Course Descriptions for Masters Programs

Courses are not listed in a strictly recommended sequence. For the recommended sequence see Curriculum Sequence

TP 2101 and TP 2501 are prerequisites to all other courses, except for B 1101-02 and B 1103-04

BIBLICAL STUDIES (B 1000 )

BIBLICAL LANGUAGES (B 1100 )

B 1101 - Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
For beginners, an introduction to the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of the Hebrew language.

B 1102 - Hebrew Grammar and Exegesis
A continuation of B 1101 with selected readings from the Hebrew text and an introduction to the 43
methods and resources for exegesis. Prerequisite: B 1101

B 1103 - Introduction to Biblical Greek
For beginners, an introduction to the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of Biblical Greek.

B 1104 - Greek Grammar and Exegesis
A continuation of B 1111 with selected readings from the Greek text and an introduction to the methods and resources for exegesis. Prerequisite: B 1103

B 1121 - Advanced Biblical Study with Hebrew Language
An exegetical study of a book or selected readings from the Old Testament toward the teaching and preaching of the text. Special emphasis will be given to the use of exegetical resources for evaluating and communicating the meaning of the text. Prerequisites: B 1101-02, B 1301-2, B1701-02

B 1123 - Advanced Biblical Study with Greek Language
An exegetical study of selected New Testament readings, with special emphasis toward the task of preaching and teaching of the text. Emphasis will be given to the use of exegetical resources for evaluating and communicating the meaning of the text. Texts may include: The Sermon on the Mount, Ephesians, Thessalonians Correspondence. Prerequisites: B 1103-4, B 1501-2, B 1701-02.

OLD TESTAMENT  (B  1300)

B 1301 - Old Testament Introduction I
This course is a general survey of the Old Testament history, literature and theology. It is designed to introduce students to the contents of the Old Testament and the literary artistry of the text. Students are exposed to the various critical approaches to the study of the Old Testament. This module focuses on the Pentateuch/Hexateuch, exodus/covenant, and the inception of the monarchy.

B 1302 - Old Testament Introduction II
This course is a continuation of B 1301. Old Testament Introduction II focuses on the development and subsequent division of the monarchy, exilic and postexilic writings, with emphasis on the prophetic, wisdom, poetic and apocalyptic literature. Students are also introduced to the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical books. Prerequisite: B 1301

Prerequisite for all further OT: B 1301-2; and if the professor requires, B 1101-02

B 1321 - First Things First: A Study of the Pentateuch
An examination of the first five books of the Old Testament, with a view toward their literary, theological and canonical contributions.

B 1323 - The Historical Geography of Israel
A multidisciplinary approach involving Old Testament, New Testament and Intertestamental Studies. A trip to Israel is a suggested part of the course.

B 1325 - The Psalms: Theology that Sings
An examination of the text through the prism of theology and hymnody.

B 1327 - Major Ideas of the Minor Prophets
A literary approach to the major social and theological ideas of the Minor Prophets.

B 1329 - Skepticism and Faith: Reflections in Wisdom Literature
A study of the variety and range of responses to the questions raised by the human condition, with special consideration given to doubt and the problem of suffering.

NEW TESTAMENT  (B  1500 )

B 1501 - New Testament Introduction I
This course introduces students to the literature, methods of interpretation, and various questions of critical study of the New Testament. It is designed to help students acquaint themselves with the philosophical and religious context of the Greco-Roman world and of Judaism contemporaneous with the beginnings of Christianity. New Testament.

B 1502 - New Testament Introduction II
This course is a continuation of B 1501, focusing on the life of Paul and his letters, the Pastorals, Hebrews, the General/Catholic epistles, and Revelation. The course also exposes students to the extra-canonical writings that relate to the foundational period of Christianity. Prerequisite: B 1501.

Prerequisite for all further NT: B 1501-2; and if the professor requires, B 1103-4

B 1521 – Paul
The students will read Acts and most of Paul’s letters along with three cutting edge texts that will
encourage them to consider carefully Paul’s ministry and his theology. We will focus on the big
questions: Does Acts give us an accurate portrayal of Paul or not? How does “the New Perspective” on the Jewish Law lead to a “New Perspective” on Paul? Is “Justification by Faith” or being “In Christ” the center of Paul’s theology or did he even have a “center”? Most importantly, to steal from the subtitle of one required text, was Paul a “Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity?”

