B.A. in Theology and Religious Studies

UNDERGRADUATE STUDY

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

CRK 101: Introduction to Christian Religious Knowledge:-

This course is designed to introduce students to the language, controversies, and figures of theology, and to encourage students to improve their own theologizing by considering its public relevance, intelligibility, and justifiability.

CRK 110: Communication:-

Building practical biblical communication skills in various public speaking situations.

CRK 111: Introduction to Theology:-

This course is an introductory survey designed to prepare students for upper-division courses in Christian theology. Topics may include the scriptures, history of the Church and/or theology, the nature of theological discourse, introduction to theological terms and definitions, and examination of select topics or issues in theology.

CRK 112: Introduction to Biblical Studies:-

A study of the Old and New Testaments and their formation, historical character, primary themes, and interpretation.

CRK 113: Introduction to the Old Testament I:-

Through the experience of reading and reflecting on the entire text of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as well as key select passages, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about the sources, history, and development of the canonical books in critical relation to their place in ancient Near Eastern culture and history. Attention will be given to issues such as call, covenant, law, ritual, kingship, prophetic movements, reform movements, exile/deportation and return, wisdom and apocalyptic as shaping forces in biblical identity. Lectures and exegetical sessions will seek to assist participants with methodologies that will build their confidence and competence in engaging the texts in the context of the pastoral life of the church and in relation to contemporary culture and discourse

CRK 114: New Testament 1: Gospels:-

An introduction to the literature of the four Gospels, including attention to the background, critical issues, and theological motifs

CRK 115: Christianity and Its Practice:-

An introduction to Christian belief and practice through reflection on classic and contemporary expressions of the Christian life.

CRK 119: Introduction to Pastoral Ministry:-

This course introduces students to the theology of ministry, including historical and contemporary theologies of ordained and lay ministry. Students also explore basic methods in the practice of ministry.

CRK 120: Biblical Language:-

Introduction to both the Biblical Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) languages in order to facilitate the use of advanced linguistic tools for Biblical study and research. Students gain practical hands-on instruction and experience in conducting Greek and Hebrew word studies using a lexicon and concordance.

CRK 121: Spiritual Formation:-

Study of the dynamics of personal and spiritual growth as understood in the Christian tradition. Practical tools, in combination with historical perspective, provide the backdrop for self-exploration and spiritual development within students.

CRK 123: Ministry Communication Skills:-

Introduction to basic public speaking, reading, and written communication skills necessary for the ministry environment. The course emphasizes verbal communication (voice, diction, and pronunciation), written communication (specialized publications), and specialized communication strategies for media and pulpit ministry.

CRK 124: Christian Ministry:-

Introduction to various kinds of ministry found in church and parachurch organizations with an emphasis on the leadership and involvement of the laity. The course also explores team ministry strategies in a ministry context and a model for natural church growth as the basis for ministry health.

CRK 124: New Testament II:-

Acts-Revelation. An introduction to the literature of Acts through Revelation, including attention to the background, critical issues, and theological motifs.

CRK 125:Introduction to the Old Testament II:-

Introduction to Old Testament literature and history, with emphasis on application within the church. Readings, written assignments and final paper or exam.

CRK 125: Christian Discipleship:-

Students examine the Biblical and philosophical basis of personal spiritual formation and growth as well as strategies that can be used to facilitate formation and growth in church and parachurch ministry.

CRK 201: Contemporary in the Church:-

Introduction to special topics that affect ministry in the twenty-first century. This course examines gender, racial, and post-modern cultural issues that have a major impact on the practice of ministry today.

CRK 211: Introduction to Christian Tradition:-

This course is an introductory survey of theology, studying representative texts from the pre-Christian era to the Reformation (100 B.C. to 1650). Figures and issues will be situated within the philosophical and theological currents of their time

CRK 213: Foundations of Christian Ethics:-

A study of the life of Christian discipleship, centred on the development of moral character, on the role of communities in the living of Christian life, and on norms for the personal and social actions of Christians.

CRK 214: Introduction to Christian Religion:-

General Education Course (Self-Understanding/Humanities Perspective) that promotes the Public Affairs Mission. Investigates what Christian religion is and does, compares culturally diverse religious ideas and practices. This course explores how Christian religion influences the relationship between individual and community by examining Christian religious ethical systems, and providing community engagement opportunities.

CRK 216: Christian Missions:-

Study of the worldwide mission of the Church, presented in the context of world perspectives and evangelism, including the theological basis for world missions, a practical survey of mission strategies, and applications to local church and parachurch ministries.

CRK 217: History of the English Bible:-

The ancient manuscripts of the Bible; early versions; the English Bible; evaluation of recent translations.

CRK 218: Old Testament Theology:-

An introduction to the various approaches to the problematic nature of Old Testament theology. Emphasis given to the theology of the Psalter and to the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.

CRK 220: Foundations of Pastoral Ministry:-

An introduction to the various aspects of pastoral ministry in a congregational setting. Interaction with those proficient in pastoral ministry.

