Description of Courses
Classes normally meet Monday through Friday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., one night per week, for fourteen weeks. On occasion, some day classes may be scheduled and modules may take place at various times throughout the year. Module sessions are concentrated one week courses, including one Saturday. Announcements of these classes indicate the meeting schedules which are available on the website (www.ses.edu). Odd–numbered courses are usually scheduled during the Fall Term, and even–numbered courses during the Spring Term.
Course Numbering Levels
300–499 Undergraduate Courses
500–799 Graduate Courses
800–999 Doctoral (or Post Graduate) Courses
1000–9999 Doctoral (or Post Graduate) Courses
1. Apologetics (AP)
AP302 (RE302) World Religions and New Religious Movements
A survey of world religions and contemporary cults and other aberrant doctrines that challenge the historic Christian Faith.
3 hours
AP501 (401, 801) Introduction to Apologetics
Systematic and rational defense of the basic elements of the Christian Faith, including the existence of God, miracles, the deity of Christ, and the inspiration of the Bible.
3 hours
AP502 (802, RE502) Contemporary Cults
A survey of contemporary cults and other aberrant doctrines that challenge the historic Christian Faith.
3 hours
AP503 Logic
A study of the basic forms of logical thinking and fallacies, stressing the use of reason in Christian theology and apologetics.
3 hours
AP504 (804, RE504) World Religions
An in–depth study of the great non–Christian religious systems of the world including Animism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and others.
3 hours
AP507 (407, 907) Great Thinkers (PH407)
An in–depth study of the life and thought of an influential person of the past, stressing how his ideas impacted Christianity.
3 hours
AP508 (408, RE508) Other Religious Groups
An in–depth study of one or more specific religious group(s) or movement(s), comparing and contrasting it with orthodox Christianity.
3 hours
AP509 (309, 809) Independent Study in Apologetics
Guided research in a special area of apologetics.
1–3 hours
AP510 (410, 910) Problems in Apologetics
An in–depth study of select issues in Christian apologetics.
3 hours
AP511 (411, 911) Apologetic Systems (PH511)
A study of the various approaches to Christian apologetics, both classical and contemporary.
3 hours
AP512 (412) Ethics
A study of ethical alternatives and issues from a Christian perspective.
3 hours
AP513 Hermeneutics
See ST505–Hermeneutics
3 hours
AP514 (803) Counseling the Cultic Mindset (PT510)
See PT510–Counseling the Cultic Mindset
3 hours
AP515 Philosophy of Hermeneutics
See PH515–Philosophy of Hermeneutics
3 hours
AP516 (416) Islamic Apologetics
A study of the origins, basic doctrines, and practices of Islam including its beliefs about Christianity and a defense of the Christian Faith in the light of these beliefs.
3 hours
AP517 (417, 817) Field Study
A guided historical–geographical study of biblical sites in the Mediterranean world by a qualified faculty member. Includes a pre– and post– trip seminar and the completion of all assigned work related to the experience and course designation.
1–3 hours
AP518 (418, 818) Resurrection of Jesus
A detailed study of the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, placing special emphasis on contemporary denials of miracles and the role the resurrection plays in Christian apologetics and theology.
3 hours
AP519 (419) Jewish Apologetics
A study of the origins, basic doctrines, and practices of Judaism, including its beliefs about Christianity and a defense of the Christian Faith in the light of these beliefs.
3 hours
AP520 (420) God, Time, and Foreknowledge (PH520)
An in depth study into the issues surrounding God’s relation to time and the future, including Open Theism, Omnitemporality, Relative Eternity, Absolute Eternity, Molinism, and Thomism.
3 hours
AP521 (421) Youth Apologetics Ministries (CE511)
An in–depth study of the apologetic issues and challenges facing youth ministries, focusing on origins, objectives, and outcomes.
3 hours
3 hours
AP527 (427) Great Thinkers: C. S. Lewis
A detailed study of several major ideas in the philosophy and theology of C. S. Lewis, as contained in several of his major works.
