focus on Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Taoism,
Confucianism and Shinto; their modern manifestations around the world, especially, their presence
in Ghana.
SREL 313: Qur’anic Studies
Jahiliyya Arabia, a study of literary work in the Jahiliyya period, concept of revelation, divine
origins of the Qur’an, development of the Qur’an(revelation, preservation, compilation and
standardization). Composition of the Qur’an, (i.e. Makkan, Madinan, Hizb, Juz, Manzil), Tafsir or
Exegesis and types, a study of selected Suwar of the Qur’an, relevance of the Qur’an to Muslims,
the Qur’an and Orientalists.
SREL 314: Hadith Studies
Definition, origin and structure of Hadith with reference to Sunnah, Isnad and Matn.
Transmission, Preservation, Collection and Classification of Hadith. Six authentic collections of
Hadith. Muwatta, Musanad of Ahmad b. Hanbal and al-Nawawi collections. A study of selected
Ahadith from al-Nawawi including Nos. 1, 2, and 3. The religious, cultural and social significance
of Hadith
SREL 315: African Indigenous Religions
Critical study of existing sources. Methods and approaches to studying African Indigenous
Religions. Reflections on some themes on the structure and characteristics of African Indigenous
Religions with emphasis on their relevance for society. Rituals. Reflections on some basic issues
in relation to beliefs in African Indigenous Religions, e.g., Life, the hereafter, humanity in
relation to nature/ ecology. Concepts of community, ethics and destiny. Cult personnel. Current
trends.
SREL 324: New Testament Texts in Greek
This is an advanced New Testament Greek course. It aims at helping students gain proficiency
through the reading and translation of selected books or passages from the New Testament.
Attention will be paid to exegetical and theological in the selected texts.
SREL 331: New Testament Greek I
The course introduces students to the fundamentals of New Testament Greek. It will cover: Greek
orthography-alphabet, accents, transliteration; the structure of a sentence – the parts of speech,
clauses, phrases; the Greek verbal system and morphology – active, Middle and passive voices
and the different moods(indicate, imperative, subjective, particple, infinitive). Nouns and
adjectives 1st and 2nd declensions. The 1st declension, predicative/attributive use of words in a
sentence; pronouns – personal, demonstrative, reflexive; prepositions and compound verbs.
SREL 332: New Testament Greek II (Pre-requisite: SREL 331)
This is a continuation of Greek 1. Students will be introduced to more complex syntactic and
grammatical issues. This course will deal with the following: 3rd declension nouns; indefinite and
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interrogative pronouns; contract and «mi» verbs; comparative and superlative adverbs and
adjectives and genitive absolute.
SREL 333: Islamic Ethics
General introduction to ethics. Characteristics of Muslim Ethics and morality. Selected moral
philosophers, e.g., Imam Ghazzali. Inner and external actions. Moral education and enforcement
of morals. Ethical and moral teachings, contemporary issues e.g., human rights, abortion,
HIV/AIDS, usury, teenage pregnancy.
SREL 339: Old Testament Introduction
The History of the formation of the Old Testament Canon.
Basic literary features/problems associated with the three divisions of the TANAK (Torah,
Neviim, Kethuviim). Questions of Jewish, Christian (Catholic and Protestant) positions about the
Old Testament Canon and how they affect the interpretation of the OT Scripture (e.g. the
Septuagint, Apocrypha, Deutero-canon etc).
SREL 346: Islam in Ghana
The origins and development of Islam in Ghana. The origins, nature and characteristics of Islam in
the Volta Basin. Islam in the North, Asante and on the coast of Ghana. Islam and national politics;
Islamic literacy tradition; Islamic organizations; Islamic leadership; inter-religious relations;
Zongo and national development; etc.
SREL 349: Psychology of Religion
Psychological understanding of religious experience. Religion as pathological and as therapeutic.
Conversion. Religion and stress. Religion and personal values. The religious individual and
society. Religious experience in the Ghanaian context.
SREL 354: New Testament Interpretation (Pre-req.: SREL 377)
A study of the historical background, the context and purpose of selected New Testament books.
