Courses

A critical investigation of historical, literary, religious, and cultural backgrounds pertaining to the interpretation of the Old Testament. 3 hours.

A critical investigation of historical, literary, religious, and cultural backgrounds pertaining to the interpretation of the New Testament. 2 hours.

A study of hermeneutics, including its history, with emphasis on recent trends and applications. This will include issues such as the impact of presuppositions on interpretation, the dynamics of dual authorship, the question of where meaning resides, the effect of differences in genre on interpretation, as well as considerations of the reality of the progress of revelation and its application to today’s world. The seminar involves a mixture of discussion of theory and discussion of texts. 3 hours.

This course is designed to guide the student in the use of library materials, computerized databases, and bibliographic resources, as well as research strategies, dissertation topic selection, and familiarization with form and style for dissertations. 1 hour.

An introductory study of Old Testament criticism, including theories on the text and its composition, modern methods of textual analysis, canonicity, and the history, theory, and practice of Old Testament criticism. 2 hours.

An inductive and deductive study of biblical Hebrew from the perspective of its historical development within the Semitic family of languages. Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Hebrew proficiency exam. 3 hours.

A critical appraisal of the major studies dealing with Old Testament theology and the development of a self-consistent, comprehensive, and integrative biblical theology. 3 hours.

An exegetical, critical, and literary study of selected passages in the Torah, designed to enhance an appreciation and comprehension of the literature and an understanding of how it contributes to the overall purpose and message of the Old Testament. 3 hours.

An exegetical, critical, and literary study of selected passages in the Prophets, designed to enhance an appreciation and comprehension of the literature and an understanding of how it contributes to the overall purpose and message of the Old Testament. 3 hours.

An exegetical, critical, and literary study of passages in hymnic, apocalyptic, and wisdom literature designed to enhance an appreciation and comprehension of the literature and an understanding of how it contributes to the overall purpose and message of the Old Testament. 3 hours.

Independent research and writing of a dissertation on an approved topic pertaining to Old Testament studies, under the supervision of three faculty advisors. 3 hours.

The dissertation continuation course is required of all students writing a dissertation who are beyond one year in the dissertation process. Students must register for this course each fall and spring until completion of the dissertation. 1 hour.

An introduction to the historical, archaeological, and linguistic backgrounds of the Qumran materials, with attention given to the analysis of selections from 1QIs^a. Emphasis is on the relevance of the scrolls to textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible and the contribution of the scrolls to the study of historical Hebrew grammar. 3 hours.

An introduction to the basic grammar of Akkadian, with reading from texts relevant to the study of the Old Testament. 3 hours.

A course devoted to the reading and analysis of selected Akkadian legal and mythological texts. The significance of Akkadian literature for the study of the Old Testament will be emphasized. Prerequisite: OT8220 Introduction to Akkadian. 2 hours.

An introduction to Ugaritic grammar, with reading and analysis of selected poetic texts that have special bearing on the literature and thought of Old Testament Israel. 3 hours.

Translation and analysis of Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician, and other Northwest Semitic inscriptions, with emphasis on their contribution to Old Testament studies. 3 hours.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of targumic Aramaic, with selected readings from the major Aramaic Targums. Attention is given to targumic translation techniques and the relevance of targumic studies to Old and New Testament research. Prerequisite: OT5325 Biblical Aramaic or OT8265 Biblical Aramaic. 3 hours.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of classical Syriac, with readings from both biblical and extrabiblical Syriac texts. Particular attention is given to the value of a working knowledge of Syriac for Old and New Testament studies. Prerequisite: OT5325 Biblical Aramaic or OT8265 Biblical Aramaic. 3 hours.

Practice in reading various Syriac texts, with particular attention given to the Syriac Peshitta. Emphasis is on developing a working knowledge of Syriac and an understanding of its application to biblical studies. Prerequisite: OT8245 Introduction to Syriac. 3 hours.

A study of the basic principles of phonology, morphology, and syntax for the Sahidic dialect of the Coptic language. The course will provide experience in translation and analysis of selected Coptic texts, introduction to the major scholarly tools available for Coptic research, and discussion of the relevance of Coptic studies for biblical and theological research. 3 hours.

An introduction to the various genres of ancient Near Eastern literature in their cultural setting, with application to understanding Old Testament literature and theology. 3 hours.

A study of the basic principles of phonology, morphology, and syntax of biblical Aramaic. Translation and analysis of the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel are accompanied by discussion of the relevance of Aramaic studies to Old and New Testament research. 3 hours.

