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2007-2009 ACADEMIC CATALOG | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mark Fairchild, Chaney Bergdall, Beth Felker Jones, Edwin Tait, Paul Fetters, David WoodruffThe purposes of the Bible and Religion Department are to lead students to develop a better understanding of the Bible and of religious thought, to develop the skills necessary for interpretation of the Bible, to deepen their faith in God and to prepare them for more effective service to Christ. A major in Bible and religion is chosen by those whose work involves interpretation of the Bible. Such vocations include pastoral ministry, evangelism, missions and teaching Bible and religion in churches, parochial schools, colleges and seminaries. Those interested in missionary service should be aware of the various forms in which such service may take besides preaching such as nursing, medicine and agriculture. The department also welcomes those students who wish to major in Bible and religion to enrich their own lives even though they do not plan to enter into full-time Christian service. Students who plan to attend the Huntington University Graduate School of Christian Ministries or a theological seminary after graduation may consider a major in Bible and religion. Such students lay the foundation for future ministries during their undergraduate study and enlarge this foundation during seminary training by supplementing their under-graduate study and branching into new areas. Students wishing to attend seminary are encouraged to consult with the department whether or not they choose to major in Bible and religion. Students majoring in Bible and religion are provided the option of including a semester of study in Israel at Jerusalem University College in either the junior or senior year. By taking an approved list of courses at the Institute, they can receive credit for 15-16 semester hours toward the bachelor of arts degree and will also be given credit for one of the three required January Term experiences. Students selecting the major in Bible and religion with a concentration in biblical studies will complete 36 hours in the department, including BR 231, 241, 251, 261, and 271; three hours from BR 331, 333, 421, 440, and 460; nine hours from BR 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, and GR 421; and nine additional hours of electives chosen from BR courses. Students selecting the major in Bible and religion with a concentration in religious studies will complete 36 hours, including BR 231, 241, 251, 261, 271, 414, 415, and HS 311; and ten hours, representing at least two departments, chosen from BR 331, 333, 421, 440, 460, EN 331CC, 481, MI 285CSL (provided it is not taken to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement), HS 322, 361, 411, PY 341 and any approved January term course. Students who major in Bible and religion in either concentration must successfully complete GR 111. Students may complete the language requirement for the bachelor of arts degree either by completing eight additional hours of Greek beyond GR 111 or by completing eight other credits in foreign language and cultural enrichment, provided that at least six credit hours are earned in the same foreign language.
The
minor
in
Bible and religion
requires 25 hours, including 12 hours from BR 111, 231, 241, 251, 261; three
hours of BR 271; four hours of BR 414; three hours of an upper-division BR
course; and three hours of an elective chosen from other BR courses, HS 311,
361, EN 331CC, The minor in biblical languages requires 22 hours, including GR 111, 121, 211, 421; HE 111 and 121. Courses in Bible and Religion BR 111 Biblical History and Literature (3) A survey of the Bible with emphases on its nature and authority; its historical, cultural and religious backgrounds; its historical development; its types of literature; and its content and major themes. Does not count in the Bible and religion major. Fall, Spring BR 231 Old Testament Introduction I (3) A literary introduction to the Pentateuch and books of poetry and a study of their content. An emphasis on dealing with problems of interpretation and using an analytical, expository approach for the study of selected passages. Prerequisite: BR or MI or Recreation and Sports Ministry major, BR minor, or consent Fall BR 241 Old Testament Introduction II (3) A literary introduction to the books of history and the prophets, a study of the content of these books and a discovery of the prophetic view of history. An emphasis on dealing with problems of interpretation and using an analytical, expository approach for the study of selected passages. Prerequisite: BR or MI or Recreation and Sports Ministry major, BR minor, or consent Spring BR 251 New Testament Introduction I (3) A general introduction to the study of the New Testament, featuring the historical, literary and cultural backgrounds of first century Judaism, the formation of the Gospels, modern criticism of the Gospels, an introduction to each of the Gospels and a survey of the life of Jesus. Prerequisite: BR or MI or Recreation and Sports Ministry major, BR minor, or consent Fall BR 261 New Testament Introduction II (3) A general introduction to the study of the New Testament, featuring the historical, literary and cultural backgrounds of the Greco-Roman world, the history of the early church throughout the first century, Gnosticism, the life of Paul and an introduction to Acts, the New Testament epistles and Revelation. Prerequisite: BR or MI or Recreation and Sports Ministry major, BR minor, or consent Spring BR 271 Biblical Interpretation (3) A study of the science of biblical interpretation employing inductive Bible study techniques. Emphasis is placed upon the adaptation of methods to various types of literary genre, the analysis of structural arrangement, word studies and principles of practical application. Students will do exegetical notebooks on selected passages. Prerequisite: BR 111 or 231 or 251 Fall, Spring BR 311 Topics in Biblical Studies (3) The study of a selected book or literary unit of the Bible, examining its historical, literary, theological and practical significance. Designed as an upper-level biblical literature course for nonmajors, this course does not count toward the BR major or minor. