Course Descriptions
Core Courses
GEN 501 Research Methodology
A course designed to acquaint the graduate student with research methodology and key bibliographies in the areas of theological, biblical, and historical studies. The course guides the student in preparing a meaningful bibliography on a selected subject. Suggestions are included on how and where to collect and use non-book materials that have theological and historical importance.
BIB 501 Old Testament Genres and Issues
A study of the missio Dei motif of the Old Testament. The course highlights the diachronic treatment of key Old Testament theological issues and discusses practical applications of such concepts within today’s Church.
BIB 502 New Testament Genres and Issues
A study of the literary and rhetorical aspects of the New Testament and historical-critical issues related to understanding the theology of the New Testament. The various theological themes and motifs of the New Testament are investigated. Students attempt to develop a synthesis of the overall message of various New Testament authors. The course addresses the continuing relevance and significance of New Testament issues in the Church today.
REL 501 Contemporary African Theology
A survey of the nature of the kingdom of God in Africa over the centuries, with emphasis on how the African church has interpreted the kingdom of God. Students consider selected theological themes of several major independent church movements in Africa. The course gives special attention to apparent methods of biblical contextualization in attempts to achieve relevancy to the culture and examines the danger of syncretism.
LDS 501 Christian Leadership in the Socio-political Context of the Church
A study of the fundamental principles and practices of effective spiritual leadership. The course examines theological foundations that impinge upon pastoral management, emphasizes primary traits required for effective pastoral service, explains foundational skills specific to pastoral ministry, and enhances the student’s ability to work with people in fulfilling the mission of the Church.
GEN 502 Writing for the 21st Century
An analysis of the characteristics of a successful Christian writer and a survey of the types of literature that should be published today. The course provides opportunity and guidance for producing several writing projects, and outlines possibilities and procedures for launching into publishing in Africa today.
Biblical Studies/Exegesis
BIB 601 & 602 Greek 1A & B
An introduction to New Testament Greek with a complete overview of all the grammar of Koine Greek. This course is divided into two parts of 10 lessons each to be completed online at a recommended rate of one lesson per week, i.e., 20 weeks for the 20 lessons. The student will master the essential grammar and syntax of New Testament Greek. He or she will also memorize the major declensions and conjugations in addition to 400 vocabulary cards.
BIB 603 Narrative Analysis
An introduction to biblical narratology through the analysis of narrative plot, character, point of view, the role of the narrator, and the use of concepts of time and space. This course focuses on the hermeneutical method. Narrative analysis (i.e., narratology) provides the conceptual basis upon which to develop a hermeneutic of the narrative. The course explains this method, illustrated by numerous examples.
BIB 604 Contextualization of the Bible
A study, drawing on the work of Dean Flemming, of how Christians have contextualized the gospel as they proclaim and live out their faith within their culture, whether traditional, modern, or postmodern. The student will consider not only how contextualization can be applied today, but also how the early churches contextualized the gospel, using the many examples in the New Testament. Examining how Paul, Mark or John contextualized will help the student discover a method that can renew reflection and current practice.
BIB 605 Hebrew
An initial introduction to Biblical Hebrew through learning how to translate texts and to use grammar books, dictionaries, and concordances. The course includes a study of the alphabet, punctuation, nouns, pronouns, the construct state, the strong verb, and verbs with weak letters (gutturals) in their different tenses and modes. This course does not present all aspects of Hebrew grammar, but aims to help the student learn the essentials of exegeting a Hebrew text using the appropriate tools.
BIB 606 Advanced Exegesis
An application of the language skills acquired in Greek (BIB 601) and Hebrew (BIB 605) to the practical exegesis of selected biblical passages. The student will pay particular attention to syntax, grammar, and semantics in order to develop a literal hermeneutic of the text.
BIB 607 Exegesis of Luke/Acts
A systematic exploration of the history of the interpretation of Luke’s work: his purpose and audience, the materials that make up his writings, the literary processes used, the context and stages of writing, exegesis of the key texts, and the origin and development of Lukan thought, particularly as it concerns pneumatology.
Cross-cultural Ministries
MIS 601 Biblical Theology of Missions
A survey of the biblical themes of missio Dei and the kingdom of God, which are seen as the unifying concepts of the Bible and the primary vehicles for the biblical theology of missions. In addition to considering the Church’s evangelical mandate, particular attention is paid to the biblical foundations of socio-humanitarian ministry. The student is challenged to respond personally to the biblical theology of missions and to evaluate the Church’s contemporary involvement in missio Dei.
MIS 602 Worldwide Expansion of Christianity
A survey of the expansion of Christianity from the first century to the present. Special attention is paid to the role of secular and church forces that have contributed to the different states of missionary effort of the Church. Students also study the history of missions within their own country, place that history within the context of global missions history, and discuss the role of secular world trends which affect the Church’s work of evangelization in their country.
