Faculty of Theology and Religion Orientation Programme for 2019

2019 Faculty of Theology Official start of the academic year for first-year students Amptelike begin van die akademiese jaar vir eerstejaarstudente Kamogelo semmuĹĄo ya baithuti ba pele ya ngwaga wa thuto

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Orientation programme and official start of the academic year for first-year students

2019

Message from the Dean: Faculty of Theology In 2017 the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria celebrated its centenary year. While it gave thanks for the past, acknowledged its shortfalls during the apartheid era and celebrated its achievements over the years, it placed a great deal of significance on shaping the future. The Faculty is one of the leading theological institutions in South Africa and in Africa at large. It is known for its quality research, relevant teaching and learning programmes, and community engagement, especially through its centres.

As far as teaching and learning is concerned, the Faculty continues to pursue excellence as it gears its course content to relevantly address current issues and struggles, differing epistemologies, curricula transformation, decolonisation and Africanisation. We are engaging different methods in teaching that encourages critical thinking, investigation, interactive and participatory learning, alternate forms of assessments, and the use of technology. Furthermore, our teaching modules are being directed to incorporate non-theological modules to enable students to train for careers outside of theology as well.

We have very qualified, experienced and dedicated lecturers who are committed to assisting students at whatever level of study to complete and graduate in the expected time.

The Faculty, in its intention of impacting on and working for the common good of society, has partnerships with a number of stakeholders. These include, but are not limited to, churches, government and non-governmental organisations, community leaders and ministries. In our efforts towards transformation, we are seeking to foster inclusivity,

embrace diversity and promote equity. We are creating a new culture that embraces a true ecumenical spirit and posture, especially seeing that our students come from over 33 different denominations.

As of 2018, the name of the Faculty of Theology has changed to the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

The addition of Religion in its name is an attempt to be more inclusive and to open our space to people of other faiths. The Faculty is still essentially Christian in its theological orientation, but realises the need to engage in dialogue and research with other religions on important themes, for example, religious violence and fundamentalism, as we seek to create a better world and fullness of life for all.

Saint Anselm of Canterbury, in defining Theology, said it is “faith seeking understanding”. In a world of great complexities, injustices, differentiations and global struggles, we need to consistently grapple with our understanding of God, life and reality. The Faculty of Theology and Religion is a Faculty that facilitates life-affirming theologies, nurtures transformative leaders, promotes justice and peace, and prepares

students for a changing environment and world. It has the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated scholars of any faculty on campus and produces hundreds of peer-reviewed articles each year in highly accredited journals both nationally and internationally. It offers cutting-edge research on relevant, contextual, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary levels. It acknowledges that such work cannot be done in ivory towers and therefore aims to engage research that is lifechanging and transforming; making a difference in communities and society at large.

Whether you are training for the ministry in the church or in the “marketplace”, this is the right place to be, as we bring faith and context together, dissect and analyse the realities of life and explore questions related to spirituality, beliefs and faith practices.

Welcome to the Faculty of Theology and Religion and enjoy the journey!

Best wishes and regards, Prof Jerry Pillay Dean: Faculty of Theology and Religion

08:00–10:00

Faculty-specific activity

08:00–10:00

AIM session TECHNICAL SERVICES BUILDING Ms C van Zyl

10:30–11:30

10:30–12:30

SUPPORT@UP Counselling, health services and disability THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

Faculty-specific activity

10:30–12:30

11:30–12:00

Security THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10 Mr R Watson

12:30–13:00

Elective selection THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

Piazza walk – student life and campus tour PIAZZA

TRANSITIONS@UP Mentoring, work readiness, learning communities and meet House Theology THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10 Dr H Janse van Rensburg

11:30–12:30

10:30–11:30 Timetable explanation THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

Lunch

Break

13:00–14:00

Social activity THEOLOGY BUILDING Mr D Mahan

FSA services and academic support THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10 Mr D Mahan

13:30–14:30

Library session THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

14:00–14:30

13:30–15:30

FLY@UP workshop THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

14:30–15:30

Online registration INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUILDING INFORMATORIUM GREEN LAB

FOR VENUE LOCATIONS, PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE MAP OF THE UNIVERSITY AT http://www.up.ac.za/about-up/article/258171/maps-directions OR USE GOOGLE MAPS.

AIM – Academic Information Management | FLY – The Finish Line is Yours | STARS – Student Academic Readiness Survey | UPO – University Preparation and Orientation (online) | FSA – Faculty Student Advisor

Module changes: Students will also be able to do module changes through ‘Online – Self Service’ from 19:00 in the evenings to 07:00 in the mornings. Last date for module changes: 18 February 2019.

Assistance with online registration takes place only during the scheduled time slots as indicated in the table and will be done via ‘Self Service’ in the laboratories. Technical support will be available in the laboratory for students who experience technical problems with the registration process.

AVOID LONG QUEUES: Register yourself through ‘Online – Self Service’ from 19:00 in the evenings to 07:00 in the mornings. Technical support will not be available for students between 19:00 in the evenings and 07:00 in the mornings. Student’s proof of registration will be emailed to them immediately upon completion of the registration process.

Thursday 2019-01-31

Wednesday 2019-01-30

Tuesday 2019-01-29

09:00–10:00

TECHNOLOGY@UP Using social media, UP mode of delivery, UPO and STARS THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10 Mr D Mahan

08:00–09:00

Presentation by a professional THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10 Dr K Myburg

09:00–10:00

Curriculum advising THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

08:00–09:00

Ms C Sandis

Co-organiser:

Dean’s welcome THEOLOGY BUILDING ROOM 2-10

Prof E van Eck

Group leader:

Monday 2019-01-28

BTh, BDiv and Diploma in Theology

GROUP 12:

FACULTY OF THEOLOGY

University of Pretoria Universiteit van Pretoria Yunibesithi ya Pretoria 3