MTh Entrance examination book list and guidelines

THE UNITED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE : BANGALORE. 

M.TH. ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOOK LIST & GUIDELINES

Purpose: U. T. C. being the College which admits candidates for M.Th. studies on the basis of an entrance test, the P. G. Committee felt the need to lay down the rationale of such a test on record: i) the fact that too many candidates apply for M.Th. studies, more than the College could admit each year, makes it necessary to screen them. ii) Since many of the applicants come for M. Th. studies after a fairly long interval, subsequent to their passing the B. D. Degree, their academic motivation and competence to undertake studies at the Master’s level cannot be assessed on the basis of their B. D. grades alone. iii) U. T. C. being an English medium theological college, both at the B. D. and M. Th. levels, the ability of the student to do a Master’s degree in English medium has to be tested through a written test in English. 

General Guidelines for the M.Th. Entrance Tests: Have the subject test in the forenoon, and the English test in the afternoon of the first day. General interview on matters of finance, accommodation, to be held after dinner on first day. Subject oral test to be held on the second day.

 DEPARTMENT OF BIBLICAL STUDIES OLD TESTAMENT & NEW TESTAMENT AIM: To test the basic ability to handle Hebrew/Greek text; the ability to use the critical apparatus; awareness of major trends in biblical research, especially the ones in more recent times, awareness of critical approaches to the study of the Bible including those relating to the literature and theology of the Old/New Testament; some awareness of current issues and trends in biblical interpretation. The candidate is expected to have competence at the third level of Biblical Hebrew/Greek (at least to have passed two BD level Hebrew courses or three BD level Greek courses with second class grades). TEST : A written test for two and a half hours which would include translations of the Hebrew/Greek texts, syntax, grammar, exegesis, plus questions on critical introduction, theology and hermeneutics. There will be an oral test for about 45 minutes for each candidate to assess the overall competence of the candidate as well as to test those skills which are not tested through the written test. 2

BOOK LIST: BRANCH I : OLD TESTAMENT 1. Hebrew Grammar by Weingreen or Davidson or any other equivalent grammar book (thorough knowledge is expected). 2. Any one book on Old Testament Theology (G. Von Rad, or R. E. Clements, or B. S. Childs, or W. Zimmerli). 3. History of Israel by M. Noth or J. Bright. 4. Old Testament Introduction by O. Eissfeldt or G.W. Anderson or another book of same standard. 5. Passages for translation from Hebrew to English and questions relating to introduction will be from (a) Exodus 1-15 and (b) Hosea. 

BRANCH II : NEW TESTAMENT

1) The thorough knowledge of the grammar book and some acquaintance with J. W. Wenham, a short Syntax of New Testamnent Greek or C. F. D. Moule, An Idiom, Book of New Testament Greek or any equivalent book; 2) Acquaintance with the methodological issues described or raised in Fuller, The New Testament in Current Study and Kummel, The New Testament, the History of the investigation of its problems; 3) Ability to use basic took like lexicons, concordances, etc. 4) Passages for translation from Greek to English and questions relating to introduction will be from (a) St. John’s Gospel and (b) Epistle to the Romans (1-8). 

BRANCH III: CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Entrance examination consists of a 3-hour written test as well as an interview. The candidate is expected to study the recommended tests, and be able to interact with them critically and creatively. Those candidates who either do not possess a copy of these books, or do not have any access to them in the nearby libraries, may write, well in advance, to the Registrar of the College for guidance. Robin Boyd. An Introduction to Indian Christian Theology. Delhi: ISPCK, 1989. In order to supplement Robin Boyd, An Introduction to Indian Christian Theology, the candidates are to read: EITHER: V. Devasahayam, ed., Frontiers of Dalit Theology, Gurukul Summer Institute 1996 (Delhi: ISPCK/Madras: Gurukul, 1997); 3

OR: A Wati Longchar, ed., An Exploration of Tribal Theology (Jorhat: Tribal Study Centre, Eastern Theological College, 1997); OR: Prasanna Kumari, ed., Feminist Theology: Perspectives and Praxis, Gurukul Summer Institute 1998 (Chennai: Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, 1999). AND Stanley J. Samartha, One Christ - Many Religions: Toward a Revised Christology (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1991), which is available in an Indian edition, would form a reading on contemporary issues in Indian Christian Theology. -- In addition, the candidates should have done some reading on contemporary issues in non-Indian Christian Theology. As background reading, one possibility would be: David F. Ford, The Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology in the Twentieth Century (Oxford: Blackwell, 1997), especially the sections: David F. Ford, “Introduction to Modern Christian Theology,” pp. 1-15; Christoph Schwobel, “Wolfhart Pannenberg,” pp. 180-208; Richard Bauckham, “Jurgen Moltmann,” pp. 209-224, and David F. Ford, “Epilogue: Christian Theology at the Turn of the Millennium,” pp. 720-728.