This course will guide students in the task of beginning to develop an exegetically derived, hermeneutically informed biblical theology of the Old Testament through assignments in selected themes, texts, books, and portions of the Hebrew Scriptures while grappling with major methodological issues in the discipline. Prerequisite: OT8103 Foundations of Old Testament Biblical Theology. 3 hours.

A student internship, supervised by a departmental professor, in which the philosophy and practice of teaching and writing and the details of class preparation, examination, and grading are discussed. As part of the internship, students are expected to teach at least one session in an approved educational context under supervision of the professor. This course is intended to provide a mentoring relationship to help the student prepare for teaching Old Testament courses at the college or seminary level. 2 hours.

Independent research on an approved topic within the scope of the department with a thesis required. Credit is allowed proportionate to the work but not to exceed 4 credit hours. 1–4 hours.

A critical review of the history of interpretation of the New Testament, with emphasis on contemporary issues in New Testament theology and hermeneutics. 3 hours.

An examination of major New Testament theologies, which is intended as a summary course for those with a New Testament Studies concentration. Prerequisite: 10 hours completed in the PhD program or consent of the department. 3 hours.

Independent research and writing of a dissertation on an approved topic pertaining to New Testament studies, under the supervision of three faculty advisors. 3 hours.

The dissertation continuation course is required of all students writing a dissertation who are beyond one year in the dissertation process. Students must register for this course each fall and spring until completion of the dissertation. 1 hour.

A study of the materials, history, and praxis of New Testament textual criticism, with emphasis on examination of manuscripts and analysis of competing text-critical theories. 3 hours.

An examination of method and approaches related to the Historical Jesus study so that the student can interact at a technical level on the topic. Particular attention will be given to the Third Quest, major recent treatments, and discussion of key events in Jesus’s ministry. 3 hours.

A critical study of the relationships between the Synoptic Gospels, an investigation of various theories to explain the similarities and differences in the Synoptics, and an examination of the methods of source criticism. 3 hours.

A study of the writings of Paul in the New Testament as well as a critical reading of recent literature on these writings to discover the background, nature, and distinctives of Pauline theology. 3 hours.

A study of the central theological concepts in Hebrews and the epistles of James, Peter, and Jude, based on exegesis of key passages and interaction with contemporary studies of these epistles. 3 hours.

An examination of important theological topics and related issues in the Gospel and Epistles of John, including interaction with current critical approaches and exegesis of key passages, emphasizing the distinctive contribution of Johannine theology to the theology of the New Testament. 3 hours.

An examination of apocalyptic literature in its historical-literary context, with consideration given to texts from early Judaism and the Old and New Testaments. 3 hours.

A study of the cultural contexts of the New Testament, utilizing ancient sources to which the student was exposed in BS8102 New Testament Backgrounds and relevant secondary sources in order to facilitate and understanding of the cultural contexts of and daily life in the first century. Topics such as honor/shame, patronage, family life, and religion will be discussed. The class will meet in conjunction with BE5315 Bible Manners and Customs. Doctoral students in the class will be required to prepare and teach on a topic during the term. Prerequisite: BS8102 New Testament Backgrounds. 3 hours.

A continuation of the study begun in BS8102 New Testament Backgrounds of ancient sources surrounding the New Testament. Specific material may vary each time the course is taught. Students will be expected to build on their work in BS8102 New Testament Backgrounds in order to develop their skills in using the specific sources, especially as they relate to New Testament exegesis. 3 hours.

A student internship, supervised by a departmental professor, in which the philosophy and practice of teaching and writing and the details of class preparation, examination, and grading are discussed. As part of the internship, students are expected to teach at least one session in an approved educational context under supervision of the professor. This course is intended to provide a mentoring relationship to help the student prepare for teaching New Testament courses at the college or seminary level. 2 hours.

Independent research on an approved topic within the scope of the department, with a thesis required. Credit is allowed proportionate to the amount of work but not to exceed 4 credit hours. 1–4 hours.

Independent research and writing of a dissertation on an approved topic pertaining to Bible Exposition studies, under the supervision of three faculty advisors. 3 hours.

The dissertation continuation course is required of all students writing a dissertation who are beyond one year in the dissertation process. Students must register for this course each fall and spring until completion of the dissertation. 1 hour.

A critical examination of Bible exposition as an academic discipline, with a focus on methodology, understanding of metanarrative, book arguments, and an approach for future studies. This course is a recommended prerequisite to all other Bible Exposition courses in the PhD program. 3 hours.