B 1523 - New Testament Theologies
A study of the theological emphases found in one or more of the following literary groupings: Pauline, Petrine or Johannine literature.

B 1525 - Church, Culture and Ethics: A Study of 1 Corinthians
This is an advanced exploration of the influence of culture, secular ethics, and social conventions on the emerging Christian community at Corinth in the first century CE. Special attention is given to Paul’s strategies for dealing with the issues raised in the letter and their relevance for today.

B 1527 - Romans
This course is an advanced seminar on the theological exegesis of Romans. The course reviews the history of interpretation of Romans and employs critical methodologies to the discussion of the text. Special attention is given to hermeneutical reflections on the text for preaching and teaching.

B 1529 - Sermon on the Mount
An exploration of the exegetical and theological issues in Jesus teaching to his disciples.

B 1531 - Revelation
A study of the Book of Revelation. It considers the nature and purpose of ancient apocalyptic literature; studies the book of Revelation in its social, historical literary and religious contexts; and investigates how the Book of Revelation has been interpreted (or misinterpreted?) in contemporary thought.

HERMENEUTICS (B 1700 )

B 1701 - Biblical Interpretation I: Hermeneutics
An introduction to modern principles of biblical hermeneutics, with special emphasis on contributions
by contemporary philosophy and biblical scholarship.

B 1702 - Biblical Interpretation II: Exegesis
An introduction to biblical exegesis, with special emphasis on the student’s capacity to interpret specific selections from the biblical text.. Prerequisite: B 1701

THEOLOGICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL STUDIES (TP 2000)

THEOLOGY  (TP 2100 )

TP 2101 - Introduction to Theology

A general overview of the various tasks and disciplines of theology, including Historical, Systematic,
Pastoral & Biblical Theology. This course is prerequisite for all subsequent courses of study in theology.

Prerequisite for all Theology electives: TP 2101, 2501, HC 3111-4

TP 2121 - The Doctrine of Revelation
An introduction to the problem of revelation in theological studies, with special reference to divine revelation as: tradition, experience, illumination, Word and Spirit, self-disclosure and history.

TP 2123 - Christian Doctrine Concerning Last Things
An introduction to the major doctrinal and theological issues in contemporary eschatology.

TP 2125 - The Theology of Karl Barth
The background, theological method, main emphases and significance of Karl Barth’s theology.

TP 2127 – Contextual Theologies
A course in liberation, feminist, and ecological theologies.

SEE Integrated Seminars (IS  5000)

CHRISTIAN ETHICS  (TP  2300)

TP 2301 - Introduction to Christian Ethics
A course designed to introduce the student to the basic terminology and methods of Christian ethical decision-making. Some of the issues considered may include, but are not limited to: issues in sexual ethics, aspects of medical ethics, civil disobedience and environmental ethics.

Prerequisite for all further Ethics electives: TP 2101 and TP 2501 and TP 2301.

TP 2321 - Christianity and Public Life
A study of the intersection between theological reflection and public life. Areas of public life include: the Arts, Law, Medicine and healthcare, civil and military service.

TP 2323 - Faith and (Bio)medical Ethics
This course is a case-study approach to the ethical problems raised by contemporary medical science. The course focuses on cases at the beginning and ending of human life - issues which often confront those in the practice of ministry.

TP 2325 – Political Theology
This course seeks to introduce seminary students to the major doctrines, movements, and thinkers involved in the history and development of Christian political thought. The objective of the course will be to attempt a redefinition of the secular understanding of the word 'political' by way of the politics of the 'body of Christ' as a gathered community. We hope to discover how the social implications of the church and its liturgy provide the appropriate context for reasoning in a 'Christian' way about politics and our participation therein.

