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M.A. and M.Div. Course Descriptions

All core courses are noted with letter C at the end of department notation. Electives are noted with letter E, and non credit courses are noted with letter N at the end of department notation.

Departmental notation:
Language Studies L_N 000's
Biblical Studies - Old Testament OT 100's;
Biblical Studies - New Testament NT 200's;
Historical Studies HT 300's;
Theological Studies - Systematic Studies ST 400's;
Theological Studies - Philosophical and Moral Theology AP 500's;
Practical Theology -Church and Ministry PT 600's;
Practical Theology - Christian Education PT 700's; and
Practical Theology - Mission and Church Growth MS 800's.

Language Studies

LEN 011 Remedial English I Four units

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 with TOEFL scores under 550.

LEN 012 Remedial English II Four units

A continuation of LEN 011. A required course for students who do not pass the English comprehensive examination administered by the Office of Academic Affairs.

LEN 013 Corrective English I Two units

A specifically designed course in corrective English writing to assist students in improving their writing skills. Prerequisite is LEN 011 or the passing of the English Comprehensive Exam.

LEN 014 Corrective English II Two units

A course in comprehensive reading and conversation English designed to assist students from non-English speaking world improve their communication skill in conversation. Prerequisites: completion of LEN 010 or passing English comprehensive exam.

LGN 021 Theological German I Two units

An introductory course in German reading to assist the student in familiarizing with the primary source in theological writings. Offered only when there is enough interest.

LGN 022 Theological German II Two units

An advanced course in German reading in assisting the student in familiarizing with the primary source in theological writing. Offered only when there is enough interest.

LLN 031 Theological Latin Three units

An introductory course in basic Latin terms and sentences in theological writings and discourses.

LTE 199 Linguistic Tools for Biblical Studies Three units

An introduction to the use of computer software and other linguistic tools in the study of biblical languages and their application in theological and biblical studies. Offered only when there is enough interest.

LHC 100 Hebrew I Four units

A detailed study of the basic elements of Biblical Hebrew, including Hebrew consonants, vowels, nouns, adjectives and prepositions. Prerequisite for LHC 110 Hebrew II.

LHC 110 Hebrew II Four units

This is a continuation of LHC 100 Hebrew I. The course completes the study of basic elements of Hebrew grammar, including the study of the weak verbs. Prerequisite for OTC 102 Hebrew Reading.

LGC 200 New Testament Greek I Four units

A study of the most basic elements of New Testament Greek: the declension of Greek nouns, the verb system, and basic vocabulary based on the Greek text of 1 John. This course is continued in LGC 210.

LGC 210 New Testament Greek II Four units

A continuation of LGC 200 emphasizing more difficult elements of New Testament Greek: translation of participles, the subjunctive mood, purpose and result clauses, and other elements of syntax based on the text of 1 John and the Gospel of Mark.

Biblical Studies: Old Testament

OTC 120 Hebrew Reading Three units

An interpretive reading of selected passages of the Hebrew Old Testament, including various styles of literature and writers, for the purpose of increasing the student's reading ability in the Hebrew Old Testament with concentration on syntax, advanced grammar, and textural criticism. Prerequisite: LHC 110 or equivalent.

OTC 130A Old Testament IA: Introduction--Pentateuch Four units

A study of the Pentateuch: its content, authorship, date, and theology with an emphasis on its canonical, historical, hermeneutical and literary aspects.

OTC 130B Old Testament IB: Introduction--Samuel/Kings Four units

A study of the books of Samuel and Kings: its content, authorship, date, and theology with emphasis on their canonical, historical hermeneutical and literary aspects.

OTC 140A Old Testament IIA: Hebrew Prophets I (Amos, Hosea,Micah) Four units

A study of the 8th century Hebrew Prophets (Amos, Hosea, Isaiah and Micah): their contents, authorship, date and theology with an emphasis on the characteristics of classical prophet messages, includes the discussion on the canonical and literary understanding of the text.

OTC 140B Old Testament IIB: Hebrew Prophets II (Jeremiah, Ezekiel) Four units

A study of the Hebrew Prophets (Jeremiah and Ezekiel: their contents, authorship, date and theology with an emphasis on the characteristics of classical prophet messages, includes the discussion on the canonical and literary understanding of the text.

OTC 150A Old Testament IIIA: The Writings I (Psalms) Four units

A study of Psalms: its contents, backgrounds and theology with an emphasis on the wisdom movement in ancient Israel. The focus is on canonical understanding of the structure and arrangement of the books. Hebrew poetry and function of various Hebrew parallelism are also discussed.

