Biblical and theological studies courses
BTS150 - Christian Story I: Biblical Tradition
This course presents an overview of and orientation to the Bible, focusing
on its content, character, role in the Christian faith, and covenant themes
of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. This course begins the
development of theological thinking for academic study in the liberal arts
and equips students for the task of integrating faith and learning in their
academic work. Students should complete this course by the end of their
second semester. (4 credits)
Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor.
BTS250 - Christian Story II: Theological Tradition
This course presents an overview and orientation to Christian theology
focusing on its formation, content, role in the Christian faith throughout
Church history, and its interpretation of key biblical subjects such as God,
Christ, creation, sin, redemption, church, and new creation. This course
completes the Christian Story sequence and prepares students for a lifetime
of critical thinking and faithful living from a biblical-theological
perspective. Students should complete this course by the end of their fourth
semester. (4 credits) Prerequisite: REL150.
Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor.
BTS260 - Christian Ethics
A biblically based, theologically and historically informed study of both
personal and social moral issues from a Christian perspective. (2 credits,
offered at the discretion of the department, consult department)
BTS280 - Topics in Hist of Christianity
A survey of the development of Christianity from the apostolic period to the
contemporary world. Themes examined will include the separation of Church
and Synagogue, Christianity in the Roman Empire, ecumenical councils,
missionary expansion of the church in Europe and Asia, monasticism, the
church in the High Middle Ages, the Protestant and Catholic Reformations,
Confessionalism and the Wars of Religion, Puritanism, Pietism, The
Enlightenment, Christianity and European Colonialism, Revivalism, Modernism
and Evangelicalism, modern missionary expansion, the ecumenical movement,
and Christianity as a global religion. (4 credits)
BTS290 - Mission and Justice
A general overview of the biblical-theological foundations and historical
context of whole Christian mission, with special emphasis upon modern
cross-cultural mission theories, international and community development,
and the theory and practice of restorative justice.
Prerequisite: BTS 250 or permission of instructor. (4 credits)
BTS295 - Intercultural Communication
Christian ministry and mission is essentially an ongoing process of
interacting effectively with others in ways appropriate to one?s message and
global/local contexts. By providing a progressively integrated understanding
of intercultural issues, this course will enable students to apply
principles of communication through their particular vocation or ministry so
that they connect theory with models and practice to appropriately
communicate the Gospel message across cultures and micro-cultures. (2
credits)
BTS310 - Christian Spirituality
A study of the meaning, purpose and practices of Christian spirituality as
this has been understood in the Christian tradition. The course emphasizes
the practice of spiritual disciplines and the relevance of spirituality in
our contemporary world.
Prerequisite: BTS250. (2 credits)
BTS317 - Topics in Old Testament Studies
A study of a single book or larger section of the Old Testament or a current
area of critical inquiry concerning the Old Testament. Possible topics
include, but are not limited to, the Pentateuch, the Historical Writings,
the Prophets, and the Poetic and Wisdom books. Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisites: BTS150 and sophomore class standing. (2 credits)
BTS322 - Topics in New Testament Studies
A study of a single book or larger section of the New Testament or a current
area of critical inquiry concerning the New Testament. Possible topics
include the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Johannine Literature,
the Epistolary Literature, and the Apocalypse. (2 credits) Note: May be
taken more than once provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisite:
BTS150 and sophomore class standing.
BTS328WI - Biblical Interpretation
An examination of the past and present methods and proposals for Biblical
Interpretation and Biblical Theology. The course will analyze and critique
various models for hermeneutics and theological interpretation and also
assist students in constructing exegetical methods that are biblically
based, theologically informed and culturally relevant. In this Writing
Intensive course for Religion and CE/YM majors, students will develop
research and writing skills that will benefit them in a variety of
vocational paths within the field of religion.
Prerequisite: BTS150. (4 credits) (Writing intensive)
BTS335 - Theology and Church Ministry
In this course, students will explore the identity of the church by engaging
biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives, grounding the
life and ministry of the church in God?s ministry to the world in Jesus
Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and role of
youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are called to
enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary Western
culture. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department) Prerequisite:
BTS250. Cross-referenced in Christian education.
BTS345 - Theology of Worship
The purpose of this course is to thoughtfully examine the biblical,
theological, and historical foundations of Christian worship, as well as the
contemporary issues facing pastors and worship leaders in the 21st century.
An important part of this discussion will be the exploration of worship
skills and practices through reflection and participation, as well as the
creation of liturgies for a variety of worship services.
