Course description

General information

Instructor Zoran Grozdanov, Assistant professor

Course title Missiology
Study Programme University Graduate Programme in Protestant theology
Type of course Mandatory
Year of study Second
Number of credits ECTS credits 3
and class hours Class hours (L+E+S) 1+0+0

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION
1.1. Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the major concepts, sources and
models of the Church's mission throughout history and today.

1.2. Prerequisite

There are no prerequisites for this course.

1.3. Learning outcomes for the Programme the course belongs to

1. Design and discuss various theoretical and practical formulations within the ecclesial practice
and social engagement of the Church.
2. Identify and analyze the interdisciplinary relevance of theology.
3. Identify and analyze various theological concepts in the contexts of ecumenical and
interreligious dialogue, and the dialogue between Christian theology and the contemporary
society.
4. Design and create forms of applying various theological concepts in the contexts of
ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and the dialogue between Christian theology,
philosophy, culture, and science.
5. Critically and objectively evaluate the applicability of theological knowledge in a constructive
contribution to the quality of ecclesial life and Christian engagement in the contemporary
society.
6. Assess the applicability of theological-theoretical achievements of ecumenical and
interreligious dialogue to the specific ecumenical and interreligious practice, and to the
practice of religious communities.
7. Critically and objectively evaluate the contributions of various segments of Protestantism, as
well as their influence on ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, as well as on social and
political processes at the global and local levels.
 8. Jointly develop scholarly research projects and practical application in the existing and new
contexts.
9. Analyze and evaluate the contributions of various segments of Protestantism and implement
them in solving specific questions in the fields of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and
the dialogue between Christian theology, philosophy, culture, and science.

1.4. Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. identify the major concepts, ideas and models of the Church's mission throughout the history
of the Church;
2. interpret the differences between various models for understanding the Church's mission;
3. differentiate the various models for the interaction between culture and the Gospel;
4. develop awareness of the importance of the mission of the Church;
5. expertly and in detail put forward various models of the mission of the Church;
6. critically assess the plausibility of various models of the Church's mission in contemporary
pluralistic societies.

1.5. Course Content:

1. Introduction to the objectives and modes of teaching of the course

2. Defining the concept of mission and the mission of the Church
3. Biblical and theological roots of the concept of mission
4. Mission in the New Testament I: Gospels
5. Mission in the New Testament II: Epistles
6. Mission in the middle ages
7. Mission from the reformation to the 19th century
8. Paradigm shift in the concept of mission – Protestant and Catholic paradigm shifts
9. The concept of inculturation in the understanding of the role of mission
10. Intercultural communication and the communication of faith
11. The variety of mission practices
12. Interreligious dialogue and mission
13. Review
14. Final discussion

x lectures ☐ homework
☐ seminaries assignments
and x multimedia and
workshops internet
1.6. Modes of Teaching ☐ exercises ☐ laboratory work
x remote ☐ mentored work
learning ☐ other
☐ field _________________
teaching __
 1.7. Comments
1.8. Course Requirements

Active participation in discussions during class, regular reading assignments.

1.9. Course Assessment1

Active
Class
participati Term Experimental
attenda 0,5
on in paper work
nce
class
Written Oral
2,5 Essay Research
exam exam
Written Practical
Project Quizzes
report work
Portfolio
1.10. Grading structure during lectures and on the final exam

Students' participation will be monitored during the course of the semester. Attendance is
mandatory. The final exam is in oral form.

1.11. Mandatory Resources

D. J. BOSCH, Transforming Missions. Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission, New York,

Maryknoll, 1991.

1.12. Additional Resources

1) L. NEWBIGIN, The Open Secret. An Introduction to Theology of Mission, Grand Rapids,

Eerdmans, 1994. (select sections)
2) E. WILD-WOOD i P. RAJKUMAR (ed.), Foundations for Mission, Oxford, Regnum Books
International (Oxford Centre for Mission Studies), 2013.
3) G. F. VICEDOM, "Missio Dei - Actio Dei", (ed. K. W. MÜLLER), edition afem. Mission Classics
5, Nuernberg, Verlag fuer Theologie und Religionswissenschaft, 2002.
4) L. NEWBIGIN, "Can the West be Converted", International Bulletin of Missionary Research,
11(1), Jan. 1987, str. 2-7.
5) S. BEVANS i R. SCHROEDER, Constants in Context: A Theology of Mission for Today,
Maryknoll, Orbis, 2004. (introduction to the context of Catholic theology of mission).

1.13. Number of copies of mandatory resources relative to the number of students currently enrolled
Number of
Title Number of students
copies

1
IMPORTANT: Along with every mode of Course Assessment an adequate number of ECTS credits needs to be given, so that the total number of ECTS credits
matches the number for the course. Empty fields can be used for additional activities.
D. J. BOSCH, Transforming Missions.
Paradigm Shifts in Theology of 1 4
Mission, New York, Maryknoll, 1991.
1.14. Modes of quality control that ensure acquisition of knowledge, skills and competences

Discussions with students during class, and final exam.