An exegetical study of the selected book that makes use of modern hermeneutical methods,
including linguistic analysis, textual criticism and other historical-critical methods.
SREL 358: The Reformation
The background to the Reformation. The causes of the Reformation. Erasmus and Martin Luther.
Martin Luther and the Holy Roman See. The Formation of Lutheran Churches. The Roman
Catholic Reformation (The Counter-Reformation). The Reformation and the emergence of
Missionary Societies
SREL 362: Religion and Leadership
Examination of various forms of traditional leadership forms (e.g., Chieftaincy, Priesthhood,
Asafo Leadership, Female chiefs and leaders, new forms of traditional Leadership such as the
“chiefs of Development”, etc). The impact of social change and modernity on these forms of
leadership. The impact of Islam and Christianity on traditional forms of leadership. The impact of
the religious aspects of traditional leadership on modern types of leadership in Ghana. The
responses of traditional leadership forms to the challenges of modernity and non-indigenous
religions like Islam and Christianity; adaptations and the future of traditional leadership.
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SREL 365: Religion and the Renaissance
The rise of the Renaissance. Renaissance and Reformation. The rise of rationalism and Religion.
The influence of Liberal Protestantism. The Renaissance and the 19th Century Missions in Ghana.
The Renaissance and Religions in Ghana: effects and impact. The future of Religion in Ghana.
SREL 367: Christianity in the Middle Ages
The Growth of Christianity 700 to 1300. Christianity and Islam. The Papacy. The Religious
Orders. Dissent and Pentecostalism in the Middle Ages. Magic and Witchcraft: European and
Ghanaian. Religion and the Decline of Magic. The Rise and fall of scholasticism. Late Medieval
Missions and Ghana.
SREL 372: Methodological Issues in African Indigenous Religions
Issues of research methodology in African Indigenous Religions. Critical examination of some
theoretical and methodological approaches e.g. phenomenological, comparative, sociological,
anthropological, linguistic, meta-narrative etc. Engagement with current issues: Insider/Outsider
debate, self-reflexivity and research sensitivity.
SREL 373: Historical Studies of Africa Indigenous Religions
Historical development of African Indigenous Religions (A.I.R.) as an academic subject,
definitions and problems. Attitudes and stereotypes that affect the research and study of AIR.
Historical encounter between African Indigenous Religions and Islam, Christianity etc. Current
developments in the study area.
SREL 374: New Testament Introduction
The history of the formation of the New Testament canon. Outstanding literary problems found in
the Gospels (e.g., Synoptic Problem, Proto-Luke hypothesis). Questions of authorship, date, place
and purpose of writing, etc, of the New Testament books.
SREL375: Arabic I (Unavailable to students of Arabic)
Elementary Grammar. Selected short passages from both the Qur’an and the Hadith.
SREL 377: Introduction to Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics
Definition of terms (exegesis; Hermeneutics); Biblical Hermeneutics and Exegesis in historical
perspective. Historical-critical exegesis; Structuralist exegesis; Post-modern exegesis – the
philosophical presuppositions and cultural conditions, the methods and the advantages and
disadvantages of each of these approaches. An Integrated Hermeneutical Model of Contextual
exegesis.
SREL 379: Background to the New Testament
The political, economic, social and religious situation of Palestine at the time of Christ. The
attempts at the hellenization of Palestine under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Roman involvement in
Palestine from 63 B.C. to the Bar Cochba Revolt (A.D. 132-135). Religious groups and
institutions in Judaism; feasts and festivals.
SREL 382: African Myths and Symbols
Theories of Myths; the universality of mythical motifs and symbols, and the functional value of
myths and symbols. Detailed study of selected myths from various religious traditions especially
African/ Ghanaian ones. Cross-cultural comparison of Myths and Symbols.
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SREL 383: The History of the Early Church
The Jewish and Graeco-Roman setting and the beginnings of the Church. Christianity and the
Roman Empire. Attacks on Christianity and the work of the Apologists. Outstanding religious
movements and personalities. Asceticism and Monasticism. Christianity in North Africa.