Prerequisite: BTS250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BTS350 - Theology and Popular Culture
This course explores the relationship between Christian faith and culture.
It will begin by establishing a biblical and theological approach to
cultural engagement, as well as a brief historical survey of how the
Christian community has engaged issue of faith and culture in different
historical and cultural moments. An important part of this course will be
interdisciplinary exploration of the fields of "cultural theory" and
"popular culture", specifically focusing upon what they have to contribute
to different forms of Christian ministry. Finally, this course will prove
the opportunity for students to begin to articulate what it means to live
faithfully with a diversity of cultural contexts.
Prerequisite: BTS250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BTS370 - Calvin and Calvinism
A study of John Calvin's INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, as well as a
survey of other varieties of Reformed theology, including later Calvinism.
Prerequisite: BTS250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult department)
BTS375 - Topics in Theology
A study of one or more standard areas of theology, (such as the doctrines of
Revelation, God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Humanity, Salvation, the Church,
and Last Things) from a classical as well as a contemporary perspective.
Note: The course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is
studied.
Prerequisites: BTS150 and BTS250. (4 credits; alternate years, consult
department)
BTS382 - Religion in America
Focusing on the Christian tradition, this course will examine the
individual, institutions, movements and faith traditions which have shaped
and contributed to the American religious experience. To understand both the
variety of and unity within the pluralist religious landscape, the course
will seek to evaluate the interrelationship between religion and the broader
social, cultural and political aspects of the American experience. (4
credits)
BTS384 - Topics in the History of Christianity
A historical study of a religious group, theological movement or important
leader in the history of the Christian church.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is
studied. (2 credits, offered on demand or discretion of department, consult
department)
BTS385 - Topics in Religion
A study of an interdisciplinary area of religion, not sufficiently covered
by other courses, in response to student or faculty interests.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is
studied.
Prerequisite: BTS250 or permission of instructor. (2-4 credits; alternate
years, consult department)
BTS390CC - World Religions
The major religions of the world are examined in the light of the Christian
faith. This course emphasizes the interaction of religion and culture with a
view to cross-cultural understanding. In-depth research into a specific
topic related to world religions is required. (4 credits) (NWCore option
under Cross-Cultural Engagement)
BTS392 - Topics in Mission and Justice
A topical and selective study of major missional themes, including justice
and development, permitting students to read and reflect intensively upon
the nature and challenge of Christian mission. Topics may vary from year to
year. Sample topics might include Reconciliation, The Finality of Christ in
a Pluralistic World, Interfaith Dialogue, Contextualization, Postmodern
Apologetics. A missional service learning component is required, consisting
of at least 20 hours of student engagement in meeting an identified
missional community need.
Note: This course may be repeated for credit provided a different topic is
studied. Prerequisite: BTS290 or permission of instructor. (4 credits, alternate
years, consult department)
BTS398 - Directed Study
(2-4 credits)
BTS417 - Internship
(2 credits may apply toward the major)
BTS472SR - Bible, Theology and Vocation: Exploring Texts and Contexts
This disciplinary capstone course fulfills both the NWCore Senior Seminar
(SR) requirement and a requirement for Religion and CE/YM majors. Building
on the basic FYS questions (Who am I? Who are my neighbors? How will we live
in the world?), this course will explore the intersection of biblical
theology with one's vocation in light of scripture and Christian theological
reflection. Students will complete weekly writing assignments, participate
in seminar leadership through presiding and lecturing, and complete a major
final paper in which they reflect on their college curricular and
co-curricular experiences, engage biblical and theological texts in light of
a variety of ancient and modern cultural contexts, and reflect on their
faith development and sense of vocation. Prerequisites: BTS150, BTS250 and senior class standing. The course is open
to students of other majors.
CEY210 - Foundations of Practical Theology
This course examines the issues involved in Practical Theology. We begin
with the biblical / philosophical/theological foundations of ministry, and
move into such practical issues such as discipleship, small groups,
leadership, administration, dealing with difficult issues, and planning
activities. The goal is to equip students to begin formulating a vision for
ministry as they prepare to enter into leadership positions in churches and
other organizations. (4 credits)
CEY215 - Spiritual Formation, Discipleship and Youth
In this course students will explore the identity of the church by
engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives,
grounding the life and ministry of the church in God?s ministry to the world
in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and
role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are
called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary
Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits)
CEY310 - Servant Leadership
This course invites students to explore the philosophy of
servant-leadership, identify its characteristics, and discover its broad
applications. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a
deeper understanding of the paradox of being a servant-leader and to empower
students to practice servant-leadership and to serve and love God's world.
