Biblical Studies Course Descriptions


Biblical Studies Course Descriptions
Below we have listed for you course descriptions for the courses that make up the Biblical Studies major. 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.

3 hours in Biblical Studies 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.

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 Practical Theology selected from:
MIN 205 "Christian Education in the Local Church" (3) Emphasis on principles essential for participation. Prerequisite: BIB 113 or permission of the instructor.

MIN 215 "Methods of Teaching the Bible" (3) Prerequisites: BIB 112 and 113

MIN 219 "World Christian Movement" (3) Selected types of societies, both past and present, that represent varying levels of cultural development. Cross-cultural and Christian approach to case studies.

MIN 220 "Topics in Christian Ministry" (3) Exposure to new approaches and strategies to ministry. Prerequisites: BIB 112, 113 and sophomore standing.