SREL 384: The Orthodox Caliphate (Pre-req.: SREL 389)
Concept and origins of the Caliphate as a religious and political institution. Introduction to the
four Caliphs. Expansion of Islam. Administration of Territories. The Caliphs and their non-
Muslim subjects. Civil wars. Rise of early sects.
SREL 385: Christian Ethics
General introduction to ethics. Distinctive characteristics of Christian Ethics. Development of Old
Testament Ethics. Some ethical teachings of Jesus, Paul, the Reformers. The Place of the Holy
Spirit in the moral life. Christian decision-making process. Some contemporary social problems
considered from Christian ethical and moral perspectives, e.g., genetic engineering, abortion,
extra-marital relations, teenage pregnancy, gambling, drug addiction, Church-State relations, work
ethic, gospel and culture.
SREL 386: New Religious Movements
Theories of origins, and typologies. Attraction. International and local influence in Ghana.
Detailed study of selected International Movements, e.g., Nichiren Shoshu, ISKCON, Eckankar,
etc., and local/ indigenous Movements, e.g., Afrikania Mission, Independent Churches,
Charismatic Ministries and Charismatic Movements within Mainline Churches.
SREL 388: Philosophy Set Texts
Historical and critical study of selected texts from major philosophers and theologians – pre-
Christian, non-religious, anti-religious, Christian and Islamic; and from the classical, medieval,
modern and contemporary periods. Philosophers to be studied will include Plato, Aristotle,
Augustine, Aquinas, Hume, Kant, Kierkegaard, Wittgenstein, John Hick; Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi,
Ibn-Sina (Avicenna), Ibn Rushd, Al-Ghazzali, the Mu’tazilah. Topics will include: the nature of
God, Analogy, Religious Language, Religious Experience, Reason and Faith, Knowledge,
Revelation, Evil, Miracles, The Soul, Meaning of Life and Death, Immortality, Science and
Religion.
SREL 389: The Life of Muhammad
Arabia in the age of Jahiliyya. Arabia’s relationship with Persian, Byzantine and Abyssinian
empires. Early life of Muhammad. Call to prophethood. Muhammad at Mecca. Muhammad at
Medina. Death of Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad in the writings of the Orientalists.
SREL 391: Religion in Ghana
The role of Religion in traditional Ghanaian societies; the role of Religion in modern Ghanaian
society; Religious revitalization and social change; Religious diversity, tension and conflicts; Civil
religion.
SREL 392: Contemporary Ethical and Moral Issues
The theological, ethical and moral dimensions of some contemporary social issues and problems.
Issues will be taken from the fields of medicine, politics, family life, culture, business, etc.
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SREL 393: Gender Issues in Religion and Culture
Definition of religion, gender and culture and how these are related. Theoretical and
methodological issues; critique and deconstruction of religious traditions, beliefs and practices
with regard to gender; reconstructing images of gender and power relationship. New and renewing
models of gender relationship in the work of such groups and bodies as Circle of Concerned
African Theologians, Institute of Women in Religion and Culture, FOMWAG, etc. leadership
structures in major religions in Ghana, violence and religion.
SREL 395: African Traditional Ethics
Diversity and uniformity of Values in Traditional African Societies. The moral standard. Survey
of moral ideals and practices in African societies. Virtues and Vices. Critical study of methods of
moral education and enforcement of morality. The place of community, tradition and religion in
morals. Study of the works of selected writers on African ethics. Modernism and traditional values
and practices. Reform. Discussion of some contemporary social problems from the traditional
perspective.
SREL 396: Arabic II (pre-req.: SREL 375; Unavailable to students of Arabic)
Lessons in Grammar. Selected long passages from both the Qur’an and the Hadith. Local and
foreign drama and novels on religious topics.
SREL 397: Introduction to the Pentateuch
Historical background of Ancient Israel and the Text of the Old Testament; The formation of the
Pentateuch: principal theories and their values; relationship between narrative and legal Texts; the
Sinaitic covenant and its importance in the history of Israel; exegetical study of selected texts.
SREL 399: Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels
The issue of the authorship of the Synoptic Gospels, their dating, place of writing, background,
addressees and purpose. The Synoptic Problem. The contents, concerns and main theological
themes of these gospels.