Prerequisite: Must be sophomore standing or higher. Cross-listed with
business.
(2 credits; alternate years, consult department)
CEY315 - Philosophy of Adolescent Ministry
An investigation and formulation of a philosophy of ministry to and with
adolescents. Various theoretical issues will be examined which will inform
and assist students in the development of a philosophy which is biblically
grounded, developmentally sensitive, culturally relevant, and theologically
contextualized to the world of contemporary adolescence. (4 credits;
alternate years, consult department) Prerequisite: Junior or senior class standing.
CEY320 - Teaching and Learning Strategies
CEY330 - Special Topics in CE/YM
This course provides an opportunity to focus on different topics in a more
specific and in-depth way. The topics will relate to contemporary issues in
either Christian education or youth ministry and adolescent studies. (2 or 4
credits; non-yearly, consult department)
CEY401 - Integrated Field Experience I
The focus of CEY401 and CEY402 is intentional exposure to various aspects of
practical ministry in either Christian education or youth ministry in a
local church or para-church organization, for two consecutive semesters. The
practical experience must be under supervision of an on-site supervisor and
the professor of Christian Education. Weekly seminars for discussion and
reflection on ministry and preparation for the writing of a major paper on
the philosophy of ministry are conducted on campus. (2 credits)
Prerequisites: Senior class standing and permission of instructor.
CEY402 - Integrated Field Experience II
The focus of CEY401 and CEY402 is intentional exposure to various aspects of
practical ministry in either Christian education or youth ministry in a
local church or para-church organization, for two consecutive semesters. The
practical experience must be under supervision of an on-site supervisor and
the professor of Christian Education. Weekly seminars for discussion and
reflection on ministry and preparation for the writing of a major paper on
the philosophy of ministry are conducted on campus. (2 credits)
Prerequisites: senior class standing and permission of instructor.
GRE101 - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture
This course will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
GRE102LA - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)(IGE option under
Language and Culture)
This course (a continuation of Greek 101) will focus on learning the
basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural
backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will
focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will
be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings
within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world.
Prerequisite: GRE101.
GRE201 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture
This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition and retention of Greek
grammatical, exegetical, and interpretive skills through the reading of
ancient Greek texts. Primary focus will be on the Gospel of Mark and its
context. (1 credit; alternate years, consult department) Prerequisite:
GRE102LA.
GRE202 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture
This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition and retention of Greek
grammatical, exegetical, and interpretive skills through the reading of
ancient Greek texts. Primary focus will be on the Letters of Paul and
selections from other Greco-Roman authors. Students will also be introduced
to the sub-discipline of Textual Criticism. (1 credit; alternate years,
consult department) Prerequisite: GRE201
HEB101 - Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Culture
This course will focus on learning the basics of biblical Hebrew (vocabulary and grammar) and the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the Old Testament. Readings from the different types of literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the course work. The Old Testament writings will be studied against the historical and social backgrounds of the ancient Near East.(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
HEB102LA - Elementary Biblical Hebrew and Culture
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department)(IGE option under Language
and Culture)
This course will build on the foundation laid in Hebrew 101 by equipping
students to grasp the basics of biblical Hebrew grammar in light of its
cultural and linguistic background. Readings from the different types of
literature in the Hebrew Bible will be incorporated into the coursework as
students develop confidence in speaking Hebrew and interpreting these
writings. As a course that satisfies the IGE Language and Culture
requirement, students will also explore what it means to read biblical
Hebrew with sensitivity toward scholarship, culture, and faith.
Prerequisite: HEB101.
HON240AE - The Greek Legacy
Virtually every academic discipline - from art to politics, theater to
athletics, science to philosophy - can trace its roots, in some fashion, back
to the ancient Greeks. In this honors course, students will explore their
own discipline's historic and aesthetic expression, particularly through
Greece's extensive archaeological remains, and reflect upon Greece's legacy
as one of the most significant and enduring cradles of western civilization. Prerequisite: Membership in the Honors Program. (4 credits) (NWCore option
under Aesthetic Experience)
YCF215 - Spiritual Formation, Discipleship and Youth
YCF315 - Philosophy of Adolescent Ministry
YCF320 - Teaching and Learning Strategies
YCF335 - Theology and Church Ministry
YCF401 - Integrated Field Experience I
YCF402 - Integrated Field Experience II