The Doctoral Study Program
The study program is designed to ensure that the doctoral candidates acquire tools for scholarly competence in their field, have exposure in the depth and breadth of the basic literature of the field, and develop a working knowledge of the histories and cultures of Asia.
Required Courses
A candidate is expected to successfully complete the following:
1. Two Methodology Seminars (8% of the total grade).
2. Three areas of research, in which papers pertaining to the chosen field are written (24% of the total grade);
3. A comprehensive examination (8% of the total grade) and
4. A dissertation of not more than 100,000 words (60% of the total grade)
Methodology Seminars: Research Methodology and “Guidelines for Doing Theologies in Asia” (GDTA) Seminars
Two Methodology seminars are organized with a combination of integrated seminars, lectures, course work, library orientations and selected research. The seminars include Research Methodology and GDTA Seminar. These seminars, while introducing the various methodological issues in theological research, attempt to provide an interdisciplinary approach in academic pursuit. The GDTA approved by the ATESEA provides the basic framework for developing the various methodological tools.
Fields of Study
I. Bible and Interpretation
Areas: Old Testament, New Testament, Asian Hermeneutics
II. Theological Constructions in Asia
Areas: Contextual Interpretations of Faith, Theology of the Christian Tradition, Christian Ethics, History of Christianity, Asian Religions/People’s Movements
III. Religion, Culture and Life and Witness of the Church
Areas: Philosophy of Religion, Mission and Witness, Ecumenics, Life and Witness of the Church, Christian Education, Liturgy and Worship
IV. Gender and the Marginalized
Areas: Gender Studies, Indigenous Communities Studies
Study Outside the Region
Programs of individual candidates in some fields may have the option to study outside the region. In such cases ATU will negotiate with particular institutions enlisting their cooperation, and will receive certification of the candidates’ performance from them. In no case will the candidates be permitted to enrol as a degree candidate in any other institution while enrolled at ATU. A major part of the candidates’ research and the writing of their dissertation must be done in the region under the supervision of the Advisory Committee.