3 hours
AP537 (PH537) Great Thinkers: Thomas Aquinas
An in–depth study of the life and thought of Thomas Aquinas–particularly his metaphysics, epistemology, and natural theology.
3 hours
AP601 Classical Apologetics
An in–depth study of the philosophical and apologetic issues related to the classical two–step defense which involves an analyses of apologetic presuppositions.
Prerequisite: AP501
3 hours
AP612 (812) History of Apologetics
A survey of the history of Christian apologetics from the first century to the present, stressing various apologetic issues as well as the life and thought of major apologists.
3 hours
AP808 Cultural Apologetics
A defense of the orthodox Christian faith in view of the primary current challenges to it expressed in contemporary culture, including education, media, and the arts.
3 hours
AP810 Scientific Apologetics
A defense of the orthodox Christian faith in view of the primary current challenges to it expressed in contemporary science, including philosophy of science and creation/evolution.
3 hours
AP811 Apologetic Communication
An in–depth study of biblical and classical communication theories and their application to the tasks of contemporary apologetics.
3 hours
AP814 Apologetics and Post Modernism
A survey of the history and perspectives of the Postmodern movement and its influence on Christian theology, apologetics, and biblical studies.
3 hours
AP815 (CE815) Curriculum Development in Apologetics
A practicum into the theory, justification, and development of various curriculum materials for the purpose of formalized educational instruction in apologetics and related areas.
3 hours
AP901 Advanced Apologetics
An in–depth study of how to defend the Christian Faith in contemporary American culture. Special emphasis will be placed upon understanding and countering relativism and pluralism.
Prerequisite: AP801
3 hours
AP902 Advanced Counter Cult Apologetics
An advanced study of the history and doctrines of the Jehovah’s Witnesses and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints (the Mormons).
Prerequisite: AP802
3 hours
AP905 Christian Ethical Issues and Apologetics
An in–depth practicum in the application of Christian ethical theory or issues to apologetics teaching and training in any particular ministry context. Resident only.
3 hours
AP906 Advanced World Religions
An advanced study of world religions including a Christian theology of religions, an emphasis on Eastern religions, and the opportunity for the students to focus on one particular contemporary school or area of Eastern religions.
Prerequisite: AP804
3 hours
AP1009 Advanced Independent Study in Apologetics
Guided research for post–graduate students in a special area of apologetics.
Prerequisite: Graduate degree in apologetics or other theologically related area.
1–3 hours
AP1011 Worldview Apologetics
An in–depth study on how to defend the Christian Faith in the context of different world views. Focus will be on two major world views: materialism (atheism) and pantheism. Primary sources will be researched, discussed, and critiqued in both of these major world views.
3 hours
AP1012 Problem of Evil
An in–depth theological and philosophical analysis of the problem of evil in light of classical and biblical theism with a look at such issues as the origin and nature of evil, natural and moral evil, and various theodicies.
3 hours
AP1013 New Religions
An in–depth study on select cults and new religion that have not reached the status of a "world" religion but which nevertheless pose a significant threat to evangelical Christianity. The focus will vary depending on the nature and relevance of the threat.
3 hours
AP1014 Religious Apologetics
An in–depth study in comparative religions. The religion(s) chosen will depend on its critical nature in the contemporary debate between the historic Christian Faith and the challenge presented by the opposing religion.
3 hours
AP1015 Apologetic Systems
An in–depth study focusing on the different apologetic systems, the assumptions and presuppositions of each system, the methodology of each system, the goals of each system, the strengths and weaknesses of each system, and how these systems compare and contrast with each other and with the injunctions of the Bible.
3 hours
AP1016 Philosophical Apologetics
An in–depth study focusing on select major philosophical objections to the Christian Faith. Areas selected for concentration will be chosen on the basis of contemporary relevance, critical nature, and their bearing on the pillars of the orthodox Christian Faith.
