Biblical Studies Courses Descriptions

Biblical Studies
Courses Descriptions

Foundations of Biblical Studies:

BibS. 130: 3 cr.

'Learn about the Bible and how to read it well: from an introduction to the important differences of the various literary genres compiled within.' Bible Project Videos

Christian History: Christianity, its Sources and History- Level 1 BibS.CHx. 130: 3 cr.

This is a writing intensive course

A study of early Christianity Its sources, history and engagement with Western Civilization. The Sources: Scripture (the primary source), Tradition (the writings of the Patristic Fathers, which are the primary commentary on the Scriptures), and the Liturgy (according to the ancient axiom: lex credendi, lex orandi). Scripture as the primary source for what Christians believe will be the focus of Level 1 of the course.

Old Testament Survey

BibS. 132: 3 cr.

This course is designed to give the scholar a basic knowledge of the Old Testament. The scholars will be exposed to the content of the Old Testament, major themes, historical critical methodology and current issues in the study of the ancient Near East.
The scholars will read the Bible along with secondary materials and in the process gain a deeper appreciation of the Bible and the exegetical tools and skills needed for competent interpretation, exposition, and application of the scriptures.

New Testament Survey

BibS. 230: 3 cr.

This course is an introduction to the canonical writings of the Second Testament (New Testament) with particular attention to narrative and epistolary genres. Each document of the New Testament will be surveyed for its historical background, basic structure, and overall message. Some attention will be given to reading strategies for the various genres of the New Testament.

Christian History: Christianity, its Sources and History - Level 2 BibS. Chx. 230: 3 cr.

This is a writng intensive course

Christian History: Christianity, its Sources and History - Level 2 will focus on the development of Orthodoxy Beginning with the life and ministry of Jesus through the Patristic period; from the First century through the Fifth century. From the sacramental ministry of Jesus to Augustine of Hippo. In between, we will meet Apostolic Fathers, Apologists and the first Christian theologians and Roman emperors.

Biblical Interpretation

BibS. 330: 3 cr.

This course will study the major books of the Hebrew Scriptures emphasizing their content and theology.Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to

1. Read and evaluate the biblical scriptures in a holistic style and compare various bible versions to derive at personal understanding based on your culture, community, and life experience.
2. Critically read and analyze various biblical versions and recognize the theory and methodology of interpretation of biblical texts and prepare sermons and biblical lessons with a new confidence.
3. Develop the confidence that biblical interpretation is a lifelong process filled with continuous learning.

Christian History: Christianity, its Sources, and History - Level 3 BibS. CHx. 330: 3 cr.

This is a writing intensive course

A critical continuation of Christian History:Christianity, its Sources and History. Levels 1 & 2. A breief overview of the beginnings of Christiany with with Christology and a theology of the Scriptures, to the development of orthodoxy in the Ancient Church. The primary objective of this course is the exploration of the monumental time of the Reformation. We will conclude this course by articulating an ecumenical paradigm shift in the Universal Church.

Biblical Criticism

BibS. 430: 3 cr.

This course will survey the major types of biblical criticism: (1) Textual criticism, which is concerned with establishing the original or most authoritative text, 2) Literary criticism, which focuses on the various literary genres embedded in the text in order to uncover evidence concerning date of composition, authorship, and original function of the various types of writing that constitute the Bible, 3) Form criticism, which classifies the written material according to the preliterary forms, such as parable or hymn, 4) Redaction criticism, which studies how the documents were assembled by their final authors and editors, and (5) Historical criticism, which seeks to interpret biblical writings in the context of their historical settings. The students will examine and discus the Documentary Hypothesis and strengthen their skills in applying critical thinking skills as they explore the process of exegesis.

Typology

BibS. 432: 4 cr.

[Grad]

While reading and studying the messianic scriptures of the NT, we encounter stories that draw their origins from the various Hebrew Bible OT.
Typology, in its theological meaning, weaves threads between the stories in the OT, the “types” which are suggestive to the plan of God, and the ones of the NT, the “antitypes” which bind them together.
In this course the scholars will study the divinely woven thread that runs through six selected stories from the Old Testament and identify the different typological characteristics: narrative and allegorical, moral and legal, prophetic and lineal, by utilizing the methodology of hermeneutics.