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The course description has been updated in July, 2008. For more info, feel free to contact course developer.
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Course Descriptions
Letters and numbers are used to designate courses in terms of the departments and levels. The departments are designated with letters in the following way:
BG Biblical Greek
BH Biblical Hebrew
CH Church History
EL English Language
EM Education Ministry
ET Ethical Theology
ME Mission and Evangelism
NT New Testament
OT Old Testament
PM Pastoral Ministry
PR Preaching
PT Philosophical Theology
ST Systematic Theology
TE Theological English
TG Theological German
TH Theology
TL Theological Latin
10–20 Graduate level courses (M.A. and M.Div.)
50–60 Academic or professional doctoral level courses (Th.M., D.Min., Th.D.)
Graduate Level Courses (M.A. and M.Div. Programs)
English and Research Language Courses
EL 11 Remedial English I Two units
This is a specifically designed course to assist students from non-English speaking countries to meet basic requirements in English reading and writing competency. This is a required course for students who have not met the TOFEL requirement.
EL 12 Remedial English II Two units
This is a continuation of EL 11, a required course for students who do not pass the English comprehensive examination administered by the Office of Academic Affairs.
EL 13 Corrective English I Two units
This course is designed to assist students from non-English speaking countries to improve their reading skills. A prerequisite is completion of EL 11 and EL 12 or passing the English Comprehensive examination.
EL 14 Corrective English II Two units
This is a sequel to EL 13, which is designed to help students from non-English speaking countries improve their writing and conversational skills in English.
TE 11 Theological English I Two units
This is a course designed for students from non-English speaking countries, whose last degree is not in theology. The purpose is to help students understand basic theological terms and concepts. Basic bibliography for theological research may be provided.
TE 12 Theological English II Two units
A continuation of TE 11 taught by different teachers to expose students to various theological terms.
TG 11 Theological German I Two units
An introductory course for the basic elements of German grammar to prepare students for theological reading in German.
TG 12 Theological German II Two units
A continuation of TG 11. It emphasizes the use of the language as a research tool in writing a thesis or dissertation.
TL 11 Theological Latin Two units
An introductory course for a basic Latin grammar to prepare students for theological reading in Latin.
Biblical Language Courses
BH 11 Biblical Hebrew I Four units
A detailed study of the basic elements of Biblical Hebrew, including morphology, grammar, and vocabulary. Approximately a half of the textbook will be covered in this course.
BH 12 Biblical Hebrew II Four units
This is a continuation of BH 11. The course completes the study of basic elements of Hebrew grammar.
BH 13 Hebrew Reading Three units
An interpretive reading of selected passages of the Hebrew Old Testament, including various styles of the text and writers, for the purpose of increasing the student’s reading ability in Hebrew, with the concentration on syntax, advanced grammar, and textual criticism. Prerequisite: BH12 or approval of the instructor.
BA 11 Biblical Aramaic Three units
This is an introductory course to learn elements of biblical Aramaic through the study of the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel. Prerequisite: BH 13 or approval of the instructor.
BG 11 New Testament Greek I Four units
A study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek: the declensions of Greek nouns, verbs, and basic vocabulary of the Greek NT.
BG 12 New Testament Greek II Four units
A continuation of BG 11. This course completes the second part of the textbook. Prerequisite: BG 11 or the approval of the instructor.
BG 13 Greek Reading Three units
An interpretive reading of selected passages of the Greek New Testament, including various styles of the text and writers, for the purpose of increasing the student’s reading ability. This course is also designed to help the student’s improve his/her exegetical skill, including textual criticism. Prerequisite: BG 12 or the instructor’s approval.
Old Testament Studies
OT 11A Pentateuch Four units
A study of the Pentateuch regarding the contents, structure, and theology of the first five books of the Old Testament. The course will also cover some major approaches to the study of the Pentateuch. This course can be replaced by OT 11B (Samuel/Kings).
OT 11B Samuel and Kings Four units
A study of the history of Israel from the appearance of Samuel to exile. Attention will be given to the relationship between Israel’s history and its theological understanding history in the context of God’s sovereignty. This course can be replaced by OT 11A.