3 hours
AP1017 Historical Apologetics
An in–depth study in the practice of historiographical research, focusing on the defense of selected areas of historical inquiry, as well as the refutation of selected issues of historical denial.
3 hours
AP1018 Theological Apologetics
An in–depth study in specific areas of interest in systematic theology. Topics are chosen from current theological discussion as they impinge on conservative theology perspective. These issues will be examined, evaluated, and critiqued from a classical theistic perspective.
3 hours
AP1019 Cultural Apologetics
An in–depth study in the defense of Christianity in the civil arena. Issues of relevance and importance will be chosen to meet the main cultural challenges to Christianity in the public marketplace.
3 hours
2. Philosophy (PH)
PH301 Critical Thinking
A study of the basic forms of logical thinking and fallacies, stressing the use of reason in Christian theology and apologetics.
3 hours
PH302 Introduction to Philosophy
A study of the most significant philosophers, their ideas, and relation to Christian theology and apologetics.
3 hours
PH501 Classical Philosophy
A survey of philosophical thinking with particular emphasis on areas relevant to theology, apologetics, and ethics.
3 hours
PH502 History of Ancient Philosophy
A survey of ancient philosophy, with emphasis on its relation to theology and apologetics.
3 hours
PH503 History of Medieval Philosophy
A survey of ancient medieval philosophy, with emphasis on its relation to theology and apologetics.
3 hours
PH504 History of Modern Philosophy
A survey of modern philosophy, with emphasis on its relation to theology and apologetics.
3 hours
PH505 History of Contemporary Philosophy
A survey of contemporary philosophy, with emphasis on its relation to theology and apologetics.
3 hours
PH507 (407) Great Thinkers (AP407)
See AP507 Great Thinkers
3 hours
PH509 (309, 809) Independent Study in Philosophy
Guided research in a special area of Philosophy.
1–3 hours
PH510 (410) Problems in Philosophy
An in–depth study of select issues in Philosophy.
3 hours
PH511 (411) Apologetic Systems (AP411)
See AP411 Apologetic Systems
3 hours
PH513 Symbolic Logic
An introduction to the methods of modern symbolic logic—focusing on the fundamental logical concepts and logical symbolism of propositional and predicate logic.
3 hours
PH514 Moral Philosophy
A historical and critical introduction to the questions relating to the problems and possibilities of rationally grounding distinctions between moral and immoral conduct.
3 hours
PH515 Philosophy of Hermeneutics (AP515/ST510)
An overview of the history and current issues in hermeneutics and hermeneutic methodology touching on questions of philosophical hermeneutics, objectivity, meaning, presuppositions, pre–understanding, and the historical–grammatical methodology.
3 hours
PH520 God, Time, and Foreknowledge
See AP520 God, Time, and Foreknowledge
3 hours
PH540 Philosophy of Religion
A critical analysis of issues found in philosophyical analyses of religion, including faith and reason, miracles, God’s existence, the problem of evil, etc.
3 hours
PH604 Metaphysics
A study of the nature of reality with emphasis on its relation to other disciplines such as theology, epistemology, methodology, and logic and its relation to other primary schools of thought.
3 hours
PH605 Epistemology
A study of the nature of knowledge with emphasis on its relation to theology and metaphysics and to other primary theories of knowledge including a realistic response to skepticism, agnosticism, and other views that deny knowledge of reality.
3 hours
PH825 Systematic Philosophy
An analysis of the figures and views of significant philosophers of Western history from ancient to contemporary times and the influence they have had on and the contributions they have made to the Christian faith.
3 hours
PH1012 Philosophy of Science
A study on the issues of the relationship between science and religion, both throughout the history of the church and in the contemporary culture. Issues will include such topics as the historical conflict between science and religion, the relationship between the church and Galileo, the origin of modern natural science, current issues in philosophy of science and the impact these have on Christianity, the evolution/creation debate, and others.