SREL 403: The Comparative Study of Religions
Treatment of themes in Religions comparatively in order to uncover universal conceptual patterns
of religiosity and how these are expressed contextually in different Faiths. Treatment of such
themes as conceptions and categories of Ultimate reality; the concept of Man; Soteriology and
Rituals.
SREL 453: Theology and Ethics of the Old Testament
Knowledge of God, Covenant, Theology of kingship, Messianic expectation, Problem of
suffering, The Destiny of Man, Old Testament perspective on death. Basic characteristics of Old
Testament Ethics, the concept of truth, possession and use of wealth, real estate. The Decalogue,
work and worship, concept of law and administration of justice.
SREL 406: Old Testament Texts in Hebrew
This is an Advanced Hebrew Course in which the student will be required to exhibit a mastery
over grammar, vocabulary and syntax of Biblical Hebrew as a foundation for proficient reading
and translation, and interpretation of Assigned Old Testament Texts in prose and poetry. The
Course will entail the commitment of the student to employ all the seven stems (verbal forms) of
the Hebrew language: Qal, Niphal, Hiphil, Hophal, Piel, Pual, Hithpael, including their specific
conjugations, participles infinitives etc., and other morphological, grammatical and syntactic
nuances as they are presented in the texts. The nature and techniques of Old Testament narrative
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and Old Testament poetry including metrics, line and strophic structure as they are exhibited in the
texts will further be explored.
SREL 407: Islamic Spirituality
The origin and development of Sufism. Asceticism, mysticism and pantheism. Al-Ghazzali and
Sufism. The Fraternities. The origin and development of Islamic Philosophy. Orthodoxy,
Rationalism. Al-Ashari, Al-Kindi, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina and Al-Ghazzali.
SREL 409: The Faith and Practice of Islam
Introduction to the main belief systems, creeds, doctrines and dogmas of Islam. An assessment of
their influence on the daily life of the Muslim. The main Islamic Rituals and Modes of worship.
The five pillars of Islam; the doctrinal teachings behind them and their relevance to the conduct of
the Muslim.
SREL 410: Long Essay
An approved project work to be taken up under supervision. To be completed before the end of the
academic year.
SREL 416: West African Church History
Assessment of materials on the History of the Church in West Africa. Events which led to the
establishment of Christianity in West Africa – Two stages of mission (1) Catholic, Portuguese –
15th century. (2) Protestant and Catholic – from 18th century. Mission Theories and Mission
Methods. Mission and West African Cultures. Impact and consequences. Formation of African
Churches. Types of Mission, Ministry, Evangelism today.
SREL 426: The Theology and Ethics of the New Testament
Major New Testament theological and ethical issues as presented by Paul, the Synoptics and the
Johannine literature. Paul’s understanding of Sin and its remedy, the Holy Spirit and his gifts, the
church, and the resurrection of the dead. The work of Jesus and how he carried it out (e.g., by way
of parables and miracles) and some of the major concepts in the writings of John. Some ethical
matters based on the New Testament such as property and wealth, marriage and divorce, politics
and revolution.
SREL 424: Shariah
Sources and development of Islamic Law. Nature and scope of Islamic Law. Islamic Legal
Categories and Conceptions. Development of the four main schools of law. Law of personal
status. Law of contract. Family law. Marriage, divorce, inheritance: wills and bequests: succession
and inheritance. Penal law. Commercial law. Politics and the State. Modern legal reforms. The
practical aspects of the Shariah, including its implementation in some African states and the
attendant problems.
SREL 425: African Indigenous Religions and Development
Defining major concepts: African, indigenous, religions, development. Indigenous beliefs and
practices, concepts of development. Attitudes towards African Indigenous Religions, knowledge
systems and their roles in modern concepts of development. Impact and problems. Emerging
trends: leadership systems e.g. priest and priestesses, Nk כsuo כhene, chiefs, queen-mothers and
other traditional leaders and local government in relation to community development.
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SREL 428: Christianity and African Culture
The historical encounter between Christianity and African Traditional Religions. Problems of the
encounter, e.g., Chieftancy, Libation, Polygamy, Healing, Ancestral beliefs, Rites of Passage,
Taboos, etc. The counter influences of the two faiths on each other especially in the lives of
adherents; intellectual and practical attempts at the indigenisation of Christianity.