MIS 603 Cultural Patterns of Communication
An advanced course on the communication of the Christian faith to people of diverse national, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. The aim is to prepare students to understand current communication theories, both verbal and non-verbal, and how they must be internalized into each communicator’s own worldview with the goal of effective cross-cultural witness. Variations in basic values are seen as factors in interpersonal relations and effective gospel outreach. Cultural encapsulation, ethnocentrism, and non-verbal assumptions are other elements considered.
MIS 604 Lucan Pneumatology
An exposition of the pneumatology of the Lucan literature. Students evaluate the biblical data historically, grammatically, and contextually; analyze the structure of Luke and Acts; and determine the relevance of understanding Luke’s strategy when reporting about the activity of the Holy Spirit. The study traces the development of the prophethood of all believers, examining its origin on the Day of Pentecost, its community expression, and the six examples of prophets about whom Luke reports. Finally, students do a critical evaluation of some contemporary approaches to the hermeneutics of Luke and Acts as historical narrative.
MIS 605 Specialized Studies in Islam
An overview of the historical beginnings and development of Islam and of its system, creed, and practice. The course gives special attention to Christian witness to Muslims and the planting of the Church among them.
MIS 606 Beyond the Local Church
An analysis of the mission of the Church from a biblical perspective. A theology of mission is developed with a scope far beyond that often envisioned in the historical quest for an indigenous church. Questions addressed include: What is the relationship of the Church to the world (kosmos)? Why is it said that the concept of “indigenous church” has sometimes been understood to have restricted the missionary vision of the Church? What are the implications for missionary strategy resulting from seeing mission as the mandate of the entire “people of God”?
MIS 607 Practicum: Cross-cultural Ministries
This field-based course is designed to prepare students in the practical application and integration of the principles and methods of cross-cultural ministry under the supervision of a qualified missionary.
Christian Education*
EDU 601 Contemporary Christian Education: Foundations and Practice
A study of the biblical, theological, philosophical, historical, sociological, and psychological bases of Christian education. The course considers the dynamic forces underlying the teaching-learning process; provides help in understanding people in various age groups and how to teach and minister to them; considers appropriate strategies for the church and its educational ministries; and provides a perspective on concerns for a biblical basis of the family and parenting, schools, and parachurch organizations.
EDU 602 Educational Psychology
A study of the various schools of thought concerning educational psychology. The course examines the theories of human learning, development, and motivation as they relate to the educational tasks of guiding and encouraging learning. It defines past and current educational principles of learning and provides many practical illustrations for understanding. The course emphasizes application of theories of educational psychology in a church or ministry context and how to integrate faith and learning through the use of critical thinking.
EDU 603 Curriculum Development and Instructional Design
A practical course designed for individuals who are interested in developing a curriculum and instructional program guide for Christian Education. The course informs students about the theory and pedagogy of curriculum and emphasizes the process of curriculum development. It shows how curriculum workers (pastors, educators, etc.) go about the process, presenting a step-by-step approach for engaging in curriculum development. It stresses the bridge and balance between the curricular design and the instruction of that curricula with learning outcomes focus. The course includes the processes of assessing needs, developing curricula, and designing instruction that will equip curriculum workers with the competencies needed to understand, plan, develop, and implement appropriate programs for their respective institutions.
EDU 604 Teaching Strategies: Facilitating Adult Education
A analysis of teaching methodology from a Christian perspective and of the fundamental responsibilities of the instructor in the classroom. The student considers modern educational methods that utilize various teaching/learning procedures, classroom management, optimum conditions for learning, cognitive and behavioral learning theories, and information-processing theories in light of their psychological basis and their advantages and disadvantages. The measurement and evaluation of learning is considered in light of the instructional tactics that would best prepare students to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the information that is supplied.
EDU 605 Educational Measurements
A study of the methods of measurement and evaluation of human learning. The course focuses on the nature of assessment, various assessment methods, and limitations and errors of assessment. While the textbook concentrates on American schools and students, this course attempts to distill from the text those principles that apply to African contexts. The textbook is designed for classroom teachers but is applied more broadly to help the student develop an understanding of the importance and challenges of assessment in other social institutions, such as churches and non-profit organizations and even developing nations.
EDU 606 Childhood Education in the Church
An in-depth study of the principles and practices of early childhood education in the context of the church and Christian schools. It aims to build a biblical and pedagogical foundation for childhood education in the church. It focuses on development issues related to the unique learning needs of children, curriculum, facilities, classroom management, and other relevant contemporary issues that impact Christian education programs for children.
EDU 607 Practicum: Christian Education
A self-designed education project that provides the student with opportunities for reflection on his or her theology and practice of ministry within a typical ministry environment, such as a local church or a Christian school.
*This concentration is not currently offered in English.