3 hours
PH1015 Religious Epistemology
An in–depth analysis of the issue of knowledge regarding religious claims including a look at warrant and justification of religious claims, the relationship of faith and reason, miracles, and religious experience.
3 hours
PH1016 Thomistic Philosophy
An in–depth analysis of selected aspects of the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas with a look at both primary and secondary sources.
3 hours
PH1017 Contemporary Atheism
An in–depth analysis of the arguments for atheism put forth by contemporary philosophical and popular atheists.
3 hours
PH1018 Philosophical Theology
An in–depth analysis of the issues of the existence and nature of God including a look at the traditional theistic arguments, the divine attributes, God and time, and the Trinity.
3 hours
3. Christian Education (CE)
CE501 Educational Program of the Church
A survey of the principles and practices of Christian education in the local church.
3 hours
CE502 Discipleship
A study of the principals and practices of Christian discipleship as related to the program of the local church.
3 hours
CE503 Teaching Techniques
A study of the seven laws of teaching and lesson planning.
3 hours
CE504 Church Leadership (PT504)
A study of the principles and dynamics of Christian leadership in the local Church.
3 hours
CE505 Family Ministries (PT505)
See PT505–Family Ministries
3 hours
CE506 History and Philosophy of Christian Education
A survey of the history of religious education from Old Testament times to the present and a study of the theories of Christian education with emphasis on developing a biblical philosophy of education.
3 hours
CE507 Age Level Ministries
A study of the nature and needs of various age levels from newborns to senior citizens, focusing on methods, materials, resources, and administration of each age level division within the local church’s total educational program.
3 hours
CE509 (309, 809) Independent Study in Christian Education
Guided research in a special area of Christian Education.
1–3 hours
CE510 (CE910) Teaching Practicum
An approved teaching experience in a ministry or Christian school context that involves observation and evaluation.
3 hours
CE511 (411) Youth Apologetics Ministries
See AP520
3 hours
CE512 (412) Church Ministries with Youth
An in–depth study of the nature and needs of young people with an emphasis on local church and parachurch programs, including youth discipleship and family integration.
3 hours
CE513 (413) Programming for Youth Ministries
An in–depth study of the administrative task and development of youth ministries within the local church and parachurch ministries, involving parenting roles, and church and parachurch leadership teams.
3 hours
CE901 Apologetics in Christian Educational Ministry
An in–depth practicum in the application of Christian education theory to apologetic teaching and training in any particular ministry context. Resident only.
3 hours
CE1003 Instructional Research and Teaching
A graduate seminar focusing on the critical investigation of educational research methodology and the defense of its application to a biblical theory of instructional practice.
3 hours
4. Biblical Languages
BL501 (401) Biblical Languages
An overview of the biblical languages with an emphasis on developing proficiency in the employment of the standard biblical language reference tools in the study of the Bible and the defense of the historic Christian Faith.
3 hours
BL509 (309) Independent Study in Biblical Languages
Guided study in areas of biblical languages.
1–3 hours
a. Greek (GK)
GK501 Greek Grammar 1
An introduction to the basic elements of Greek grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
3 hours
GK502 Greek Grammar 2
A continuation of Greek grammar and vocabulary.
Prerequisite: GK501
3 hours
GK503 Greek Syntax and Exegesis
An exegetical study of select portions of the Greek New Testament.
Prerequisite: GK501, GK502
3 hours
GK504 Advanced Greek Exegesis
Advanced exegesis of select portions of the Greek New Testament.
Prerequisite: GK501, GK502, GK503
3 hours
GK509 Independent Study in Greek
Guided study in areas of advanced Greek exegesis and/or grammar.
Prerequisite: GK501, GK502, GK503, GK504
1–3 hours
b. Hebrew (HB)
HB501 Biblical Hebrew 1
An introduction to the fundamentals of classical Hebrew with primary emphasis on the strong verb and basic vocabulary.
3 hours
HB502 Biblical Hebrew 2
A continuation of HB501 with emphasis on the weak verb and readings from biblical texts.