OT 12A Prophets I Four units
A study of the three eighth century Prophets of Israel (Amos, Hosea, and Micah). An emphasis will be on the message of the prophets and the descriptions of the religious and political situations in the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. Literary form and structure of each book will also receive due attention. OT 12B Prophets II can replace this course.
OT 12B Prophets II Four units
A study of the content and message of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Emphasis will be on the conflicts between true and false prophets, prophetic dramas, and literary analysis of oracles. This course can be replaced by OT 12A.
OT 13A Psalms Four units
A study of psalms emphasizing their types, elements, and theology. Understanding of human suffering and pastoral use of individual lament psalms will also be emphasized. This course can be replaced by OT 13B.
OT 13B Wisdom Books Four units
A study of the three Wisdom Books: Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Special attention is given to the definition and international character of wisdom as well as human suffering and meaningful life. This course can be replaced by OT 13A.
OT 14 Old Testament Theology Three units
A study of central themes of the Old Testament. It also covers a survey of various approaches to the Old Testament theology. Emphasis is given to the understanding of God, prophets, and priests in the Old Testament.
OT 15 A History of Israel Three units
A study of the history of Israel emphasizing the period from the time of Abraham to the last century of B.C. Special attention is given to parallel texts from surrounding areas of Israel such as Mesopotamia, Ugarit, and Egypt.
OT 16 Independent Study in the Old Testament Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
New Testament Studies
NT 11 New Testament I Four units
A study of the life and teaching of Jesus as contained in the Synoptic Gospels, with an introduction to the literary structure and the distinctive themes of each Gospel, together with an examination of historical background of early Christianity from the time of Alexander the Great to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.
NT 12 New Testament II Four units
A study of Acts and letters of Paul, focusing on the geographical and historical development of Pauline mission and the Church, with an introduction to the distinctive missionary context of Pauline letters.
NT 13 New Testament III Four units
A study of the history of revelation as preserved in Johannine writings and Catholic Epistles, with special emphasis upon unique themes of the Johannine writings and distinctive social context of the General Letters.
NT 14 Gospel of Matthew Three units
An exegetical and redactional study of the Gospel of Matthew to ascertain its distinctive purpose and message relative to the fourfold Gospel tradition, and its contribution to the developing theology. Prerequisite: NT 11.
NT 15 Studies in the Book of Acts Three units
An exegetical study of the Book of Acts, focusing on the growth f the early Christian churches.
NT 16 Pauline Eschatology Three units
A study of eschatology in Paul’s writings in an attempt to understand its main features and its integral relation to the whole Palestine theology.
NT 17 New Testament Theology Three units
An investigation of the New Testament theology, such as Kingdom of God, Christological titles, salvation by faith, eternal life, etc., with a special concern how the distinctive themes of the Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Writings, Pauline and Catholic Epistles establish a theological unity. Prerequisite: NT 11, 12, and 13 or special permission from the professor.
NT 18 Independent Study in the New Testament Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Church History
CH 11 Church History I Four units
A study of historical events, movements and leaders, and the tracing of the development of Christian doctrine to the beginning of the Reformation (c. A.D. 30–1500).
CH 12 Church History II Four units
A study of historical events, movements, and leaders, and the tracing of the development of Christian doctrine from the Reformation to the present (c. A.D. 1500 to the present).
CH 13 Non-Western Church History Three units
A study of the rise and development of Christian churches in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Special attention is given to the impact of national independence on indigenous churches, the rates of church growth, and the rise of Third World theologies. Relations to the State and the Church statistics are surveyed in the various leading nations.
CH 14 Theology of Reformation Three units
A concentrated study of the world of major theological thought of the Reformation and its significance in the progress of Christianity and civilization.
CH 15 Background of the New Testament Three units
A historical and social study of the Second Temple period in which the New Testament was born. Special attention is given to the cultural and social situation of Graeco-Roman Mediterranean society.