CRK 221: Biblical Background and Interpretations:-

Students explore the history, geography, and cultures that form contexts to the Old and New Testament scriptures. Students learn an inductive approach to the interpretation of the scriptures that draws on the insights gained from the study of significant background issues

CRK 223: The Christian Bible:-

This course introduces students to the history and theology of ancient Israel and of the New Testament church, through the medium of the Christian Bible. It examines how and why the church chose the books that form the Christian Bible, and illustrates how the Bible has been used, and continues to be used, to define and reform Christian faith. Principles of Theology:

CRK 224: The foundations of Christian belief:-

Students explore basic themes in Christian thought such as the knowledge of God, the origin of sin, the nature of humanity, the person and work of Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

CRK 227: Systematic Theology:-

Examination of systematic/constructive doctrines drawn from the scriptures. Students consider questions concerning God, Christ, humankind, salvation, the church, and the Holy Spirit in the context of renewal theology. Students also learn to assess such questions from the standpoint of relevant scriptures as well as from postmodern and other theological viewpoints such as feminist and liberation theologies.

CRK 228: Christian Ethics:-

This basic introduction to ethics aims to develop a systematic way of thinking about Christian morality, bringing biblically based convictions to bear on important moral problems.

CRK 229: Bible and Social Ethics:-

An examination of the variety of normative roles that Scripture has played in social analysis and criticism within the 20th century, with special emphasis on evaluating the normative role that Scripture should play as an "authority" in social ethics.

CRK 301: Religious Lives: Jesus:-

This is an introductory course to the academic study of religion, focusing on Jesus of Nazareth. Because Jesus did not pen any writings of his own, we must attempt to discern his religious sensibilities by attending to the impressions he made on his earliest followers. Early memories about Jesus came to be enshrined in numerous religious texts, including the "gospels." The gospels are not biographies in the modern sense; therefore, we must follow clues and draw conclusions from texts that were not interested, primarily, in objective, non-partisan, historical description. Rather, they sought to underscore the ultimate meaning and significance of Jesus' life for individuals and communities who identify with him. This course, then, constitutes both an introduction to Jesus' life and teaching and an entree to the study of religious texts, their contexts, the context in which they were produced, their use by readers for whom they are authoritative, and the potential they hold for historical reconstruction.

CRK 311: Foundations for Ministry:-

This course focuses on the spiritual disciplines learning to love God. Issues such as the nature of spiritual experience, the practice of various disciplines, and spiritual direction will be considered. The role of the small group leader will also be examined.

CRK 312: Judaism & Christianity:-

This course introduces students to the three major monotheistic religious traditions: Judaism, & Christianity. In the process of tracing the long and rich histories of Judaism, and Christianity, we examine the beliefs and practices that became central and definitive for Jews and Christians. We begin with the ancient heritage of each religion (scriptures; founders; early institutions). Then we explore how these foundational traditions were preserved and re-invigorated in response to centuries of social change and critical moments of political upheaval. Most significant, in this regard, is the Jewish, and Christian encounter with their respective holy Scriptures - as generation after generation of adherents have attempted to understand the revealed words of God, to proclaim their continual relevance for all places and all times, and to inscribe them upon their bodies and hearts through prayer, worship, and daily life.

CRK 314: The Bible as Literature:-

This course is an analytical/critical study of selected books of the Bible with an emphasis on its literary qualities, genres and influence. We read the Bible, one of the most important works in all of Western culture, as a masterpiece of literature. Rather than focusing on theological questions about this work as inspired scripture, we instead focus on its rich literary qualities and explore some ways in which these stories have influenced modern society. Reading select passages, we discuss its literary genres, forms, symbols and motifs, many of which are important in modern literature, such as hero stories, origin stories, parables, apocalyptic literature, the loss of Eden and the Promised Land.

CRK 315: Theological Method:-

This course introduces the theology major to the history of the development of theological thought and method. The course will demonstrate the ongoing dialogue between revelation, tradition, history, and experience. In this course the student will learn the vocabulary unique to theological studies, will become aware of the essential concepts and doctrines that shape Christian Theology and will become familiar with the major theologians who shaped and articulated those concepts and doctrines. This course is required of all theology majors.

CRK 318: Hebrew Bible:-

The legacy of the Hebrew Bible has been great for both western and world culture. In this course, we read the books of the Hebrew Bible critically as literature, as religious text and as a course of sociological knowledge. The students gain a general overview of the narrative and historical development of the text while simultaneously being introduced to the various modes of biblical interpretation. Emphasis is placed on situating the literature and religious expression of the Bible within its ancient Near Eastern milieu.

CRK 319: New Testament:-

Origins of the Christian movement and development of its beliefs, practices, and institutions in the first century. Primary source is the New Testament, with due attention to non-Christian sources from the same environment.

CRK 320: Judaism:-

A literary and historical journey through Judaism. This course examines the "Jewish story" from its roots to its modern-day manifestations, focusing on select, classic Jewish texts in their historical contexts. From them, students will explore Jewish tradition and practice and will actively engage with and in the vivid interpretive imagination of the authors of Judaism throughout the ages.