Prerequisite: HB501
3 hours
HB503 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis
Select readings in the Hebrew Old Testament which illustrate the structure of biblical Hebrew and introduce Hebrew exegesis.
Prerequisite: HB501, HB502
3 hours
HB509 Independent Study in Hebrew
Guided study in areas of advanced Hebrew exegesis and/or grammar.
Prerequisite: HB501, HB502
1–3 hours
c. Other Languages
AB501 Classical Arabic 1
An introduction to the fundamentals of classical Arabic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
3 hours
AB502 Classical Arabic 2
A continuation of AB501 with readings from the Quranic text.
3 hours
AB509, GE, or LT Independent Study in Other Languages
Guided study in areas of an advanced language exegesis and/or grammar.
Prerequisite: GE, LT, CL, or AB501
1–3 hours
CL601 Cognate Biblical Languages
An introduction to the basic elements of languages cognate to the biblical languages including Syriac, Aramaic, and Arabic.
Prerequisite: HB501, HB502
3 hours
GE501 Theological German
An introduction to the basic elements of theological German grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
3 hours
LT501 Classical Latin
An introduction to the basic elements of classical Latin grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in preparation for studies in philosophical and theological texts
3 hours
5. Historical Theology (HT)
HT301 Church History
A study of the historical development of the Church and its doctrines, with attention to the development of theological themes from the church fathers to the present day.
3 hours
HT407 (507) Great Thinkers (AP407)
See AP407–Great Thinkers
3 hours
HT501 Historical Theology: A Survey
A study of the historical development of Christian doctrines, with attention to the development of theological themes from the church fathers to the present day.
3 hours
HT504 Revivals
By means of a survey of biblical and historical revivals, this course guides the student in developing a theology of revival. Special attention is given to the phenomena of revival and their connection to biblical data.
3 hours
HT505 Field Study
See AP517– Field Study
1–3 hours
HT509 (309, 809) Independent Study in Historical Theology
Guided study and/or research in a chosen field of historical theology.
3 hours
HT1001 Problems in Historical Theology
A graduate seminar aiming at the study and defense of selected areas in historical theology, especially those that deal with the critical nature, task, and validity of historical–theological research, as well as other historically determining theological matters.
3 hours
6. Missions and Evangelism (ME)
ME301 Evangelism
A survey of the principles and practice of effective mass and personal evangelism.
3 hours
ME501 (401) The History and Principles of Missions
A survey of the history of Christian missions, with emphasis on the principles needed for effective dissemination of the Gospel.
3 hours
ME502 Evangelism and Church Growth
A study of the principles and practices of effective mass and personal evangelism and church growth.
3 hours
ME503 Cross–Cultural Studies
A study of those principles of anthropology and communications that provide the basis for understanding various cultures, both religious and ethnic, in order to reach them more effectively with the Gospel, with emphasis on world view, value systems, and communication processes.
3 hours
ME504 (404) Special Issues in Missions/Evangelism
A study of special issues in missions or evangelism that relate to the spread of the Gospel in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
3 hours
ME506 (406) Islamic Missions
A survey of Islamic missions with an emphasis on the principles and practices needed for effective dissemination and defense of the Gospel.
3 hours
ME507 (407) Jewish Missions
A survey of Jewish missions with an emphasis on the principles and practices needed for effective dissemination and defense of the Gospel.
3 hours
ME509 (309, 409, 809) Independent Study in Missions and Evangelism
Guided study in a chosen area of missions or evangelism.
1–3 hours
ME903 Cross Cultural Apologetics and Evangelism
An in–depth practicum in the application of apologetics and evangelism within the context of cross–cultural ministry. Resident only.
3 hours
ME904 Apologetics and Evangelism Training and Outreach
An in–depth practicum in the application of apologetics and evangelism to training and outreach in any particular ministry context. Resident only.