SREL 446: Islamic Theology
Meaning, origin and development of Islamic theology. Early Muslim Sects, scholastic theology.
Maturing of Sunni Theology. A study of some classical theologians e.g. Al-Ashari and Imam
Ghazzali. Influences on the growth and development of Muslim Thought. Shi’ite theology and
contemporary Muslim theologians.
SREL 448: Islam and African Culture
Introduction to the History of Islam in Africa with special reference to Ghana. Comparative study
of some African and Islamic concepts, e.g, God, Divinities, Man, Spirits. Adaptation of Islam in
the African context.
SREL 449: Islamic History and Civilization
Overview of selected dynasties, e.g. the Umayyads, the Abbasids. Influences on Islamic
civilisation. Theological developments, intellectual, scientific and cultural achievements. Classical
Islamic institutions, influence of Islam on Medieval Europe. Abolition of the Ottoman Caliphate.
SREL 451: Religion and Society
Religion and Ethics as socializing influences. Religion and development. Elements of
individuality and plurality in religious communities and their relevance for Ghanaian society.
Religious faith, property and wealth. Religion and politics in Ghana. Religious communities and
the State in Ghana.
SREL 455: Introduction to Old Testament Prophetic and Apocalyptic Literature
General Issues: historical and social contexts of the Prophets; origin and final form of the
prophetic books: textual types; texts and prophetic phenomenon in the Ancient Near East. The
four great collections (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets); structure,
summary of the content and the redaction history of selected books; reading of some significant
passages and theological reflection. Apocalyptic literature; origin and characteristics. The book of
Daniel: introduction and reading of important passages.
SREL 457: Introduction to Johannine Literature
The Fourth Gospel; introduction: author, date of composition, relationship with the Synoptics;
structure and some characteristic themes; exegetical study of selected passages. The Letters: their
relation with the fourth Gospel; their literary structures; exegetical study of selected passages from
the First Letter. Revelation: historical background; literary genre and structure; exegetical study of
selected passages.
SREL 458: Old Testament Interpretation (Pre-req.: SREL 377)
The Course affords the student the opportunity to employ the exegetical/hermeneutical tools
studied in Course SREL 377: Introduction to Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics, towards the
development of theological /literary position on selected themes in the Old Testament. At the end
of the course students will be able to (i) demonstrate a general knowledge of the enterprise of
Biblical exegesis/hermeneutics (ii) demonstrate knowledge in the ways in which specific
hermeneutical tools are employed to make meaning out of various texts (iii) use the Old Testament
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to discuss contemporary issues. Areas to be covered will include: the history of Old Testament
Interpretation, Basic Issues in the Current debate in Old Testament Interpretation, Beginnings and
Development of Old Testament Theology, The Question of Methodology, The Question of
History, History of Tradition and Salvation History, Basic Proposals for Interpreting Old
Testament and Old Testament Theology for today.
SREL 459: Ecological Ethics
Ecology: Definitions. Development of ecological philosophies/ethics. Religion and ecology;
Culture and ecology. Approaches to ecological ethics. Theological approaches to ecology.
Anthropocentrism/ Ecocentrism. Life ethics and anima: l rights. Eco-tourism. Sustainability of the
ecosystem.
SREL 461: Missions
Meaning, Biblical and Theological foundations of Mission. The Early Period – from Pentecost to
the Middle Ages. The Medieval Period to the 19th Century. The Modern Period (20th Century):
Missionary activities in West Africa, e.g., Policies, Methods, Principles and Strategies of the
historic Missionary Societies in evangelizing West Africa. New trends in mission, ministry and
evangelization.
Current problems, e.g., mission and the cultural revolution in Ghana.
SREL 462: Advanced Hadith Studies
A study of the Arabic and English translation of selected Ahadith of An Nawawi’s Collection of
Hadiths. A study of selected Ahadith in Arabic and English from Imam Khomeini’s Forty
Hadiths. Emphasis on identification, interpretation, application and lessons in the selected
Hadiths. Gharib al Hadith.