 BRANCH IV : HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the departmental entrance examinations for applicants in the History of Christianity Branch are as follows: 1. In the event that there are more applicants than available seats, the examinations are conducted to determine those who are most academically able. 2. To determine the ability of applicants to function effectively in English at the M.Th. level in both written and oral contexts while dealing with historical subject matter. 3. To determine the motivation of the applicants for undertaking studies in the historical branch. Other things being equal, priority will be given to those applicants sponsored by Serampore affiliated Colleges for the purpose of upgrading their faculties. Reading Assignments: 1. John C. B. Webster, “The History of Christianity in India: Aims and Methods” Where available: a) Bangalore Theological Forum, X.2 (July-December, 1978) b) Indian Church History Review, XIII.2(December 1979) c) Xeroxed copy will be sent at the cost of Rs.50/- by the Registrar, UTC. 4

2. A. M. Mundadan, Indian Christian Search for Identity and Struggle for Autonomy (1984). Where available: Dharmaram Publications, Dharmaram College, Bangalore 560 029. 3. Dick Koolman, Conversion and Social Equality in India: London Missionary Society in South Travancore in the 19th Century (1989). Where available: Manohar Publications, 1 Ansari Road, New Delhi : 110 002. OR O. L. Snaitang, Christianity and Social Change in North East India(1993) Where available: Vendrame Institute, Sacred Heart College, Shillong, Meghalaya 793 008. Entrance Examination: There shall be a written entrance examination conducted at the College of up to three hours in duration. The purpose of the examination will be to test the applicants’ understanding of the readings that have been assigned. Emphasis will be on understanding of issues and the purposes the writers seek to achieve, rather than on ability to duplicate material from the readings. The written examination will account for 50% of the departmental evaluation. Entrance Interview: Each applicant will individually meet with the members of the department for a period of up to 30 minutes. The primary purpose of the interview shall be to determine the applicants’ ability to express orally and defend their understanding of the reading assignments. A secondary purpose shall be to determine the applicants’ motivation for undertaking M.Th. studies in the History of Christianity. The interview will account for 50% of the departmental evaluation. 

BRANCH V: RELIGIONS

Aims : To test basic ability to read and interpret Sanskrit/Arabic/Pali (depending on the area of specialization) text at the second level of competence. (The candidate is required by the University to have passed at least one advanced B.D. level course with a second class grade.) Further, to assess the candidate’s competence in understanding and handling critically materials related to the concerns of the discipline, as well as the candidate’s ability to deal with new ideas/perspectives, and his/her proficiency in written and oral expression. 5

Tests: A written language test of one hour’s duration, the major part of which will require translation of Sanskrit/Arabic/Pali text, but will also examine knowledge of syntax and grammar. A second written test of subject matter of one and a half hours’ duration, designed to assess the skills/aptitudes described in the statement of Aims above and based on the materials in the Reading list. A personal interview, on the second day, will provide opportunity to probe questions arising from the written tests of the previous day, as well as motivation for undertaking M.Th. studies and any other pertinent concerns. Reading List: Either Marcus Braybrooke. The Undiscovered Christ: A Review of Recent Developments in the Christian Approach to the Hindu (Inter-Religious Dialogue Series). Bangalore: C. I. S. R. S., 1973 (pp. 119) Rs. 6/-. Or Eric J. Lott. “Approaching a Religious Tradition.” in Religious Traditions of India, edited by P. S. Daniel, David C. Scott & G. R. Singh (Indian Theological Library). Madras: C.L.S., 1988, pp. 1-45, Rs. 40/-. and S. J. Samartha. “The Cross and the Rainbow: Christ in a Multi-Religious Culture.” in Christian Faith and Multiform Culture in India. edited by Somen Das. Bangalore: United Theological College, 1987, pp. 15-48. Rs. 25/-. 