3 hours
7. Biblical Studies (BS)
BS1001 Biblical Criticism
A study of the materials, history, and praxis of New Testament and Old Testament criticism, with an emphasis on acquaintance with Greek and Hebrew manuscripts and an analysis of competing text–critical theories. The seminar will consider the place of philosophy, natural science, and literary theory in the development of higher criticism, and the growing current of scholarship challenging the validity of higher criticism.
3 hours
BS509 (309, 809, 1009) Independent Study in Biblical Studies
Guided study in a chosen area of Biblical Studies.
1–3 hours
a. New Testament (NT)
NT301 New Testament Survey
A survey of each book of the New Testament emphasizing the content, structure and message of each book. Introductory material such as the authorship, date, purpose, and background of each book will be included.
3 hours
NT503 (303, 403) Book Study
An in–depth study of a book (or books) of the New Testament.
3 hours
NT501 New Testament Survey 1: Gospels and Acts
A survey of the life and teachings, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ as presented in the four Gospels and the spread of Christianity as recorded in the Book of Acts. Introductory material such as the authorship, date, purpose, and background of the Gospels and Acts will be included.
3 hours
NT502 New Testament Survey 2: The Epistles and Revelation
A survey of the Epistles and the Book of Revelation focusing on the structure and message of each book. Introductory material such as authorship, date, and the background of each book will be included.
3 hours
NT504 (404) Field Study
See AP517–Field Study
1–3 hours
NT509 (309, 809) Independent Study in New Testament
Guided study in a chosen area of the New Testament.
1–3 hours
b. Old Testament (OT)
OT301 Old Testament Survey
A survey of the entire Old Testament, with emphasis on the background, authorship, date, structure, and content of each book and its place in the overall canon of Scripture.
3 hours
OT503 (303, 403) Book Study
An in–depth study of a book or books of the Old Testament.
3 hours
OT501 Old Testament Survey 1: Genesis – Esther
A survey of the books of Law and History, Genesis to Esther, with emphasis on the background, authorship, date, structure, and content of each book and its place in the overall canon of Scripture.
3 hours
OT502 Old Testament Survey 2: Job – Malachi
A survey of the books of Poetry and Prophecy, Job to Malachi, with emphasis on the background, authorship, date, structure, and content of each book and its place in the overall canon of Scripture.
3 hours
OT504 (404) Field Study
See AP517–Field Study
1–3 hours
OT509 (309, 809) Independent Study in Old Testament
A directed study in a chosen area of the Old Testament.
1–3 hours
8. Pastoral Theology (PT)
PT501 Homiletics
A practicum in preaching, with emphasis on how to prepare and deliver a sermon.
Prerequisite: ST505
3 hours
PT502 Pastoral Care
A practical course in how to care for the spiritual, psychological, and physical needs of a congregation.
3 hours
PT503 Biblical Counseling
A practical course in the procedure for counseling from a biblical perspective.
3 hours
PT504 Church Leadership (CE504)
A study of the principles and dynamics of Christian leadership in the local church
3 hours
PT505 Family Ministries
A study of the dynamics of the Christian family and its relationship to the local church.
3 hours
PT506 (406) Problems in Pastoral Theology
An in–depth study of select problems in pastoral theology
3 hours
PT507 (407) Expository Preaching
A course in expository preaching based on an in–depth analysis of a select book(s) of Scripture.
3 hours
PT509 (809) Independent Study in Pastoral Theology
Guided study in a select area of pastoral theology.
1–3 hours
PT510 (803) Counseling the Cultic Mindset (AP514)
Guided studies in selected areas of cult movements and the psychological implications for counseling, such as debriefing, behavior modification, and systematic desensitizing. Resident only.
3 hours
PT902 Apologetics and the Pulpit Ministry
An in–depth practicum in the application of apologetic teaching and training to pulpit ministry. Resident only.
3 hours
3 hours
9. Systematic Theology (ST)
ST301 Introduction to Theology
An introduction to the study of theology and an examination of the inspiration and canonization of Scripture, stressing the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible.