SREL 463: Arabic III (Pre-req.: SREL 396)
Translation of selected texts from Qur’an and Hadith. Theological and exegetical study of selected
texts.
SREL 464: Hebrew II (Pre-requisite: SREL 467)
This Course is a continuation of Hebrew I in which aspects of the Hebrew grammar, vocabulary
and syntax not covered in Hebrew I will be taught. It is expected that students will gain more
competence and confidence towards the reading and translation of more complex Biblical texts in
prose and poetry. Areas to be covered will include the other Verbal Stems : Niphal, Piel, Pual,
Hiphil, Hophal and Hithpael their respective Conjugations in Perfect and Imperfect Tenses;
Pronominal Suffixes with Masculine and Feminine Nouns, Verbs with initial or final laryngal
consonants, and translations of Biblical Texts structure in the areas covered.
SREL 465: Advanced Quranic Studies
General introduction to the Quran as a Revelation, Qur’anic exegesis, Peculiarities in
Interpretation of the Quran, Approaches to the study of the Quran, Early schools of classical and
medieval exegesis, Survey of Tafsir literature, Studies on the Translation of the Quran, Modern
Qur’anic Translations and Commentaries and Themes in the Quran.
SREL 467: Hebrew I
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental topics in Biblical Hebrew
that will prepare them for deeper studies into the Hebrew language to afford them the ability to
read and understand the Old Testament (TANAKH) in the Hebrew language. At the end of the
course students will be able to (i) know and write the Hebrew Consonants and vowels (ii) read and
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understand basic Hebrew sentences and (iii) identify the seven Hebrew Verb Stems and the
Conjugation of One of them. (Qal). Areas to be covered will include, The Hebrew Alphabets,
Vowels and Syllable Structure, The Noun Sentence, The Hebrew Verb, Qal Perfect, Construct
Relationship, Suffixed Pronouns, Qal imperfect, Adjectives and Demonstratives, Qal Active and
Participles, and Translation of Biblical Texts structured in the areas covered.
SREL 469: The Theology of the Gospels
The historical Jesus; the individual gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John and their
presentations of Jesus. E.g., Mark’s presentation of Jesus as a miracle worker; the relationship
between the old Israel and the Church in Matthew and Jesus as a teacher of ethics; universalism in
Luke; the Logos and Paraclete concepts in John, among others.
SREL 436: Women in African Indigenous Religions
Definitions of concepts. Examination of the various concepts and stereotypes of womanhood in
Africa. Status, roles, rights and responsibilities of women in African Indigenous Religious. Female
leaderships in indigenous set-ups. Emerging roles of women in African Indigenous Religions.
Challenges. Selected case studies.
SREL 468: History of Religion in West Africa
Introduction to the history of the major religious traditions in West Africa, i.e., Traditional
Religion, Islam and Christianity. Their modes of growth, and main institutions; their encounter
with each other; modern religious trends in the West African region.
SREL 471: The Doctrine of the Early Church (Pre-req.: SREL 383)
Doctrinal beginnings in the Early Church. Trinitarian heresies (e.g., modalism), Christological
heresies (e.g., Arianism) and the Church’s response to these heresies. The development of
Trinitarian and Christological doctrines. Christ’s saving work. Sin, grace and human freedom. The
Christian community. The Doctrine of the sacraments. The Christian hope.
SREL 473: Islam in West Africa
North Africa and the spread and dissemination of Islam to the Western and Central Sudan. Islam
in the ancient kingdom of the Western Central Sudan. The spread of Islam to the Volta basin.
Modes of and factors facilitating the dissemination of Islam. The Fulani Jihads. Islam, Western
colonization and decolonization. The Sufi brotherhood. Islamic education and institutions. Current
trends in Islam with special attention to Ghana.
SREL 474: Special Paper II
Any current topical issues in the study of religions can be packaged and offered as a course under
this title.
SREL 475: The Old Testament and African Life and Thought
Attitude to the Old Testament in the history of the Church. African Christians and the Old
Testament. Comparative study: theology of nature, spirit possession, the individual and the
community, the concept of alienation, death and beyond.