CH 16 Independent Study in Church History Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Systematic Theology
ST 11 Prolegomena and Doctrine of God Four units
The first part is a study covering an introduction to basic theological thought, canonicity, and the doctrine of Scripture. The development of theology and the theologians holding different views will also be analyzed and discussed. The second part deals with the essential nature, names and attributes of God, the Trinity, the divine decrees, creation and providence.
ST 12 Doctrine of Man and Christ Four units
A study covering two parts: Man and Christ. The first part covers the doctrine of man, including the origin, nature and original state of man, man’s fall, the doctrine of sin, and the covenant of grace. The second part covers the following: the person and nature of Christ, the states of humiliation and exaltation, the three-fold office and atonement.
ST 13 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit and Salvation Four units
The first part covers biblical and historical survey on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, his nature and work in salvation, and the ministry and mission of the Church. The second part covers the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the application of redemption by the Holy Spirit, union with Christ, calling, regeneration, conversion, faith, justification, sanctification and perseverance.
ST 14 Doctrine of the Church and Last Things Four units
The first part covers the following: the nature, government and power of the Church, the means of grace, the Words and Sacraments. The second part covers physical death, immortality of the soul and the intermediate state, the second coming of Christ, millennial views, the resurrection of the dead, final judgment and the final state.
ST 15 Confessional Theology Three units
A study of the history and theology of the Westminster Confession, Belgic Confession and Heidelberg Catechism with special attention to the contemporary relevance for preaching from these confessions.
ST 16 Contemporary Theology Three units
A critical study of modern sects and heresies claiming to be Christian: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventism, Unification Church, Mormonism, Christian Science and others.
ST 17 Contemporary Theology Three units
A study of the theological thought of the last and present centuries with special emphasis on the theology of Neo-orthodoxy, Liberalism, theology of Liberation, and Third World theology. Critique and evaluation will be presented from an Evangelical Reformed perspective.
ST 18 Independent Study in Systematic Theology Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Philosophical Theology
PT 11 Apologetics Three units
Analysis and application of the classical and contemporary systems which attempt a philosophical defense of the Christian faith against the traditional and contemporary attacks arising within and without the Christian Church. PT 11 and PT 12 are interchangeable.
PT 12 Foundations of Philosophical Theology Three units
A survey study of major philosophical thought and major concerns in ontology, logic, epistemology, philosophical methodology and ethics. Major moral problems in science, medicine, politics, economics and sociology will be examined in the light of Reformed theology. PT 12 and PT 11 are interchangeable.
PT 13 Independent Study in Apologetics Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Ethical Theology
ET 11 Christian ethics Three units
A historical survey of basic ethical theories and the study of basic moral implications of Christian theology with discussions of case studies in moral problems.
ET 12 Contemporary Social Problems Three units
A theological and moral reflection on contemporary social problems and their implication in Christian social life. Students may participate in the identification of specific issues to be addressed in this course.
ET 13 Ethical and Philosophical Reflection Seminary Three units
A specifically designed seminar on selected philosophical theories and philosophers.
ET 14 Independent Study in Ethical Theology Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Preaching
PR 11 Homiletics Three units
A study of the nature and principles of preaching along with application of these principles in sermon construction from textual exegesis to written manuscript. Effective, powerful delivery and guided homiletic criticism are emphasized.
PR 12 Contemporary Preaching Three units
Students are to compose and deliver sermons with special attention to a contemporary audience. Emphasis will be on audience analysis and sociological awareness to be reflected in sermons.
PR 13 Independent Study in Preaching Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Pastoral Ministry
PM 11 Spiritual Life of a Pastor Three units
An introduction to pastoral life and character in the church setting with emphasis on devotional life, parenting, marriage, finances, and the development of the student as a minister of the Gospel for the Church.
PM 12 Pastoral Care and Counseling Four units
An introduction to the Church’s pastoral care of the individual, the family, the congregation and the members of the community with development of skills in individual counseling through theological and psychological analysis of case studies, professional growth groups. An introduction to several counseling methods which are appropriate for pastoral use will be introduces to students.
