Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

BIBL 1000
Journey through the Bible [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course empowers students to deeply explore challenging biblical passages within the narrative of the Old and New Testaments. Focus is given to learning to tell and apply the various stories in Scripture in ways that are faithful to their canonical context.

BIBL 1010
Encountering the Old Testament [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course explores the literature and thought of the Old Testament in its original historical setting in the ancient Near East and in the context of the entire biblical story. It introduces students to selected passages that represent the major sections of the Old Testament (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, Prophetic Literature) while articulating the overarching narrative coherence of the Old Testament as part of the larger story of God's purposes for the world that the entire Bible recounts.

BIBL 1020
Engaging the New Testament [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This is a survey of the New Testament Scriptures. This course provides the student with an overview of the biblical and theological foundation upon which Roberts Wesleyan College has been established. The curriculum overviews each of the New Testament books while researching the authors and the literary, sociological, and theological setting with a view toward contemporary application.

BIBL 1500
Biblical Studies Workshop [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This hands-on course introduces a variety of skills for biblical interpretation, including basic literary, historical, and linguistic tools.

BIBL 2000
Intro Biblical Exegesis and Research [Course] (1) (Liberal Arts)
This hands-on course introduces students to the basic skills of biblical exegesis and research they will need to become responsible interpreters of Scripture. Through guided exercises, individual projects, and critical reflection on the interpretive process, students will be given the opportunity to gain a solid grounding in biblical interpretation. The course is meant to be taken alongside any BIB 200-level course in Old or New Testament and includes an introduction to library research for the purposes of writing an accomplished exegesis paper. If the student has already taken a BIBL 2000-level course, this course may be taken concurrently with a BIBL 3000-level course. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020; Must be taken at the concurently with a BIBL 2000- or 3000-level course in either Old or New Testament.

BIBL 2010
Synoptic Gospels: One Jesus, Three Memories [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This is a study of the life of Jesus based on the three Synoptic Gospels. Specific consideration will be given to the relationship between Jesus' teaching and action and His identity and purpose. Textual issues regarding the similarity and complementarity in the gospel accounts will be explored. The relationship between the Synoptics and the Gospel of John will receive minor consideration. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 2020
Acts: The Birth of the Church [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This study of the unfolding history and thought of the early church is based on the Acts of the Apostles, although other sources will be introduced. A method of inductive Bible Study will be introduced and practiced throughout the course. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 2060
Torah: Creation and Liberation [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course is a study of the first five books of the Old Testament. By examining selected passages, students explore Israel's view of origins, the national genesis and early history, God's will for Israel and the world, and the regulations for worship. An emphasis is placed on the examination of the various forms of literature that are represented in the Pentateuch, especially in respect to their role in forming and communicating the central themes and concepts in the Pentateuch.

BIBL 2070
Apocalyptic Literature: Daniel and Revelation [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course surveys the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, including the developments between the testaments. The impetus for this study is located in the challenging books of Daniel and Revelation. An important part of the study is a consideration of the major historical, religious, and literary developments that arise in the intertestamental period. Apocalyptic literature, the LXX, and the Dead Sea Scrolls play a significant role in this regard. Selected texts will be examined to illustrate the main aspects of this study. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, and 1020 or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 3000
Topics in Old Testament or New Testament Theology [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course introduces advanced students on in-depth study of major theological themes in the Old Testament or New Testament or to intensive study of important recent books in Old Testament theology or New Testament theology. Different topics and/or books will be selected from year to year. Utilizing class lectures and student-led seminars, the course aims to deepen student understanding of important Old Testament scholarship by exposure to a range of secondary literature in the field. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, at least two 2000- or 3000-level Old Testament BIBL courses or permission of instructor. Recommended for seniors. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 3010
Prophets and Politics [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines selected passages from the prophets of Israel. It will display their unique styles and forms of these passages, their theological emphases, and their responses to the historical crises. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 or permission of instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 3040
Pauline Letters: Apostle to the Nations [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
A study of the letters of the Apostle to the Gentiles, this course explores Paul's thought in its context. Special attention will be given to recurring issues and theological themes in Paul's writing. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020 and one 2000-level New Testament BIB course or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 3050
The Gospel and Letters of John: The Word Became Flesh [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This study of Johannine literature examines its unique characteristics and theology. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, and one 2000-level New Testament BIB course or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 3060
General Epistles [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will focus on the letter to the Hebrews, exploring its descriptions of Christ's identity and work. Attention will be also be given to the letters of James, Peter, and Jude. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, and one 2000-level New Testament BIB course or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 3090
Wisdom Literature and Psalms [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
The rich tradition of poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament is explored in this course. Selected passages are studied in order to introduce the student to the basic literary structures and the central ideas and terms incorporated in these traditions. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020. (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 4050
Seminar in Old Testament Exegesis [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course introduces advanced students to in-depth study of a particular Old Testament book through class lectures and student-led seminars. Books selected for study vary from year to year and might include 1 & 2 Samuel, Amos, Genesis, Isaiah, Job, Exodus, etc. The course will focus on careful literary analysis of, and theological reflection on, the selected Old Testament book, with the aim of helping students learn to become competent and informed exegetes of Scripture. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, and at least two 2000- or 3000-level Old Testament BIBL courses or permission of the instructor. BHEB 1010 and 1020 are recommended but not required. Recommended for seniors. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered alternate years)

BIBL 4060
Seminar in New Testament Exegesis [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course introduces advanced students to in-depth study of a particular New Testament book through class lectures and student-led seminars. Books selected for study vary from year to year, and might include Mark, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, Revelation, etc. The course will focus on careful inductive, social and literary analysis of, and theological reflection on, the selected New Testament book, with the aim of helping students learn to become competent and informed exegetes of Scripture. Prerequisite: BIBL 1010, 1020, and at least two 2000- or 3000-level New Testament BIBL courses or permission of the instructor. BGRK 1010 and 1020 recommended but not required. Recommended for seniors. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered on demand)

BIBL 4900
The Bible in its World [Course] (3 - 6) (Liberal Arts)
This course is offered as part of a tour of the Holy Land and other countries, under the direction of a College faculty member. Students taking this course for credit must do collateral readings and assignments in association with the tour. The specifics of individual course design are to be completed and approved by the faculty member and the division chair prior to the tour. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 and one 2000 level New Testament BIBL course.

BIBL 4950
Independent Study [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.