A study of the Books of Genesis through Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, with emphasis on historical, geographical, and archaeological issues, interpretive issues, and biblical theology issues, including covenant and prophetic interpretations. 3 hours.

A study of the Books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the 12 minor prophets, with emphasis on historical and cultural setting, genre, the prophets’ use of the biblical covenants, and messianic prophecy. 3 hours.

A study of Psalms, the Wisdom books (Job and Proverbs), the Megilloth (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther), Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles, and Daniel, with emphasis on historical and geographical settings, poetic traditions in the ancient Near East and use in the Hebrew Bible, genre and its relation to hermeneutical issues, and messianic prophecy. 3 hours.

A study of the four Gospels and Acts, with emphasis on genre and selected biblical issues such as the kingdom, the gospel message, transitional issues, and eschatology. 3 hours.

A study of Romans through Philemon, with emphasis on historical backgrounds, the role of culture in interpretation, theological themes, and application. 3 hours.

A study of Hebrews through Revelation, with emphasis on authorship, purpose, genre, interpretative problems, and prophecy. 3 hours.

A student internship, supervised by a departmental professor, in which the philosophy and practice of teaching and writing and the details of class preparation, examination, and grading are discussed. As part of the internship, students are expected to teach at least one session in an approved educational context under supervision of the professor. This course is intended to provide a mentoring relationship to help the student prepare for teaching Bible Exposition courses at the college or seminary level. 2 hours.

Independent research on an approved topic within the scope of the department, with a thesis required. Credit is allowed proportionate to the amount of work but not to exceed 4 credit hours. 1–4 hours.

An independent study course in which the student completes the Bible arguments that were not completed throughout the student’s coursework. These arguments will be completed in coordination with the assigned professor for this course. 3 hours.

A field study of historical-geographical biblical sites in Israel. This course is offered each May and consists of 3 weeks in Israel along with map work and quizzes. PhD students will, in addition to completing the requirements of the tour, submit a paper on a geographical or archaeological topic related to the land of Israel. May also be credited in the Department of Old Testament Studies or the Department of New Testament Studies with approval from that department. 3 hours.

This course provides instruction in research methods, including thesis recognition, the use of resources, dissertation development, and the use of proper form and style for papers and the dissertation. This course also provides an orientation to the PhD program in Theological Studies, and therefore enrollment is limited to students in that program. 1 hour.

A critical study of historiographical research and issues in modern hermeneutics. 3 hours.

A critical investigation of the sources of theology (revelation, tradition, and culture) and their bearing on the work of theology today. 3 hours.

A critical study of contemporary theologians and trends in theology. 3 hours.

A critical study of traditions, trends, issues, and major thinkers in contemporary evangelicalism. 3 hours.

A study of the historical development of Christian doctrines from the Patristic through the Modern era. 3 hours.

A critical study of several standard theological systems and their construction. 3 hours.

Independent research and writing of a dissertation on an approved topic pertaining to theological studies, under the supervision of three faculty advisors. 3 hours.

The dissertation continuation course is required of all students writing a dissertation who are beyond one year in the dissertation process. Students must register for this course each fall and spring until completion of the dissertation. 1 hour.

A critical study of a doctrinal area such as Trinitarianism, Christology, anthropology, ecclesiology, or eschatology. Students may reenroll for credit as the topic changes. 3 hours.

A critical study of a selected period, figure, or theme in the history of Christian thought. Students may reenroll for credit as the topic changes. 3 hours.

A study of exegetical and hermeneutical approaches to the Scriptures from the Patristic through the Modern era. 3 hours.

Students pursuing ministry in teaching participate in an internship with a member of the Theological Studies department faculty, receiving instruction in course design and development, lesson planning, and pedagogy, and participating in formal teaching opportunities. 2 hours.

Independent research on an approved topic, with a thesis required. Credit is allowed proportionate to the amount of work but not to exceed 4 credit hours. 1–4 hours.

A seminar on the status of Bible colleges, Christian liberal arts colleges, and seminaries at the beginning of the twenty-first century, with attention to administration and teaching in those schools. 2 hours.

This course is a noncredit course in reading theological French, designed to bring students to a level of proficiency in reading that fulfills the PhD requirement for ability in French. This is not a course in conversational French, although points concerning conversation and pronunciation occasionally will be covered as an aid to study and memorization. 2 hours. 

This course is a noncredit course in reading theological German, designed to bring students to a level of proficiency in reading that fulfills the PhD requirements for ability in German. This is not a course in conversational German, although points concerning conversation and pronunciation occasionally will be covered as an aid to study and memorization. 2 hours.