TP 2327 - Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace
This course is designed to introduce seminary students to the numerous 'attitudes' that have been taken by Christians throughout history toward the problem of war. It is a course in historical theology and ethics that seeks first to study and interpret the context in which these different moral 'attitudes' toward war and peace developed and secondly to evaluate them theologically and ethically by way of the texts where the church, its scriptures, and its theologians have spoken.

TP 2329 - Sexual Ethics
This course is designed introduce seminary students to the major themes in sexual ethics, and it will attempt to help students develop a Christian theology of marrige, gender, sexuality, and the body. These concepts will be approached by way of the church and its liturgy as the proper context and loci for ethical conversation and will have bearing on contemporary moral problems such as divorce, remarriage, homosexuality, the family, and abortion.

PHILOSOPHY  (TP  2500)

TP 2501 - Philosophy for Theology
An introduction to the history and problems of philosophy, with special emphasis on the questions of philosophical theology and their implications for theology. Included, the contributions of the following figures: Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, Hegel, Marx, Heidegger, Wittgenstein.

Prerequisite for all further Philosophy electives: TP 2101 and TP 2501

TP 2521 - Philosophy of Religious Language
An introduction to the linguistic turn in philosophy and its influence in the arena of philosophy of religion and philosophical theology.

TP 2523 - The Philosophy and Theology of Soren Kierkegaard
A study of the background, perspective and influence of Soren Kierkegaard. Special attention is given to Kierkegaard’s idea of ‘becoming’ a Christian.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES  (HC  3000)

HISTORICAL STUDIES (HC  3100)

HC 3101 - Global Church History
A historical survey of the spread and development of the Christian Church in Africa, Asia, Europe, America and Australia. Prerequisite: TP 2101

Prerequisites for all further HC courses: TP 2101, 2501; HC 3101

HC 3111 - Historical Theology I: Patristic Theology
An investigation of the main theological issues, theologians and religious movements from Gnosticism to the Pelagian controversy, from the second to the fifth century. This course provides an initial answer to the question “How did we get this way?” and lays the foundation for understanding the medieval, and contemporary Christian thought.

HC 3112 - Historical Theology II: Medieval Theology
A continuation of HC 3115, which presents the Christian theology from the Semi-Pelagian controversy to via moderna, from the fifth to the fifteenth century. Prerequisite HC 3111

HC 3113 - Historical Theology III: The Theology of Reformations
A continuation of HC 3114, which presents the Christian theology from the Lutheran Reformation to the beginning of the Baptist movement, from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century. Prerequisites HC 3111-2

HC 3114 – Historical Theology IV: Modern and Postmodern Theology
A historical survey of the major figures and intellectual movements shaping theology from Schleiermacher to Wittgenstein and beyond. Prerequisites HC 3111-3

HC 3121 - Baptist History and Identity
An introduction to the history and heritage of Baptists from their origins to the present day, with special attention given to the major theological emphases among Baptists, as well as their literature and institutional heritage. Prerequisites HC 3111-4

HC 3123 – American Religious History
A course on the religious landscape of America, focusing on the history of Christianity in the USA.
Prerequisites HC 3111-4

CHRISTIANITY AND CULTURE  (HC  3300)

Prerequisites for all HC 33** courses: TP 2101, 2501; HC 3101

HC 3311 - Religion and Society
An introductory course that considers the work of several principle theorists who have studied the relationship between religion and society. This course will give special attention to the socio-religious dynamics of American society.

HC 3313 - Theology and Culture
This course explores how the interpretation of culture shapes the practice of theology.

HC 3315 - Theology and Film
This course explores the theological and cultural intersection of theology with film.

HC 3317 - Where in the World Am I?: Cultural Exegesis for Ministry
A sociological introduction to the analysis of church and community for the purpose of Christian ministry.

HC 3319 - Christianity and Public Life
A study of the intersection between theological reflection and public life. Areas of public life include: the Arts, Law, Medicine and healthcare, civil and military service.

HC 3321 – Hermeneutics of Religious Belief
A study of the nature of religion from a multi disciplinary and phenomenological perspective. An introduction to the theories and methods generally used in the study of the religious phenomena, such as: Philosophy of Religion, Sociology of Religion, History of Religions, Anthropology of Religion, Psychology of Religion, Logic of Religion, Ecology of Religion, Feminist Approaches, and Postmodern Approaches to Religion.

