Christian Ministries--Pre-Seminary Track Course Descriptions
Below we have listed for you course descriptions for the courses that make up the Pre-Seminary Track. If you have further questions, you may speak with one of the following professors who primarily teach in the major: Dr. Byron Curtis, Dr. Scott Shidemantle, Dr. Dean Smith and Dr. Jonathan Watt.
3 hours in Bible Interpretation:
BIB 200 How to Read the Bible (3 hours) This course provides a general overview to the principles of interpretation.
6 hours in Bible content courses divided between Old and New Testament studies and selected from:
BIB 301 "Old Testament Prophecy" (3) Theological and ethical content, with attention to the original life-settings and contemporary relevance of the prophetic literature. Prerequisite: BIB 112, 113, and 200 or permission of instructor.
BIB 302 "Wisdom Literature" (3) The wisdom tradition in Israel and the ancient Near East, with special emphasis on Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. rerequisite: BIB 112, 113, and 200 or permission of instructor.
BIB 303 "Old Testament Studies" (3) Various topics in the Old Testament. Gives opportunity to study the book of Psalms or a more in-depth examination of some of the Pentateuch or history books. Prerequisite: BIB 112, 113, and 200 or permission of instructor.
BIB 310 "New Testament Epistles" (3) In-depth study of various epistles. Prerequisite: BIB 112, 113, and 200 or permission of instructor.
BIB 312 "Gospel Studies" (3) In-depth study of one of the gospels. Prerequisite: BIB 112, 113, and 200 or permission of instructor.
BIB 314 "New Testament Studies" (3) Study various New Testament books not covered in other courses such as Hebrews, Revelation, and Acts. Prerequisite: BIB 112, 113, and 200 or permission of instructor.
6 hours in New Testament Greek or in Old Testament Hebrew (6) selected from:
GRK 101 "Elementary Hellenistic Greek 1" (3) and GRK 102 "Elementary Hellenistic Greek 2" (3) The purposes of these two courses is to enable students to begin reading and translating the Greek New Testament on their own. Emphasis is placed upon understanding the basic grammar, developing a working vocabulary and basic translation methods. GRK 101 is offered in the fall; GRK 102 is offered in the spring. Prerequisite: GRK 101 is a prerequisite for GRK 102.
GRK 201 "Intermediate Hellenistic Greek" (3) The purpose of this course is to enable students to gain greater proficiency in reading and studying the Greek New Testament. Elements of advanced Greek grammar and syntax are introduced through translation assignments. Basic methods of New Testament Greek exegesis are also demonstrated and practiced. Prerequisite: GRK 102 or permission of instructor.
GRK 202 "Biblical Greek Exegesis" (3) A continuation of Intermediate Hellenistic Greek. It involves the further development of reading facility and the application of exegetical principles and methods. Prerequisite: GRK 201 or permission of instructor.
HEB 101 "Elementary Biblical Hebrew 1" (3) and HEB 102 "Elementary Biblical Hebrew 2" (3) An introduction to biblical Hebrew grammar, with reading in simple biblical prose texts. Offered first and second semester, alternate years.
HEB 201 "Intermediate Biblical Hebrew" (3) Continuation of Hebrew grammar and syntax with emphasis upon reading selected biblical passages on an intermediate level. First semester, alternate years. Prerequisite: HEB 102 or permission of instructor.
HEB 202 "Biblical Hebrew Exegesis" (3) Development of reading facility in the Hebrew Bible, with application of basic exegetical principles. Second semester, alternate years. Prerequisite: HEB 201 or permission of instructor.
9 hours in Philosophy selected from:
PHI 110 "Introduction to Philosophy" (3) Study of the fundamental questions raise in philosophy--How does one know? What is reality? What is goodness?--in light of their historical development. Attention will be given to a brief introduction to critical thinking and logic and the impications of a Christian worldview on the philosophical endeavor.
PHI 200 "Plato" (3) Study of Plato's major works, including the Republic. First semester, alternate years.
PHI 202 "Augustine" (3) Study of Augustine's major works, including the City of God. First semester, alternate years.
PHI 310 "Classical Christian Understanding of Life" (3) Classical Christian worldview of ethics, religion, and human nature.
PHI 112 "Ethics" (3) Nature of ethical principles and analysis of various ethical problems such as abortion, capital punishment, and world hunger. Suitable as an introduction to philosophy. Second semester.
PHI 350 "Logic" (3) Principles of reasoning fundamental to critical thinking in every academic discipline and avenue of life. Every semester.
3 hours in Church History:
BIB 350 "History of the Christian Church" (3) Origin and spread of Christianity from the time of the apostles to the end of the 1900's, with special emphasis on doctrinal formulations. Prerequisite: HUM 203
3 hours in Theology selected from:
BIB 320 "Special Topics in Theology" (3) Various theological topics.
BIB 322 "Calvin's Institutes" (3) A survey of the theological concepts in John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion with an introduction to the life and ministry of John Calvin.
BIB 325 "Biblical Theology" (3) Dominant motifs of biblical literature, emphasizing biblical texts, with some review of theological literature and methods. Prerequisite: BIB 112 and 113
3 hours in Evangelism:
MIN 210 "Evangelism" (3) A study of the Theology, the Theory and the Practice of Evangelism. Prerequisites: BIB 112 and BIB 113.
3 hours in Practicum:
MIN 492 "Christian Ministries Practicum" (3) Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in missions, youth ministry, or pastoral ministry in a guided setting. Prerequisite: Christian Ministries major, sophomore standing.