BRANCH VI: CHRISTIAN ETHICS

Books Christian Ethics - An Introductory Reader. Edited with introductions by Hunter P. Mabry. Serampore: Senate of Serampore College, 1987. Chapters 1-3, 5, 7, 9, 14-16, 18, 22. Das, Somen. Christian Ethics and Indian Ethics. New Delhi: ISPCK, 1989. Chapters 2 - 8, 11. Hinduism. Patiala: Punjab University, 1969. Chapter III on “Hindu Ethics” by K. R. Sundararajan. Murickan, J. (ed. ) Poverty in India: Challenges and Responses. Bangalore: Xavier Board of Higher Education in India, 1988. Chapter 2 on “The Structural Nature of Poverty in India” by F. Franco and Chapter 3 on “Societal Analysis “by Paul de la Gueriviere. Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1951. London: Faber & Faber, 1952, and other editions. 6

Articles Abraham, K. C. “A Theological Response to the Social Reality in India.” Bangalore Theological Forum XIV/3 ( September-December,1982 ): 217-231. Abraham, K. C. “Peace and Justice in the Indian Context.” National Council of Churches Review. CIX/4 (April 1989): 183-194. In the entrance examination the applicant will be asked questions based on materials from the above readings. The questions may consist of selected statements representing different theological or ethical positions upon which the applicant will be asked to comment, or questions about the content and concern of certain readings. The applicant’s answers will be treated as indicative of his/her level of comprehension, openness to different ideas, ability to express himself/herself in English, and method(s) used in dealing with ethical or societal ideas, realities and issues. Generally, the materials on the reading list should be found in the various theological and major public libraries in various parts of India. Applicants who do not possess copies of these materials and/or who are unable to find these materials in book stores, are expected to consult with libraries in their area to locate copies. In case of any particular material not being otherwise available, the College will try to provide a limited amount of help. 

BRANCH VII: CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

1. An examination for the duration of 3 hours in the areas of Pastoral Care & Counselling, Christian Education, Homiletics and Sociology. Candidates will be required to choose questions from Sociology and two other areas. 2. One question to be answered will be comprehensive, integrating the different areas. Other questions in subject areas will require critical reflection in answering them. Recommended Books: 1. Pastoral Care and Counselling: Clinebell, Howard J. Jr. Basic Types of Counselling 2. Christian Education:. Paulus, V. Introduction to Christian Education. 3. Sociology: Bilton, Tony et. al. Introductory Sociology. Adapted for the Indian Edition by N. Jayaram. 7 

BRANCH VIII: MISSIOLOGY

A three-hour written entrance exam and a personal interview to determine the candidate’s level of English language command and her/his analytical competency to engage in research works. The written exam will be conducted in two areas, namely, History of the Modern Missionary Movement, and Contemporary Trends in the Theology of Mission. 1. History of the Modern Missionary Movement: David Bosch. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in the Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 1991, pp. 190-261. 2. Theology of Mission: David Bosch. Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in the Theology of Mission. Orbis Books, 1991. pp. 368-510. S.J. Samartha, One Christ - Many Religions: Toward a Revised Christology. Orbis Books, 1991, Pages 142-154 . OR Indian Edition, 1992, Chapter 10: “Mission in a Religiously Plural World”, pp. 162-175. 

BRANCH X: COMMUNICATION

1. Mass Communication in India by Keval J. Kumar.

2. Communication in Theological Education - C. R. W. David (ed.)

BRANCH XI: WOMEN’S STUDIES Entrance examination consists of a 3-hour written test as well as an interview. The candidate is expected to study the recommended texts, and be able to interact with them critically and creatively. Those candidates who either do not possess a copy of these books, or do not have any access to them in the nearby libraries, may write, well in advance, to the Registrar of the College for guidance.

1. Readings on Women, Religion and Culture (Compiled with an introduction by IWID)

Initiatives: Women in Development, Part I & Part II (UTC Library Ref. No. 396.04 I 6IR)

2. Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza : In Memory of Her: A Feminist Theological Reconstruction of Christian Origins, pp. 1-95

(UTC Lib. Ref. No. 270.1 F 518I) 8 

ENGLISH

Aims: The English Examination seeks to determine the level of English that the student already has and his/her potential for study in English at U.T.C. A Text Book has been prescribed for studying Vocabulary and 2 books of grammar for those who wish to brush-up their language. The Test: A. Comprehension : 50 marks - 1½ hours. Q. 1. Close-Test. i.e. filling in blanks with appropriate words to show basic knowledge of English grammar & vocabulary (20 marks) Q. 2. Direct questions: (20 marks) Q. 3. Precis-Writing: (10 marks) B. Essay-Writing : 30 marks - 1 hour. Q. 4. To write on one topic out of four topics given. C. Vocabulary : 20 marks - ½ hour.

Q. 5. 10 marks

Q. 6. 10 marks N.B.: Questions on Synonyms, Antonyms and sentence-making will be based on Book III of Words are Important by Hardwick. Reading List: 1. Guide to Patterns & Usage in English, A. S. Horn by Oxford University Press. - Rs. 30/- 2. Words Are Important - Book III, Wheeler & Co., Allahabad. - Rs. 10/- (Approx) 3. Advanced English Practice by B. D. Graver Oxford University Press. - Rs. 20/- 78787878 :bmr October 12, 2009. File: BOOKLIST.DOC