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Prerequisite: BR 111 Fall, Spring BR 320 Biblical Archaeology (3) An introduction to biblical archaeology and geography from the prehistory of Israel to the end of New Testament times. The major emphasis is on the relevance of archaeology for understanding the Bible. Prerequisite: BR 111 or 231 or 251 Fall BR 331 Religions of the World (3) Religion as a universal phenomenon is discussed. The major religions of antiquity and modernity are discussed, with special reference to similar and disparate features. Prerequisite: One course in Bible Fall, Spring BR 333 Topics in Theological Studies (3) A detailed examination of a selected topic in theology and religion. May be repeated for credit in different topics. Offered on sufficient demandBR 333CH Christology is an examination of Christian under-standings of Jesus ranging from the decisions of the early church councils to contemporary theologians. Major Christological models will be studied along with issues surrounding the search for the historical Jesus. Prerequisites: BR 251 and 415. BR 333CE Issues in Christian Ethics is an examination of Christian ethics with the aim of developing a way of thinking theologically about the Christian life. The course will include study of the biblical basis for Christian ethics and approaches to controversial ethical issues. Prerequisites: MI 285 and one course in Bible BR 333PT Philosophical Theology provides an advanced study of what philosophers and theologians have said about the nature of God. The course includes a discussion of the historical development of the “God” concept from the pre-Socratics through its apex in classical theism to the critique of this concept in modern atheism. The tools of contemporary analytic philosophy will be utilized to examine specific attributes of God. Identical with PL 333PT. Prerequisites: One course in Bible and PL 220BR 333TB Theological Bioethics covers biblical and theological bases for bioethics and develops in students the skills for ethical decision making and action. The course will help students to conceptualize the differences between Christian approaches and general or philosophical approaches to bioethics while introducing students to contemporary issues in biological, healthcare and medical ethics. Prerequisite: BR 111 or other introductory Bible course
BR 395 Field Work (1) A course in practical field work involving a specific responsibility in a local church or other community institution in which the student implements principles of biblical interpretation. May be repeated for four credits total; graded as internship. Prerequisites: BR major with one year of Bible and sophomore standing Fall, Spring BR 411 United Brethren Church History (3) The origin, development and distinctive reform principles of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ are studied giving attention to both theological perspective and church policy. May not be counted towards the non-introductory Bible requirement. Prerequisite: BR or MI major or consent Spring Even Years BR 414 Systematic Theology I (4) The study of the nature of theology, revelation and inspiration and the nature of God. Other topics in this course include creation, providence, anthropology and sin. Prerequisites: MI 285 and BR or MI major or consent Fall, Spring BR 415 Systematic Theology II (4) The study of Christology, Christ’s work of atonement, the Holy Spirit, the church and last things. Prerequisite: BR 414 Fall, Spring BR 421 Contemporary Religious Thought (3) A study of the major developments in religious thought in this century, in light of the changing intellectual and cultural situation. Topics considered will include Karl Barth, Rudolf Bultmann, process theology and liberation theology. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 Spring Even Years BR 440 Religion and Scientific Thought (3) This course provides a study of the nature of scientific thought and scientific method, consideration of historical and contemporary views concerning the relationship between science and religion and of current issues resulting from the interaction of modern science and the Christian worldview. Identical with PL 440. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 Spring Odd Years Each of these courses involves an interpretation of a selected book or literary units within the specified area. Emphasis will be placed on the practice of accepted principles of interpretation pertinent to the various types of literature and on the religious ideas and practical value of the material under consideration. BR 441 The Pentateuch (3) Prerequisites: BR 231 and 271Fall 2008 BR 442 Old Testament Poetic Literature (3) Prerequisites: BR 231 and 271Fall 2010 BR 443 Old Testament Historical Literature (3) Prerequisites: BR 241 and 271Fall 2009 BR 444 Old Testament Prophetic Literature (3) Prerequisites: BR 241 and 271Fall 2007 BR 445 Gospels (3) Prerequisites: BR 251 and 271Spring 2009 BR 446 Epistles (3) Prerequisites: BR 261 and 271Spring 2010 BR 447 New Testament History & Prophecy (3) Prerequisites: BR 261 and 271Spring 2008 BR 460 Philosophy of Religion (3) A consideration of various attempts to provide a philosophical formulation and defense of the basic tenets of the theistic worldview, with particular attention to recent analytic philosophy. Identical with PL 460. Prerequisite: PL 220 or 260 or consent Spring Even Years BR 490 Independent Study (1-4) The study of a problem, a research paper or a project related to the Bible and religion major. Prerequisite: Consent Fall, Spring GR 111 Elementary Greek I (4) Introductory grammar of the Greek New Testament with emphases on grammatical analysis, vocabulary building and the development of reading skills. Some attention will be given to the translation of passages of the Greek New Testament. Students who need to take EN 111 English Usage and Composition are encouraged to do so before beginning Greek. Fall Odd Years GR 121 Elementary Greek II (4) A continuation of elementary Greek and translation of I John. Prerequisite: GR 111 Spring Even Years GR 211 Intermediate Greek (4) A mastery of intermediate grammar with emphases on vocabulary building, syntax and translation of a significant block of the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: GR 121 Fall Even Years GR 421 Exegetical Greek (4) A study of intermediate and advanced Greek grammar, continued vocabulary building and syntax. Students in the course also discuss the methods of Greek exegesis and translate a portion of the New Testament. Prerequisite: GR 211 Spring Odd Years HE 111 Elementary Hebrew I An introductory study of the elements of the classical Hebrew language of the Old Testament. The study of Hebrew grammar, syntax and vocabulary will lead to an elementary ability to begin reading and translating texts from the Old Testament. Fall Even Years HE 121 Elementary Hebrew II A continuation of elementary Hebrew and the development of translation skills. Prerequisite: HE 111 Spring Odd Years |
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