DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

SECOND YEAR, FIRST SEMESTER - 2021/2022 ACADEMIC YEAR

COURSE OUTLINE AND ACTION PLAN
COURSE CODE: RME J253
COURSE TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY
The introduction to Christianity has generated some misconceptions about what and how the
course should be taught. There is the misconception that religious practitioners without
requisite training in the subject can be made to teach it. In order to redirect the focus of
introduction to Christianity to emphasize the practice of positive behaviours, there is the
urgent need for student teacher to be trained to be more efficient at using pedagogical tools to
teach and assess learners’ behaviours and attitudes. There is also the need for the subject to
be taught by trained professionals. This calls for the course introduction to Christianity. This
course is a survey of Christianity in its diversity. it explores the origins, growth and the
fundamental teachings of the faith as well as the variety of forms it has assumed in the
historical process of its growth and spread across the world. Our focus lies on the Christian
Scriptures (Bible), some Basic Christian Beliefs, Practices and Values. An overview of the
formation of Christian Churches/Denominations and how they coexist will be looked at.

Course Description
This course will provide student teachers with an in-depth knowledge of Christianity as a
global religion that is practiced in Ghana. It will focus on the history, beliefs, practices and
values, and how these contribute to shape the behaviour of Christians. Through tutorials,
discussions, presentations and other interactive pedagogies the course will build upon student
teachers’ previous exposure to Christianity, to erode misconceptions, misrepresentations,
marginalization and fanaticism. By this, student teachers will be equipped with solid
knowledge-base and deepened understanding, that will develop their pedagogical skills
towards creating religiously inclusive classrooms in the teaching of RME. Student teachers
will be assessed based on project assignments, quizzes, presentations, artefacts from practical
work, reports of school observation and end of semester examination (NTS 2b,c,f; NTECF
pillar1, NTS 1a, g; NTECF p.41, NTS 3b, f, g; NTECF Pillar 3)

COURSE AREA GOALS/OBJECTIVES

On the successful completion of the course, Student Teachers will be able to:
 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Christianity as a religion and how it
relates to their professional practice as RME teachers.
 Demonstrate an understanding in the usage of Christian terminologies
 Demonstrate ability to apply their understanding of Christian principles to assist
learners to appreciate Christianity.
  Explore connections between Christian beliefs and matters related to equity and
inclusivity, in order to apply them in their teaching of RME.
 Identify their own professional needs in terms of professional practice, knowledge,
values and attitudes in relation to the teaching of RME
 Reflect on their professional needs to develop critical thinking and ignite the quest for
continuous learning
 Create opportunities where all learners can be used as resources to facilitate learning
about diversity

UNIT TOPIC SUBTOPICS

1  Judaism-Christianity Connections
History of Christianity  Spread of Christianity to Ghana
2 Christian Scriptures • Books of the Bible and their classifications
(Bible)
3 Basic Christian Beliefs • God
• Holy Spirit
• Jesus Christ
• Bible (Founder)
• Salvation
• Prayer
• Angels
• Religious Songs
• Recitations
• Crucifixion
• Resurrection
• Eschatology (Future)
4 Christian Practices • Worship (Liturgical,
o Individual, Communal,
o formal & Informal)
• Prayer
• Baptism
• Eucharist (Communion)
• Festivals
• Care for the Needy
• Tithing (Offertory)
• Evangelism
5 Christian Values • Love
• Equity and Inclusiveness
• Justice
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Self Control
• Honesty & Integrity
• Kindness and Compassion
• Contentment &Thankfulness
• Peace
• Loyalty and Commitment
 etc.
6 Christian Churches/ • Catholic
Denominations • Protestants
• Charismatics
• Pentecostals
• Syncretic Denominations
etc.

ACTION PLAN

RME J253 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY

SECOND YEAR, FIRST SEMESTER - 2021/2022 ACADEMIC YEAR

Mode of delivery
Lessons will take the form lectures, discussions, presentations, interaction with Christian
religious leaders or their representatives and mini subject-based project work which must not
be less than 3 pages and not more than 5 pages, in Times New Roman font 12, double space.
Students are encouraged to participate in all activities and reflect on their learning to develop
interest in working independently and also as a group. Students are required to do
preparatory reading before coming for lectures.
Class attendance and participation will have a toll on students’ assessment marks. This is
aimed at ensuring positive attitudes, comportment and general desire for knowledge
acquisition.
Assessment Plan
With regard to the assessment of students, a student will have to attend lectures and take part
in all activities. The student must participate in all assignments, quizzes and end of semester
examination. Continuous assessment is made up of one quiz and two assignments and class
works of which the best score of a student shall be used in combination with the quiz score to
constitute CA mark.
Assignment shall be given and students will have one week to submit and do presentations on
their works. Dates of assignment shall be decided by tutor and group leaders. Presentation
dates of assignments will be scheduled in consultation with students. The quiz will be taken
tentatively after three unites.
External examination takes 40% while the CA takes 60%. The quizzes, class attendance,
exercises and assignments shall constitute your formative assessments leading to your total
continuous assessment marks to be determined internally.
I wish you all the best in your lectures.
Instructional Resources: Audio visual equipment and Video clips and Field trips.
REFERENCES
Addai-Mununkum, R. (2014). Rethinking Christian Religious Education in Ghana: History,
Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Research on Christian Education, 23(3), 294–306.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10656219.2014.966873
Annobil, C. N., (2018) Religious and Moral Education for Colleges of Education and
Universities. Winneba: Franko Printing Press and Stationery.
Asamoah-Gyadu, J. K. (2010). Religious Education and Religious pluralism in the new
Africa. Religious Education, 105(3), 238–244.
Asamoah-Gyadu, J. K. (2012). Hearing, Viewing, and Touched by the Spirit; Televangelism
in Contemporary African Christianity. In P. N. Thomas & P. Lee (Eds.), Global and Local
Televangelism (pp. 126–145). Palgrave Macmillan.
Asare-Danso, S., Annobil, C. N., Afriyie, O., &Agyemang, M. (2014). Religious and Moral
Education for Colleges of Education 1. Kumasi: Jerusalem Press.
Asare-Danso, S., & Annobil, C. N., (2016) Religious and Moral Education in Early
Childhood Education. University of Education Institute for Educational Development and
Extension, UEW, Winneba.
Awuah, G. J., &Afriyie, O. (2005). General Introduction to Religious and Moral Introduction
for Colleges of Education and Higher-Level Student teachers. Kumasi: Jerusalem Press.
Awuah, G. J., &Afriyie, O. (2006). Study of Content and Methodology in Religious and
Moral Introduction for Diploma in Basic Education. Kumasi: U. G. C Publishing House.
Buama, L.K (1991). “Christian Witnessing in a Religiously Pluralistic Climate” in Trinity
Journal of Church and Theology, Vol 1, Number, 1 Accra: Presbyterian Press.
Debrunner, H. W. (1967). A history of Christianity in Ghana. Waterville Pub. House.
Mbiti, J. S. (1980). The Encounter of the Christian Faith and African Religion. Christian
Century, (8/27 - 9/3), 817–820.
Ramshaw, G. (2013). What is Christianity? An Introduction to the Christian Religion.
London; New York: Fortress Press.
Tutors: