Curriculum Overview

Acquiring a basic knowledge of the Hebrew language opens up exciting insights in the study of the Scriptures. Courses in Hebrew narrative and exegesis of Hebrew poetry are also included to provide the student with a methodical and systematic approach to accurate interpretation of the Old Testament. Recent research in linguistics is put to use to make Hebrew a ready and significant tool in rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

Archaeology

Arch 123, 223 3 Hour Credits

An investigation of the material remains of Palestine from the Patriarchal Period to the time of the exile as it casts light on biblical customs and history. Also considered is the history and methodology of Palestinian Archaeology. Aspects of New Testament Archaeology are also covered in some courses.

Genesis

Gen 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

No book of the Bible is more formative for the biblical narrative than Genesis. Through it we are introduced to all the major themes and characters of the drama of redemption. It was important for the Israelites to understand their origins so that they would know who they really were and how they should live. What was true for them is equally true for us today.

Hebrew Grammar I & II

Heb 124, 224 4 Hour Credits
An elementary introduction to the Hebrew language leading to proficiency in reading and translating the Hebrew Scriptures (Genesis).

Hebrew Syntax and Reading I & II

Heb 323, 423 3 Hour Credits

A course in rapid reading in different genres of Hebrew literature with full morphological review and further study of syntax. This course also includes an approach to the method of exegesis with special attention given to Hebrew poetry.

Isaiah, The Book of

Isaiah 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

The Transformation of Zion – from Zion in the Old Creation to Zion in the New Creation – an exposition of the grand vision of Isaiah. General instruction will also be given to students on how to read the prophets and understand their message.

New Testament Biblical Theology

BibTh 323 3 Hour Credits

This course seeks to canvass the major events and motifs of the New Testament revelation, including such topics as the Gospel, infancy narratives, the ministry of John the Baptist, the baptism and testing of Christ, the kingdom of God according to the synoptic Gospels, the Christology of the synoptic Gospels, the theology of Luke-Acts, John, Paul, Hebrews the General Epistles and Revelation. The introduction will cover the scope, content and structure of New Testament theology.

Since Koine Greek was the language chosen by the Lord to be the vehicle for expressing New Testament truth, it is a language worthy of deep study. These courses enable the student to read the New Testament in the original tongue, and thus to grasp the meaning underlying the words.

The Book of Acts

Acts 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

An introductory study of the Book of Acts, which seeks to provide the student with knowledge of its contents, overall purpose, and significance for the canon of Scripture. Proper principles for the interpretation of Acts and its application to the life of today’s church are central to the course.

Greek Grammar I & II

Grk 124, 224 4 Hour Credits

An introductory study of New Testament Greek grammar, forms and syntax. Readings are taken from the Greek New Testament.

Greek Syntax and Reading I & II

Grk 324, 424 4 Hour Credits

Students who have completed preliminary studies in morphology and grammar will continue to sharpen and enlarge their exegetical skills. Attention is given to applying the rules of grammar and syntax while recognizing the nuance of idioms and historical context as students examine a series of NT texts (especially the Sermon on the Mount and Galatians).

Greek New Testament Exegesis I, II, III & IV

Grk 523, 623, 723, 823 3 Hour Credits

The bulk of the class time is devoted to a detailed exegesis of the Greek text of various New Testament books (especially Philippians and 2 Corinthians) by means of student presentations followed by classroom discussion.

Life of Christ

LoC 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

A study of the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ in the four Gospels in parallel with special attention to significant patterns and themes, problems of interpretation, and promising approaches to the texts. We will also survey a number of critical methods of analysis, including various important historical and literary approaches to the subject matter of the texts, noting the issues arising and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each.

The Gospel of Mark

Mark 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

An exposition of the English text of the Gospel of Mark: this course aims to give the student a thorough grasp of the “gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” by working through the entire book. After a brief introduction, the course will follow through each chapter and seek to identify along the way key thematic developments (such as the “Son of God” motif); explain the more difficult passages (like the “longer ending” of chapter 16); and observe the literary style of Mark (especially as it aids interpretation). Special attention will be given to the theology of the gospel and its significance to our day.

The Letter to the Romans

Rom 303, 323 3 Hour Credits

This course is centered on a literary/historical and theological exposition of Paul’s letter to the Romans. Stress will be placed upon a detailed analysis of the various sections of this epistle in order to properly trace the apostle’s argument throughout. The goal is to better understand the theology of the letter and its contribution to NT thought throughout history up to the present life of the church.

Principles of Bible Study

BibSt 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

The course includes a consideration of the unique characteristics of the Bible and the consequent principles of interpretation which need to be applied when seeking to understand its meaning.

Biblical Hermeneutics

Herm 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

This course is designed to help students to interpret and apply the biblical text in a responsible and informed manner. This involves understanding of methods, skills, research tools, important concepts, and values necessary for interpretation and application. A brief survey of biblical interpretation and the presuppositions behind different forms of biblical interpretation will also be considered. The acquisition of good interpretive skills will be enhanced through both individually written and in-class group assignments.

Principles of Academic Research

ResAc 102/122 2 Hour Credits

These classes seek to equip students with advanced library research skills. Both classes enable students to get hands on experience in locating, evaluating, and choosing different kinds of materials for written theological presentations. ResTh123 focuses on thesis preparation.

Graduate Research and Writing

ResTh 123 3 Hour Credits

These classes seek to equip students with advanced library research skills. Both classes enable students to get hands on experience in locating, evaluating, and choosing different kinds of materials for written theological presentations. ResTh123 focuses on thesis preparation.

This course is designed to be both comprehensive and practical, with class discussion, lectures and research. The entire period of church history from New Testament times to the present will be surveyed in two parts, with specific emphasis upon the Ancient Church, the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century, the evangelical revivals of the eighteenth century, the defence of the faith against liberalism in the nineteenth century and current issues in church history.

Baptist Church History and Thought

BHist 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

The course will be a survey study of the history of Baptist History and Thought. It will focus on Baptists in Britain, Canada and the United States, but not to the neglect of Baptists in other locations. It will also emphasize Reformed and Evangelical Baptists, but not to the neglect of other Baptist traditions. It will cover a wide range of areas from belief, practice, worship, major issues and developments, etc. Student will gain an appreciation of Baptist history and identity and learn more of doing church history. The class also goes on a field trip in Baptist history.

Church History A

CHist 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

The course will be a survey study of the main streams of Christianity from the Apostolic period to the late Mediaeval period and the eve of the Reformation (i.e. Western [Roman] and Eastern [Greek], along with other [non-Roman] Eastern traditions). It will trace Christianity from its beginning as a small sect within Judaism to a global movement. Later emphasises will be upon English Christianity. It will cover a wide range of areas from belief, practice, worship, art, architecture, missions, etc, while taking in the major characters and events. Students will learn what church history is as a discipline and how to write history essays. The class also visits a Catholic church.

Church History B

CHist 203, 223 3 Hour Credits

The course will be a survey study of the main streams of Christianity from the Reformation to the Present (i.e. Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism and Pentecostalism). It will set the Reformation and Counter-Reformation in their context and continue to contextually recount the story of Christianity into the Post-Reformation, Modern and Post-Modern periods. Emphasis will be placed upon Evangelical-Reformed-Baptistic Protestant stories, though not to the neglect of other traditions. As the story progresses into the last century emphasis will widen from our Western English Christian context to emphasize Global Christianity. It will cover a wide range of areas from belief, practice, figures, worship, art, architecture, missions, etc. Students will learn more of what church history is as a discipline and how to write history essays. The class also visits an Orthodox church.