OTC 150B Old Testament IIIB: The Writings II (Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes) Four units

A study of Job, Proverbs, and the Ecclesiastes: Their contents, backgrounds and theology with an emphasis on the wisdom movement in ancient Israel. The focus is on canonical understanding of the structure and arrangement of the books. Hebrew poetry and function of various Hebrew parallelism are also discussed.

OTE 160 Old Testament Theology Three units

A study of the development of theological dogma in the O.T. It deals with the nature of God, His self-revelation, His view of sin, mankind and redemptive rule.

OTE 191 Independent Study in Old Testament Three units

Biblical Studies: New Testament

NTE 220 Greek Reading and Exegesis Three units

An interpretive reading of selected passages of the Greek New Testament, including various styles of literature and writers, for the purpose of increasing the student's reading ability in the Greek New Testament. This course is also designed to help the students improve their exegetical skill, including textual criticism. Prerequisite: LGC 200 &210 or their equivalent.

NTC 230 New Testament I: Synoptic Gospels and NT World 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 70.A.D.

NTC 240 New Testament II: Acts and Pauline Epistles 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.

NTC 250 New Testament III: Johannine Writings and Catholic Epistles Three 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.

NTE 231 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: NTC 230

NTE 241 Studies in the Book of Acts Three units

An exegetical study of the Book of Acts, focusing on the growth of the early Christian churches.

NTE 249 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.

NTE 260 New Testament Theology: Unity and Diversity Three units

An investigation of the New Testament theology, such as Kingdom of God, Christological titles, salvation by faith, eternal life, etc.with special concern how the distinctive themes of the Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Writings, Pauline and Catholic Epistles establish a theological unity. Prerequisite: NTC 230, 240, & 250 or special permission from the professor.

NTE 291 Independent Study in New Testament Three units

Historical Studies

HTC 310 General 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)

HTC 320 General 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)

HTC 330 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 church statistics are surveyed in the various leading nations.

HTE 340 Theology of the Reformation and Its Historical Significance 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.

HIST 391 Independent study in Church History Three units

Theological Studies: Systematic Theology

STC 410 Hermeneutics and Biblical Interpretation Two units

A study and practice of the principle of Biblical interpretation with emphasis on the issues of analytic reading, contextual exegesis and exegetical fallacies in Biblical interpretation.

STC 430 Prolegomena and Theological Systems Three units

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.

STC 440 The Doctrines of God and Man Four units

A study covering the following: the essential nature, names and attributes of God, the Trinity, the divine decrees, creation and providence; the origin, nature and original state of man, man's fall, the doctrine of sin, and the covenant of grace.

STC 450 The Doctrines of Christ and Salvation Four units

A study covering the following: the person and nature of Christ, the states of humiliation and exaltation, the three-fold office and atonement; 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.

STC 460 The Doctrines of the Church and Last Things Four units

A study covering the following: the nature, government and power of the Church, the means of grace, the Word and Sacraments; 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.

STE 461 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.

STE 462 Contemporary Cults 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.

STE 481 Contemporary Theology Three units

A study of the theological thought of the 20th century 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.

STE 491 Independent Study in Systematic Theology Three units

Theological Studies: Philosophical and Moral Theology

APC 510 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. (APC 510 and APC 520 are interchangeable)

APC 520 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. (APC 510 and APC 520 are interchangeable)

APC 530 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.

APC 540 Contemporary Social Problems in Theological Perspective 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.

APE 532 Ethical and Philosophical Reflection Seminar Three units

A specially designed seminar on selected philosophical theories and philosophers. (Refer to GS 958)

APE 581 Research Methodology (Refer to GS 950) Two Hours

APE 591 Independent Study in Apologetics Three hours

Practical Theology: Church and Ministry Studies

PTC 610 Pastoral Theology I: Pastoral Life and Ministry Four 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. This course will also cover basic themes in the ministry of a pastor.

PTC 620 Pastoral Theology II: 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, and an introduction to several counseling methods appropriate for pastoral use.

PTC 630 Pastoral Theology III: Corporate Worship and Church Education Four units

A careful study of the Scriptural principles and proper practice of Christian public worship and the sacraments with an introduction to the nature, purpose and methods of liturgical orders and preaching, including a study of the nature, history and biblical principles of praise and prayer in Reformed perspectives.

This course also covers the educational ministries of the church, the organization and administration of Christian educational programs.

PTC 640 Pastoral Theology IV: Pastoral Leadership, Church polity and

Church 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 discussed.

PTC 650 Homiletics: Principles of Preaching 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.

PTC 660 Middler Preaching I Two units

Intensive work in the composition and delivery of sermons with special emphasis on their relevance to modern man. A minimum of two sermons delivered in class is required.