3 hours
ST302 Survey of Bible Doctrine
The study of the triune God, His existence and attributes, along with His creation of the world, angels, human beings, and His relation to them, sin and salvation, stressing the work of Christ and its application to believers, the origin and nature of the church, the future of believers and unbelievers, heaven and hell.
3 hours
ST303 Bible Study Methods
The study of the principles involved in proper interpretation of the Bible, laying stress on the historical–grammatical method of deriving the author’s meaning as expressed in the biblical text.
3 hours
ST501 Prolegomena and Bibliology
An introduction to the study of theology and an examination of the inspiration and canonization of Scripture, stressing the infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible.
3 hours
ST502 Theology Proper and Creation
The study of the triune God, His existence and attributes, along with His creation of the world, angels, human beings and His relation to them.
3 hours
ST503 Hamartiology and Soteriology
The study of sin and salvation, stressing the work of Christ and its application to believers.
3 hours
ST504 Ecclesiology and Eschatology
The study of the origin and nature of the church, the future of believers and unbelievers, heaven and hell.
3 hours
ST505 Hermeneutics (AP513)
The study of the principles involved in proper interpretation of the Bible, laying stress on the historical–grammatical method of deriving the author’s meaning as expressed in the biblical text
Prerequisite: BL401, GK501, or HB501
3 hours
ST506 (406) Theological Issues
A study of important theological issues of the Christian Faith and their relevance today.
3 hours
ST507 (407) Great Thinkers (AP/HT407)
See AP407–Great Thinkers
3 hours
ST509 (309, 809, 1009) Independent Study in Systematic Theology
Guided study in a select area of systematic theology.
1–3 hours
ST510 Philosophy of Hermeneutics (AP/PH515)
See PH515– Philosophy of Hermeneutics
3 hours
ST511 Advanced Hermeneutics
An advanced study of the history and issues of biblical interpretation including a survey of the history of the interpretation of the Bible, the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, and the place and significance of cultural factors in interpretation.
Prerequisite ST505
3 hours
ST512 Ethics (AP512)
See AP512–Ethics
3 hours
ST1001 Problems in Prolegomena and Bibliology
An in–depth study in the apologetic preconditions for an evangelical approach to the Bible and theology. It focuses on a select number of issues which make possible the articulation of the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. The specific topics are chosen with reference to critical areas of contemporary concern.
3 hours
3 hours
ST1002 Problems in Theology Proper and Creation
An in–depth study focusing on apologetic problems in the defense of the classical theistic view of God and creation. The course is cast in terms of challenges to the traditional creedal view of God by contemporary process theology, open theism, and naturalism.
3 hours
3 hours
ST1003 Problems in Hamartiology and Soteriology
An in–depth study directed toward the examination and defense of selected areas in the doctrines of hamartiology and soteriology, especially those that are of contemporary relevance.
3 hours
3 hours
ST1004 Problems in Ecclesiology and Eschatology
An in–depth study directed toward the investigation and defense of selected areas in the doctrines of ecclesiology and eschatology, especially those that are currently being debated.
3 hours
3 hours
ST1005 Problems in Hermeneutics
An in–depth study focusing on the problems and issues in both biblical hermeneutics and contemporary philosophical hermeneutics. Problems considered will include the nature of meaning, the place of linguistics in hermeneutics, the nature of philosophical hermeneutics and its relation to biblical hermeneutics, and the possibility of objectivity in interpretation.
3 hours
3 hours
10. Religious Studies (RE)
RE302 World Religions and New Religious Movements
See AP302
3 hours
RE502 Contemporary Cults
See AP502
3 hours
RE504 World Religions
See AP504
3 hours
RE508 Other Religious Groups
See AP508
3 hours
RE509 (309, 809) Independent Study in Religious Studies
Guided research in a special area of religious studies.
3 hours
RE510 (410, 910) Problems in Religious Studies
An in–depth study of select issues in Religious Stuides.