Historical Theology

HTheo 203, 223 3 Hour Credits

The course will survey major themes (doctrine and practice) in historical theology as these matured, developed and erred, all with an eye to historical context and contemporary application, equipping students for further study and practical application. It will follow a topical-chronological approach that will move through the major eras of Church history: Apostolic (c. AD 30/33–99); Patristic [or Early Church] (c.100–500); Mediaeval (500–1500); Reformation (1500–1650); Post-Reformation (1650–1800) and Modern (1800–Present). All of this will be rooted in a firm awareness of what historical theology is and the role it plays in doing theological. The class also goes on a field trip to aid in historical-theological reflection.

Some of the topics dealt with are: The Christian perspective of personal, family and social conflicts; The biblical view of love, family life and sexual ethics; The Scriptural teachings on relationships such as the Church and Society; The Christian and the World and finally, Relativism and the Truth of God.

Theological Ethics

Ethic 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

Some of the topics dealt with are: The Christian perspective of personal, family and social conflicts; The biblical view of love, family life and sexual ethics; The Scriptural teachings on relationships such as the Church and Society; The Christian and the World and finally, Relativism and the Truth of God.

Issues in Christian Ethics

Ethic 203, 223 3 Hour Credits

New Testament Ethics

Ethic 323 3 Hour Credits

Spirituality I: Prayer

SpEv 103,123 3 Hour Credits

Prayer is absolutely vital for the Christian life. This course is an introductory exploration of what the Scriptures have to say about the nature of prayer and its practice. There is also an examination of what certain strands of the Christian tradition (notably, the Ancient Church in the patristic era, the Puritans, and the Calvinistic Baptists in the “long” eighteenth century) have taught about prayer. The actual praxis of prayer also finds a place in the course through what is known as “the concert of prayer.” The main goal of the course is to deepen the student’s commitment to a life of prayer, both personal and corporate.

Spirituality II: Early Christian Spirituality

SpEv 303,323 3 Hour Credits

A detailed study of four major traditions of Christian spirituality in the period between the Apostolic Fathers (second century A.D.) and the late Middle Ages (fifteenth century A.D.). Particular focus is placed upon the Greek and Latin patristic traditions, Celtic spirituality, and medieval English Roman Catholic spirituality.

Spirituality III: Puritan and Evangelical Spirituality

SpEv 503, 523 3 Hour Credits

A study of and reflection on various aspects of Puritan and Evangelical spirituality, including both foundational elements, such as knowing God, justification by faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, sanctification, and the cross, and those secondary elements sometimes described as means of grace, such as friendship, prayer and meditation, and the Lord’s Supper. The means employed in this study and reflection are texts from two classical eras of biblical spirituality, namely, seventeenth-century Puritanism and eighteenth-and nineteenth-century evangelicalism.

Introduction to Islam

Islam 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

A brief survey of the history of Islam, including considerations of background, doctrinal issues and the role of women.

Language Acquisitions for Cross Cultural Effectiveness

Lace 123 3 Hour Credits

LACE is an integrated combination of activities and techniques which serious language learners, notably Bible translators and missionaries, have used to learn language from local helpers. LACE also looks at the evaluation and management of different language programs, grammar and syntax in other languages, morphology, phonetics, semantics and non-verbal communication.

Introduction to Missions

Miss 103, 123 3 Hour Credits

This course introduces basic missionary issues, including the Biblical basis of missions, Mission history, and Missions and the local church. It also covers various contemporary issues, including contextualization and cross-cultural communication, tent-making, raising support, security issues in “closed countries” and the challenge of the 10/40 Window.

Theology of Missions

Miss 203, 223 3 Hour Credits

An examination of the principal biblical passages which relate to that activity of the Church which is called “Missions.” Emphasis is placed upon the doctrinal basis as well as the practical outworking of missions today. Subjects such as calling, culture, strategy, sending and supporting, tensions, methods and team work will be addressed.

English Grammar/Writing I & II

Eng 103NC, 203NC 3 Non-Academic Hour Credits

These courses in English are designed to assist the student in using English correctly and effectively. Students failing a Diagnostic English Test are required to attend classes covering grammar, and essay writing.