Bachelor of Applied Theology (LTA)
The ITCJ has added a new program for the 2021–2022 academic year: a four-year Bachelor of Applied Theology (BAT) degree for religious men and women and laypeople who serve as pastoral workers in the universal Church and the particular Church of Côte d’Ivoire
Program Objective
Its primary aim is practical and pastoral: to provide relevant theological training for the Christian community, to equip them effectively to bear witness to the Gospel, and to train pastoral workers, particularly laypeople.
Who is this program intended for?
- For Christian applicants to the bachelor’s degree program who have at least a high school diploma.
- To Christians who, although they have not completed high school, have extensive pastoral experience and wish to pursue further education (candidates for the Certificate in Applied Theology).
Program Content
The Bachelor’s program in Applied Theology consists of four course units, each leading to a separate certificate in the four main branches of theology:
• Applied Biblical Theology
How was the Bible compiled? How should it be read and interpreted correctly? How can we make use of the prayers in the Bible? These are just a few of the questions that the various Bible courses in the program will seek to answer. The Bible courses will be offered during the first and second years of the program.
• Applied moral theology
How can we evaluate our actions from a Christian perspective? Should the Gospel guide our daily actions? What is the Church’s position on cohabitation, infidelity, abortion, euthanasia, assisted reproductive technologies, or polygamy? These are just a few of the many topics that will be covered in the ethics courses. Moral education courses will be offered only in the second year.
• Applied Systematic Theology
What are the principles of the Christian faith? Is it incompatible with African beliefs and traditions? Who is Christ? What role does the Holy Spirit play in the faith and lives of Christians? How should we understand the role of Mary and Marian devotion? These are some of the questions that will guide the courses in this teaching unit, which will be offered in the first and fourth years of the program.
• Pastoral Theology
What are the characteristics of Christian prayer? How can one pray effectively for healing? How should one preach and teach the Word of God? Are holy water and blessed salt important or not? These and other questions will guide the pastoral theology courses offered in the third and fourth years of the program.
Courses scheduled for the 2024–2025 academic year
Course Unit 1: Applied Biblical Theology
Prayer in the Bible: Hymns and Psalms
The Chosen People in Their Concrete Relationship with God: The Historical Books
he early church was educated: the Apostolic Letters
Experience as a Source of Divine Inspiration: The Wisdom Books
Listening to the Beloved Disciple: The Gospel of John – Revelation
Course Unit 2: Applied Systematic Theology
“I think”
Christian Faith and African Traditions
“Who do you say I am?”: Christology
Dogmas
Community-based church: CEB and new communities
Program duration and schedule
The program spans four years. Courses are offered on a rotating basis. Classes will be held simultaneously in person AND online. In-person classes will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the ITCJ (two Saturdays per month).
The online classes will be held in the evenings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Classes begin on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