SREL 476: Introduction to Wisdom Literature
The Course is an introduction to the third division of the Hebrew Bible which is Kethuviim, and
the specific purpose in which Wisdom as an integral part of Jewish cosmology played a significant
role. Areas to be covered will include Wisdom in early Israel, The Wisdom of Solomon, The
earliest Core of Proverbs, Pre-exilic Wisdom, Post -exilic Wisdom and how the catastrophe of the
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exile shaped and pre-empted the issues raised in Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes. Themes such as
Theodicy, the Suffering of the Righteous, the futility of life and its pursuits, Eschatology as a
panacea towards the sustenance of Israel’s religion will be explored in the main Books of Wisdom
Literature in the Old Testament Canon.
SREL 477: Comparative Ethics
A study of the teachings of some ethical systems and moral theologians, e.g., African Traditional,
Christian, Muslim, Humanist, ethical systems. Analysis and comparison of basic themes and
values such as the summum bonum and the ideals of life; the moral standard: scales of values;
guides to action: moral education, enforcement of morals; and moral reformation: moral decisionmaking
process; virtues and vices; cherished values and abhorred vices. Religion and Ethics.
Problem of a national ethic. Discussion of attitudes to some contemporary social problems, e.g.,
human rights, abortion, homosexuality, drug trafficking and addiction, war and violence, work and
discipline.
SREL 478: The Theology of St. Paul
Paul’s background (Pharisaic, Qumranic, Rabbinic background, Hellenism, the revelation to Paul,
Paul’s apostolic experience). Pauline soteriology (Christ’s role in salvation history, reconciliation,
expiation, justification). The person of Christ; Holy Spirit; Sacraments. Pauline anthropology (the
human being before Christ, human being in Christ); Pauline ecclesiology and ethics (the Church,
the demands of Christian living); Pauline eschatology (the resurrection of the body).
SREL 479: Modern Trends in Islam
Contemporary global trends in Islam. Important themes such as misconceptions about Islam, Islam
and human rights, Islam and terrorism, especially after September 11, 2001, Islam and the West,
Islam and the mass media, Islam and global peace and development, Islam and Western
democracy, among others.
SREL 481: Special Paper I
Any current topical issues in the study of religions can be packaged and offered as a course under
this title.
SREL 482: Religion in the African Diaspora
Definition of the African Diaspora. African traditional religious retentions in the Diaspora and
continuities in the Diaspora. Islam, Hebraism and Christianity in the African Diaspora. Religion
and politics in the African Diaspora; Diasporic New Religious Movements return ‘home’.
Religion in the New African Diaspora.
SREL 483: Religion and Human Rights
The cultural and historical connections between religion and human rights – paradigms that enable
an appreciation of the differences and agreements between religious traditions and the modern
human rights movement. Religious and cultural roots of human rights; human dignity as a
religious concept; human rights natural rights and ‘divine’ law; the universality of international
human rights; African religious values and human rights; religious pluralism and the right to
freedom of religion; religion as an instrument of abuse; religion as a resource for the protection
and promotion of human rights.
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SREL 484: Professional Ethics (Pre-req.: Any course in Ethics)
A general survey of some ethical systems, concepts and norms. A study of professional ethics.
Analysis of ethical codes of selected professional and business groups. Issues confronting
professionals. Decision-making. Case studies.
SREL 486: Intra and Inter-faith Relations
The origins of the Ecumenical Movement. International Ecumenical Movements, e.g., World
Council of Churches (WCC) and all African Conference of Churches (AACC). The Second
Vatican Council. Inter-faith dialogue, Christian –Muslim relations at the international, regional,
national and grassroots levels in West Africa, especially Ghana. The Parliament of World
Religions, etc.
SREL 488: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Christian History
The Apostolic Age. The Spirit in the first two centuries. The Spirit to the Council of Chalcedon.
The Middle Ages and the Rise of Dissent. The Spirit in the Reformation. The Spirit in the Age of
Reason. The Spirit in the Methodist and Evangelical Revival. The Spirit in the Catholic/Anglo
Catholic Revival. The Spirit in the 21st Century.