WORLD RELIGIONS (HC  3 5 0 0 )

Prerequisites for all HC 35** courses: TP 2101, 2501; HC 3101

HC 3511 - The Children of Abraham: A Comparative Study of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
A presentation of Judaism, Christianity and Islam through the eyes, voices and experiences of religious leaders and lay people who live these faiths. The common heritage and diverse beliefs and religious practices will be explored.

HC 3513 - World Religions
A study of the major world religions represented in the Metropolitan community of Washington,
DC, including Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

HC 3315 - Christianity and Islam.
This course will introduce the student to basic Islamic doctrines and religious concepts, the divisions/sects within Islam, the Islamic view of the Lord Jesus and of Christianity, the history of Christian/Islamic encounter, and some special topics within the contemporary world having to do with Islam. At the end of the course, the student should have a clearer idea of what doctrines are held in common by Christians and Muslims, as well as what points of fundamental disagreement exist between the two traditions.

MINISTRY FORMATION  (MF  4000)

Prerequisites for all MF courses: TP 2101, TP 2501, B 1301-2, B 1501-12, B 1701-02, HC 3111-4

PREACHING  (MF  4100)

MF 4101 - Introduction to Preaching
An introductory course designed to equip the student in the preparation and delivery of sermons, with
emphasis on the practical application of biblical truths in a timely, relevant and informational format
Prerequisite for all advanced courses in Preaching: MF 4101

MF 4121 - Contextual Preaching
A course that equips the student to prepare biblically relevant sermons that reflect effective communication within the context of a given community. Students are expected to develop exegetical skills which exegete the text and the community.

MF 4123 - Preaching the Parables of Jesus
A study in the method of story in the telling of the gospel, with special reference to the parables of Jesus.

SPIRITUAL FORMATION  (MF  4300)

MF 4301 – Spiritual Formation. (No prerequisites)

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to basic aspects of the history and practice of Christian spiritual formation. Students will learn about a variety of spiritual formation traditions throughout the history of the Church. Students will engage in spiritual formation practices in the context of a covenanted small group.

Prerequisite for all advanced courses in Spirituality: MF 4301

MF 4321 - Devotion and Theology
Under this general category various courses are offered, which focus on the interdependence between
theology and devotion, and investigates one’s becoming a Christian and/or regaining the likeness of God.
Authors selected may include: Origen, Augustine, Martin Luther, Teresa of Avila, Pascal, Kierkegaard, et. al.

MF 4323 Spiritual Formation and Social Justice
Christian discipleship is an ongoing journey of inward spiritual formation and outward expressions of relating our faith in Christ to life in our world. The Biblical witness emphasizes our call to both spiritual growth and practicing justice in all our relationships. The purpose of this course is for students to engage in specific spiritual disciplines in the context of reflecting on the practice of social justice as articulated in Scripture and the lives of selected Christian witnesses.

THEOLOGY & MINISTRY  (MF  4500)

MF 4501 - Introduction to Pastoral Theology and Ministry
An introduction to the theological and practical dimensions of local church ministry, with an emphasis on certain pastoral responsibilities such as weddings, funerals, dedications, baptisms, etc.

MF 4503 - The Theology and Practice of Christian Worship
An introduction to the theological foundations, history and practice of Christian worship, with special reference to basic forms and practices of worship.

MF 4505 - Church Administration: Leading the Church through Change
A course designed to prepare students to help churches through transition and change, with special emphasis on organizational strategy, identification of values and vision.

MF 4507 - Christian Education
An introduction to Christian education as a mission of the Church. This course examines the philosophical, theological and psychological foundations of Christian education.

MF 4511 - Pastoral Care and Counseling
This course considers the dual role of the minister as leader and counselor in the church, with special emphasis on seeing the congregation and individuals as part of an emotional system, as well as, learning guidelines and techniques for counseling people at important times of life, such as marriage, birth, death, illness, family crisis, etc.