3 hours
RE511 (401) History of the Middle East
A survey of the history of the Middle East with an emphasis on the key players and events that shaped the present crises in the Middle East, and especially on how this impacts Christian evangelism and apologetics.
3 hours
RE512 (406) History of Islam
A survey of the history of the Islam from the time of Mohammed to the present, with an emphasis on key persons and events that impact Christian evangelism and apologetics.
3 hours
RE513 (413) Qur’an
An in–depth study of the Qur’an, including its origins, development, language, theology, and practices, with an emphasis on its impact on Christian evangelism and apologetics.
3 hours
RE514 (414) Jewish History
A survey of the history of the Jewish people from the time of Abraham to the present, with an emphasis on key persons and events that impact Christian evangelism and apologetics.
3 hours
RE515 (415) The Holocaust
A survey of the Holocaust with an emphasis on its historical context and impact on the Jewish people, including the theology that undergirds it and how this impacts Christian evangelism and apologetics.
3 hours
RE1013 New Religions
See AP1013
3 hours
RE1014 Religious Apologetics
See AP1014
3 hours
11. Special Studies
a. Thesis (TH)
TH501 Thesis Research 1
A directed research program in preparation for writing a thesis. Presentation of the thesis outline and first chapter are required before the end of this course. Taken in the Fall Semester a year before expected graduation.
1 hour
TH502 Thesis Research 2
Continuing work on the writing of the thesis. Taken in the Spring Semester a year before expected graduation.
Prerequisite TH501
1 hour
TH503 Thesis Research 3
A directed program for completion of the thesis, including presentation of a first draft, final thesis, and defense of the thesis. Taken in the Fall Semester of expected graduation. Continuous enrollment in TH503 is expected until the completion of a final thesis and defense.
Prerequisite TH502
1 hour
b. Field Experience (FE)
FE501 (401) Field Experience 1
Practical ministry experience applying learning from various classroom experiences.
0 hour
FE502 (402) Field Experience 2
Continued practical application of classroom learning.
0 hour
FE503 Field Experience 3
Continued practical application of classroom learning.
0 hour
FE504 Field Experience 4
Continued practical application of classroom learning.
0 hour
c. Seminars (SM)
SM301 Communication
A survey of biblical and classical communication theories and their application to contemporary apologetics.
3 hours
SM302 Portfolio Development
An introduction to portfolio development and presentation for the purpose of documenting learning experiences.
3 hours
SM401 Writing and Research Skills
An introductory course that covers grammar, style, research methods, and formatting skills needed for completing theological writing assignments.
3 hours
SM601 Senior Seminar
A capstone course on the core curriculum in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics that is designed to review, reinforce, unify, and evaluate the student’s knowledge in these areas.
3 hours
d. Major Project (MP)
MP901 Major Project
A directed program for researching and writing the Major Project. Taken in the Fall Semester before expected graduation.
3 hours
MP902 Major Project Defense
An oral defense of the Major Project. Taken in the Spring Semester before expected graduation
Prerequisite MP901
3 hours
e. Language Competencies (LC)
LC1001 First Research Language Competency
An examination or acceptance of academic credit in one of two research languages completed prior to comprehensive examination.
0 hour
LC1002 Second Research Language Competency
An examination or acceptance of academic credit in one of two research languages completed prior to comprehensive examination.
0 hour
f. Examinations (EX)
EX1000 Comprehensive Exam Preparation
A seminar designed to prepare and guide the student through comprehensive exam.
0 hour
EX1001 Comprehensive Exam (written)
A written examination given to qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
2 hours
EX1002 Comprehensive Exam (oral)
An oral examination given to qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
2 hours
g. Dissertation (DS)
DS1000 Dissertation Proposal Preparation
A seminar designed to prepare and guide the student through the dissertation phase.
2 hours
DS1001 Dissertation Research
Research and writing of the dissertation which concludes with an oral defense.
9 hours