Academics at SAIACS
SAIACS offers doctoral and masters programmes. They are largely residential, with some students opting to be day scholars. Several fully online programmes also are available. The programmes at SAIACS normally follow a modular system with each module running over four weeks. A typical MTh/MPhil module entails 36 classroom hours of lectures and seminars, with assignments and examination added. Similarly, a typical MDiv/MA module entails 36-45 classroom hours. MA includes context-based learning in which students are placed in a supervised ministry context so they experience the practice of classroom learning, as well as a summer internship.
Departmental Specialisations
There are currently six departmental specialisations at SAIACS, with plans to re-offer one more (History of Christianity) in the near future. Each department offers MDiv, MTh, and PhD degree programs, and has several additional adjunct and visiting faculty.
- Old Testament (OT)
Courses
Old Testament Theology, Second Temple Period, Narrative Criticism, Hebrew Exegesis: Psalms, Hebrew Exegesis: Genesis 1-11, Hebrew Exegesis: Amos
Residential Faculty
Head of Department: Dr Havilah Dharamraj, PhD (University of Durham, UK, 2006)
Dr Steven W Guest, PhD (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, USA, 2009)
Mr Prince Kumar, PhD Candidate (University of Mysore, Mysore) - New Testament (NT)
Courses
New Testament Theology, Theology of Romans, Synoptics Methodology, Textual Criticism
Residential Faculty
Head of Department: Dr Roji T George, DTh (SATHRI, Senate of Serampore, 2012)
Dr Ernest Clark, PhD (University of St. Andrews, UK 2018) - Theology and Ethics (TH)
Indicative Courses
Doctrinal Theology, Theological Method, Biblical Theology, Pneumatology, Christology, Ecclessiology, Contextual Theology, Theology & Contemporary Ideologies
Residential Faculty
Head of Department: Dr Nigel Ajay Kumar, PhD (SAIACS, 2012)
Dr Varughese John, PhD (Madras Christian College, University of Madras, 2006)
Mr Stavan Narendra John, PhD Candidate (OCMS, University of Middlesex, UK) - Intercultural Studies
Indicative Courses
Biblical Theology of Mission, Cultural Anthropology, History of Christian Mission, Diaspora Missiology, Contextualisation, Anthropology of Globalisation
Residential Faculty
Head of Department: Dr E D Solomon, PhD (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL, USA 2008)
Dr Prabhu Singh, PhD (Asbury Theological Seminary, USA, 2008)
Dr Uday Balasundaram, PhD (Asbury Theological Seminary, USA, 2014)
Dr John Daniel, PhD (SAIACS, Bangalore, 2019) - Pastoral Theology (PTC)
Indicative Courses
Introduction to Pastoral Theology, Psychology for Counselling, Psychology and Theology, Theology of Worship and Sacraments, Christian Education in the Church, Clinical Pastoral Counselling (at Vellore)
Residential Faculty
Head of Department: Rev Dr Varghese Thomas, PhD (Trinity International University, USA, 2005)
Mrs Salome Simeon Yalla, MPhil (Christ University, Bangalore), PhD Candidate (Christ University)
Mr Joshua Kenneth George, MDiv (PTC), MTh Candidate (SAIACS, Bangalore) - Study of Religions (RE)
Indicative Courses
Methodologies and Approaches in the Study of Religion, Introduction to Hinduism, Introduction to Islam, Study of Hinduism/Islam from selected texts, Primal Religions
Residential Faculty
Head of Department: Dr J Arun Kumar, PhD (University of Leeds, UK, 2007)
Consultant for Centre for Islamic Studies: Dr Gordon Nickel, PhD (University of Calgary, Canada) - History of Christianity (HoC)
(Not currently being offered)
Residential Faculty
Mr Chongpongmeren, PhD Candidate (OCMS, University of Middlesex, UK)