MF 4513 - Theology and Pastoral Care
An exploration of the theological dimensions of pastoral care.

MF 4515 - Strategic Evangelism for the Local Church
An introductory course that explores strategies of personal evangelism that may be modeled in the local church.

MF 4517 – Ministry: Beginning and Developing New Congregations
The course introduces the student to a multi-disciplinary ministry of starting and developing new congregations. Facets of study include Theology, Sociology, Ecclesiology and Organizational Development. Theoretical foundations will be related to the practice of this ministry and will be illustrated through Case Studies. Practitioners who will be active in this ministry will be integrated into the class with students pursuing academic study. The students will be expected to submit projects focused on starting or developing a new congregation.

MF 4519- Introduction to Church Growth and Health
An introductory course which explores the study of modern church health and growth. This course gives an emphasis to the rationale and analysis of different models of church organization.

MISSIONS  (MF  4700)

MF 4701 - Global Perspectives in Ministry and Mission. (No Prerequisites)
A survey of the methodology of mission, with an emphasis on modern globalization and its influence on the mission of the church.

MF 4711 Christian Missions
The course provides an overview of the academic study of Christian Missions, introducing the student to the history, methodology and contexts of the discipline of Christian Missions. A particular emphasis will be placed on the urban and metropolitan contexts in which those on mission can work. Further, the students will be expected to develop their own definitions of Christian Mission to be utilized through their own ministries and by those of the congregations they later serve.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT  (MF  4900)

MF 4901 – Christian Leadership
A basic course about what it takes and how to be a Christian leader

MF 4911-17 - Ministry Rotation
Ministry rotation permits students to experience the following ministry settings: Local Church, Chaplaincy, Advocacy, and Mission/Evangelism. Other rotations may be developed by permission from the Ministry Rotation Director and the Academic Dean

MF 4919 - Leading a Mission-Oriented/Ministry-Based Church System
Building on Jesus’ model of leadership and a theory of systemic power, students will discover organizational dynamics that promote health or disease in churches.

MF 4921 – Conflict Resolution
This course will help students learn their own tendencies toward approaching conflict, identify the levels of conflict, understand some of the dynamics of conflict, and examine healthy ways to manage conflict. Included will be the dynamics of dealing with conflict that are unique to the Christian community.

Prerequisites for Supervised Ministry: MF 4911-17

MF 4921 - Supervised Ministry
A course normally pursued in the third or fourth year of a students’ program. In supervised ministry, students are placed in a ministry setting for nine months where they are engaged in the opportunities and demands of their chosen area of ministry. This is a formative period for students when they test their calling and ministry gifts in a supervised ministry setting.

INTEGRATIVE SEMINARS  (IS  5000 ): BIBLICAL, SYSTEMATIC AND
APPLIED THEOLOGY

Prerequisites for all Integrative Seminars: TP 2101, TP 2501, B 1301-2, B 1501-2, B 1701-02, HC 3111- 4

IS 5121 - Who is God
An integrative seminar designed to explore the philosophical questions related to the concept of God,
with special emphasis on developing a contemporary apologetic for the Christian understanding of God.

IS 5123 - Who is Jesus?
An integrative seminar designed to explore the question of the identity of Jesus. Students will explore the biblical, theological and cultural dimensions of this issue, while developing a vision for communicating the results of their inquiry with persons outside the Christian faith.

IS 5125 - What is Salvation?
An integrated seminar designed to investigate the biblical foundations of soteriology, the historical
unfolding of the implications of biblical soteriology and the contemporary developments in soteriology.

IS 5127 - What is the Church?
An integrative seminar designed to provide a holistic vision of the church of Jesus Christ. Through an analysis of Scripture, theology, and contemporary church life, the student develops his/her own understanding of the “true” church and its place in the world.

IS 5129 - What is the Church’s Mission?
An integrative seminar designed to develop a global vision of the Church’s mission in the world,
with special emphasis on shaping a global vision for the local church. 55

At the discretion of each professor, other courses may be taught as Integrative Seminars. When such courses are so taught, they will be identified in the Course Offerings list by the course number, followed by the nomenclature (IS)