PTC 670 Middler Preaching II Two units

A continuation of PTC 660 with special emphasis on biblical preaching and construction. A minimum of two sermons delivered in class is required.

PTC 680 Senior Preaching Two units

Further advanced work in the preparation and delivery of sermons with special emphasis on expository preaching and reconstruction. A minimum of three sermons in class is required.

PTE 691 Independent Study in Practical Theology Three units

Practical Theology: Christian Education

PTE 711 Foundations of Christian Education Three units

An advanced study of the biblical and theological foundations for the educational ministries of the church. The organization and administration of Christian education programs so as to integrate them with the total ministry of the Church is emphasized. Major emphasis is placed on setting objectives, developing curriculum and training teachers.

PTE 712 Youth Ministries Three units

A study of the moral, spiritual, emotional, and social aspects of adolescence, and their implications for the church's various ministries to youth.

PTE 713 Human Development Three 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 effect marriage and the family. A thorough discussion of the implications for Christian ministry will be provided.

PTE 780 Counselor Education in Church Ministry Three units

This is an integrated course between Counseling Psychology and Pastoral Theology. It is an introduction to basic counseling models, methods, diagnoses and therapeutic processes in the context of church ministry. Emphases will be on child and youth counseling, premarital, marital and family counseling, and gerontological counseling in church settings.

PTE 791 Independent Study in Christian Ministry Three units

Practical Theology: Mission and Church Growth

MSC 800 Evangelism, Missions, and Introduction to Urban Ministry Four units

An introduction to methods of evangelism, biblical principles and practice of Christian missions, and church ministry in urban settings.

MSE 801 Advanced Missiology Three units

An advanced study of the biblical principles and practice of the Christian mission. Contemporary missiological debates are introduced and evaluated from the standpoint of Reformed theology. The historical development of the Christian mission movements is surveyed. Contemporary structures, cultural settings and missionary strategies are discussed.

MSE 810 The Christian Approach to Peoples of Other Faiths Two units

A historical and theological analysis of the relationship between Christianity and other religions and an examination of present day missionary approaches in the light of this analysis.

MSE 811 Christian Witness to Resistant Cultures Two units

A critical examination and development of a strategy in effectively sharing the gospel to cultures with a strong resistance to Christianity based on their own aggressive faiths.

MSE 812 Cross Cultural Ministry Three units

A study of the foundation, methods, and practice of Christian witness and ministry in cross cultural settings. Emphasis is placed on the practical aspect of pastoral concern in those settings.

MSE 821 Principles of Church Growth Three units

A Study and analysis of church growth principles with special emphasis on the discussion of helps and hindrances in their application.

MSE 822 Cultural Anthropology Three units

An introduction to cultural anthropology with special attention given to the application of an anthropological perspective to Christian mission.

MSE 831 History of Missions Three units

A survey of the history of Christian missions from apostolic times to the present. Emphasis is placed on the methodologies employed by the church in its mission. Both Western and Eastern mission movements are traced.

MSE 851 Urban Ministry Three units

An investigation and analysis of the dynamics of modern urbanization process to prepare student formulate a ministerial philosophy and Christian methodology for an effective ministry to meet the needs and the challenges of the contemporary urban society.

MSE 852 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.

MSE 871 World Religions Three units

A study of the origin, beliefs, practices and present-day impact of the major religions of the world in the light of Christian missions.

MSE 891 Independent Study in Missiology Three units

Spiritual Formation and Practical Education

SFC 100 Spiritual Formation I 3 units

Readings and reflections on character and calling for Christian ministry. This is a mandatory course for all first year MA and MDiv students. It course is divided into 3 one unit sequence offered one each quarter. Units in this course do not counted toward academic unit requirement.

SFC 200 Spiritual Formation II 3 units

Readings and theological reflection on gifts, skills for ministry, and personal growth in Christian study. This is a mandatory course for all second year MA and MDiv students. It is divided into 3 one unit sequences offered one each quarter. Units in this course do not counted toward academic unit requirement.

PEC 100 First Year Practical Education 10 units

Includes SFC Spiritual Formation I gears into a study and practice of how to follow-up the new believers and prepare them for assimilation into the church. This process includes teaching the basics of the Christian faith by organizing a new believers class.

PEC 200 Second Year Practical Education 10 units

Includes SFC 200 Spiritual Formation II gears onto a study and practice of a personal growth in Christian study, involving teaching these principles to a group of believers and participation in the ministry of a church in visitation, participation in pastoral work and preaching.

PEC 300 Third Year Practical Education 10 units

The student will be engaged in church ministry as an intern or in disciple building by instructing a group of individuals to know what is required of a disciple and reproduce themselves as they work in the church, including both one's own relationship to ministry and the development of the disciple.