PM 13 Pastoral Leadership and Administration Four units
A study of pastoral leadership theories in the context of church ministry and its administration. Aspects of church polity will also be discusses.
PM 14 Independent Study in Pastoral Ministry Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Mission and Evangelism
ME 11 Biblical Theology of Mission Four units
An introduction to mission emphasizing the biblical basis for mission. OT and NT data will be used to evaluate both the motives and methods of missions and an evaluation of past and present mission strategies and techniques.
ME 12 History of Missions Four units
A survey of historical progress of the Christian church from the perspective of global mission. Special attention will be give to particular mission settings and methodologies employed by the Church in its mission.
ME 13 Biblical Theology of Church Growth Four units
A biblical-theological introduction to church growth. Emphasis will be on the discussion of helps and hindrances in their application.
ME 14 Current Issues in World Mission Four units
This course is designed to expose students in an overall manner to current issues related to the spread of Christianity in the world. Special attention will be given to the topics pertinent to the interests of students.
ME 15 Foundations in Anthropology Four units
A study of cultural anthropology with emphasis on an anthropological perspective to Christian mission. Students will be encouraged to develop skills to understand cultural aspects different from their own.
ME 16 Urban Ministry Four units
An investigation and analysis of the dynamics of modern urbanization process to help students develop skills for an effective ministry to meet the needs and the challenges of the contemporary urban society.
ME 17 Christian Witness to Resistant Cultures Three units
A critical examination and development of a strategy in effectively sharing the gospel to cultures with strong resistance to Christianity based on their own aggressive faiths.
ME 18 Cross-Cultural Ministry Three units
This course is to help students understand the cross-cultural nature of the modern urban world and ministry in a cross-cultural setting. Special attention is given to effective ministry and continued growth in the Christian life.
ME 19 Evangelism and Church Planting Three units
A study of various methods of evangelism and church planting with an emphasis on case studies prepared by the students. The course also includes the reading of several books by contemporary leaders in evangelism and church planting.
ME 20 Independent Study in Mission and Evangelism Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.
Educational Ministry: Christian Education
EM 11 Foundations of Christian Education Four units
An introductory course in Educational Ministries. Special attention is given to exploring the biblical and theological foundations for the educational ministries of the Church.
EM 12 Christian Education Program of the Church Four units
An introductory course for an overview of the issues on the teaching ministry of the church. Students will be encouraged to develop a philosophy of educational ministry with a focus on Christian formation in their cultural settings.
EM 13 Youth Culture Today Four units
A study of biblical and educational perspectives pertaining to youth for the purpose of evangelism and nurture in the contexts of the family and local congregation. Special attention is given to the understanding of contemporary adolescent life in different cultures with focus on the church’s ministry with youth. Students will be encouraged to develop contemporary approaches for witnessing to young people.
EM 14 Human Development Four units
This course is designed to provide the pastor or Christian worker with a developmental approach to Christian family living. Students will be exposed to developmental life changes in persons and how changing events in life can affect marriage and the family. A thorough discussion of the implications for Christian ministry will be provided.
EM 15 Spirituality and Christian Education Four units
An integration course for cumulative understanding of Spirituality and Christian Education to heighten the effect of the teaching ministry of the church. Special attention is given to the spiritual factors, such as prayer and worship, which can play important roles in the context of Christian Education.
EM 16 Creative Teaching Methods Four units
This is an introductory course to develop effective teaching skills and strategies. Special attention will be given to creative approaches to teaching different groups of learners in the Church. Students will be encouraged to present creative teaching methods.
EM 17 Christian Formation of Children Three units
A study of biblical and educational perspectives pertaining to formative years of the child. Emphasis will be on the understanding of how children learn and develop and how to establish Christian values as the basis for child education.
EM 18 Independent Study in Education Ministries Three units
A student can petition for an independent study on a subject of his/her interest. Offering an independent study is subject to the agreement of an instructor and the approval of the Academic Dean. The student must be aware of the maximum units which can be taken through independent study in a degree program.