Biblical Studies

Courses

BIBL1100: Introduction to Biblical Studies

Credits 3

An introduction to the serious study of the Bible in its historical, cultural, and literary context. The course emphasizes the essential content, structure, and theological message of the books of the Bible. Students are introduced to the practice of biblical exegesis and to the geography and archaeology of the lands of the Bible. This course is designed for general students.  Must receive a grade of C- or higher to fulfill the General Education Christian Formation requirement

BIBL3150: Biblical Interpretation

Credits 3

A study of the history, methods, and principles of biblical interpretation. Students will develop skills in interpreting different genres in both the Old and New Testaments. Other topics include the authority of the Bible as the Church's Scriptures and the relationship between the Testaments.

BIBL3220: Psalms

Credits 3
An exegetical and practical study of the book of Psalms. The course will include a discussion of the structure, formation and theology of the Psalms. Representative samples of each major type of Psalm will be studied. Part of the course will develop practical ways of using Psalms for personal spiritual formation. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3230: Wisdom Literature

Credits 3
An exegetical and practical study of the books of Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. The course will include a discussion of the structure, formation and theology of the wisdom literature. Students will also be introduced to ancient wisdom literature from other cultures. Part of the course will develop practical ways of using the wisdom literature for personal spiritual formation. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3260: Life and Teachings of Jesus

Credits 3
A study of the life and ministry of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels with special attention to background, exegesis and theological interpretation. Personal and social implications leading to spiritual formation and social responsiveness will be emphasized. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3270: Johannine Writings

Credits 3
An inductive study of selected books traditionally included within the Johannine collection: the Gospel of John, the Johannine Letters, and the Book of Revelation. The course will focus on the development of exegetical skills and on the theology of these texts, with particular attention to the role of these texts in spiritual formation. This course is designed for general students.
Prerequisites

BIBL3810: The Bible and the Holy Lands

Credits 3

This course is a study and travel experience of the Holy Lands (the region around and including modern Israel), one of the most significant places in both the ancient and contemporary worlds. As the sacred lands for three major religious traditions, this region has been the setting for defining events in religious history, not to mention the central context for much of what is described in the Bible. This course includes a study of the region, geography, and culture of the Holy Lands (both past and present), with attention to how such experience may contribute to the interpretation of biblical texts. Attention will also be given to students' interaction with different cultures and peoples of the region. Fulfills a General Education Cultural Experience (CE) requirement. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prerequisites

BIBL4340: New Testament Narratives

Credits 3

An exegetical study of selected New Testament narratives, including the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. This course will give specific attention to the canonical and theological context of these books in relation to other books of the New Testament and the rest of the Christian canon.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

BIBL4350: New Testament Letters

Credits 3

An exegetical study of selected New Testament letters. This course will emphasize the occasion, purpose, and theological message of a few different letters on a rotating basis.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or prerequisite 

BIBL4440: Old Testament Narratives

Credits 3

An exegetical study of selected Old Testament narratives, including texts from the Torah and/or the Historical Books. This course will give specific attention to the canonical and theological context of these books in relation to other books of the New Testament and the rest of the Christian canon.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

BIBL4450: Old Testament Prophets

Credits 3

An exegetical study of the prophets of the Old Testament. The course will include an overview of the history of the prophetic movement and the primary message of selected writing prophets.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite

BIBL4460: Old Testament Psalms and Writings

Credits 3

An exegetical study of the psalms and writings of the Old Testament. This course will offer a selected study of materials from one or both of these collections, focusing on their canonical and theological significance.

Prerequisites
Corequisites

CHIS3630 as a corequisite or a prerequisite