CRK 321: Israel in the Ancient World:-

Social, political, economic and religious history of Jews in biblical times and their relations with contemporary states, empires, and religions.

CRK 322: Religion and Human Experience:-

A study of the dynamics of human experience and the religious understanding of God as mystery. The course also explores the human experience of grace, love, prayer, sin, and salvation.

CRK 322: Women and The Bible:-

Place of woman in biblical narratives as well as legal position of women in Israelite society and use of feminine imagery in the Bible.

CRK 333: Prophets of Early Judaism:-

An exploration of how prophecy is transformed in early Judaism from its roots in the Bible, with the prophets of Israel, to its changing manifestations in post-biblical Judaism. The eventual formation of the Hebrew Bible spawned new modes of revelation. The student will examine how the resulting prophetic and apocalyptic traditions shaped Judaism and, eventually, Christianity.

CRK 324: Life & Teachings of Jesus:-

Intensive review of Gospels (especially Synoptic) and examination of selected modern attempts to reconstruct events lying behind them.

CRK 325: Life & Letters of Paul:-

Intensive review of Paul's letters and examination of some modern attempts to reconstruct events and thought behind them.

CRK 329: Christian Classics:-

Reading and discussion of influential historic books pertaining to Christian life and devotion.

CRK 401: Development of New Testament:-

Using a variety of critical methods, this course explores the social, political, and religious influences that shaped the New Testament as it was written, copied, edited, canonized, and translated into its current forms. Students will perform a variety of exercises in class to illustrate the complicated process by which the New Testament was formed..

CRK 411: Bodies and Souls:-

This course examines the unique place of the body in biblical religion. We ask how the Bible and its interpreters have shaped current views on sex and the gendered body in Western society. How has the Bible been (mis)used in relation to current understandings of the physical body? Is the saying that a "human" does not have a body, but is a body as true for the Hebrew Bible as the Christian New Testament? How has Judaism and Christianity (de)valued sexuality, procreation, and celibacy? How do the biblical traditions shape our modern opinions about the ideal physical body and body modifications? How can we understand "out-of-body" experiences and notions of death and afterlife in Western religion? Students are encouraged to interpret the Bible and their own beliefs from a uniquely embodied perspective.

CRK 412: Literature and World of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible:-

General Education Course (Culture and Society/Humanities Perspective). Explores the religion, life experiences, cultures, thoughts, and history of the ancient Israelites as found in their literature and artifacts.

CRK 414: Practical Evangelism:-

Introduction to practical strategies for evangelism in local and parachurch ministries. The course presents a Biblical basis for evangelism along with major strategies. Students apply their learning in a field-based evangelistic guided experience within ministry settings

CRK 415: Apologetic:-

Exploration of the branch of theology that deals with articulating the reasonableness of Christian faith as well as developing meaningful responses to common objections. Students examine theoretical and applied apologetics and the nature of the relationship between faith and reason, as well as specific problems and implications arising from our postmodern, pluralistic cultural context.

CRK 417: Pauline Literature:-

Study of the writings of the Apostle Paul. Students consider the cultural and philosophical background of each text as well as its contents and its place in the canon. The course examines the literature theologically and exegetically while inviting students to develop and consider personal applications of the texts.

CRK 418: Church History I:-

Survey of the movements and ideas which have influenced the church from the second century until the Reformation. Students trace the leaders and movements within the church and the development of major ideas and creeds. Particular attention is given to the distinctive theological and ethical movements within the western church.

CRK 419: Missions and Message of Jesus:-

Study of the ministry and teachings of Jesus as presented in the synoptic gospels, taking into consideration the Hebrew, Greek, and Roman cultural contexts. The course familiarizes students with foundational developments in historical Jesus research, examines important themes in the synoptic gospels, and develops students' skills in critical reading (exegesis), interpretation, and writing.

CRK 420: Study of the Prophets:-

Study of the writings of the Old Testament prophets, focusing on one of the Major Prophets or a selection of the Minor Prophets. The course examines the historical moment and place of the text as well as the role of the prophet in ancient Israel. Students examine texts exegetically, considering theology as suggested by the text(s) as well as the relationship to the New Testament, along with personal applications of the prophets' teachings.

CRK 423: Acts of the Apostles:-

Study of the New Testament book of Acts and the history and context of first-century Christianity. Students consider the historical, literary, and cultural background of Acts as well as its theological message and major themes.

CRK 426: Psalms:-

Exploration of the Psalms, with study of the ancient poetry, rich imagery, historical context, and religious and theological implications of the hymnbook of ancient Israel.

CRK 427: Literature and World of the New Testament:-

General Education Course (Culture and Society/Humanities Perspective). An introduction to early Christian literature and the persons and movements that produced it in their Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.

CRK 428: Church History II:-

Survey of the movements, leaders, and ideas which have influenced the church in the West from the time of the Reformation to the beginning of the 21st century. Topics include moral and doctrinal reformation, the formation and distinctions of major church movements, and the interplay and tension between Christianity and the state.

CRK 499: Research Project