Literature and Interpretation
NTST 501 Introduction to Biblical Interpretation (2)
An introduction to biblical hermeneutics including basic skills of dealing with different genres of the Bible, with application to selected texts.
NTST 502 Life and Teachings of Jesus (2)
An exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus. The course content will consist of basic biblical concepts such as grace, faith, prayer, conversion, obedience and the Parousia in the light of the life and teachings of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels and other relevant literature. Special emphasis will be given to the teaching ministry of Jesus focusing on His teaching methods as the Master Teacher.
OTST 510 Introduction to the Old Testament (3)
A survey of the Old Testament books, their origin, transmission, inclusion in the canon, and messages.
NTST 510 Introduction to the New Testament (3)
A survey of the New Testament books, their origin, transmission, inclusion in the canon, and messages.
OTST/NTST 512/612 Biblical Hermeneutics (3)
A survey of the methods of biblical interpretation up to the present. An examination of hermeneutical presuppositions and formulation of sound principles of biblical interpretation, with application to selected texts.
History and Backgrounds
OTST 624 History of the Old Testament (3)
A study of the history of Israel from earliest times, with reference to the history of the surrounding peoples and empires.
NTST 624 History of the Intertestamental and New Testament Periods (3)
A survey of the history and chronology of events preparatory to and during the New Testament period, particularly as related to the Jewish people and the early Christian church. Special attention is given to the historical aspects of the life of Christ and the founding of the Christian church as informed by the New Testament and other contemporary sources.
OTST/NTST 604 Guided Study Tour of Bible Lands (3)
A guided tour of biblical sites of historical and archaeological interest in the countries surrounding the Eastern Mediterranean, with study assignments related to the sites being visited.
OTST/NTST 632 Archaeology of the Biblical World (3)
A brief introduction to archaeological method followed by a study of archaeological, textual, and other ancient material and data of the biblical world, inclusive of cultures, customs, languages, and rituals that illuminate the biblical text.
Languages and Exegetical Tools
This course provides an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew grammar, a practical vocabulary, and practice in the use of language tools.
This course provides an intensive introduction to the fundamentals of New Testament Greek grammar, a practical vocabulary, and practice in the use of language tools.
An intermediate course in biblical Hebrew, emphasizing readings in selected parts of the Old Testament and an introduction to the basic concepts and characteristics of Hebrew syntax. Prerequisite: OTST 540 or equivalent.
OTST 544 Software-Assisted Hebrew Readings (3)
A software-assisted Hebrew Readings course taught alongside the regular Hebrew Readings course. This course allows the student to access the software for morphological data, but gain the interpretive skills of the Reading class.
NTST 544 Software-Assisted Greek Readings (3)
A software-assisted Greek Readings course taught alongside the regular Greek Readings course. This course allows the student to access the software for morphological data, but gain the interpretive skills of the Reading class.
An intermediate course in New Testament Greek, emphasizing readings in the text of the Greek New Testament and a study of Greek syntax. Prerequisite: NTST 540 or equivalent.
OTST 650/850 Hebrew Exegesis (3)
A formal introduction to the steps and tools for exegesis of the Hebrew text, including practice in exegesis of selected Old Testament passages and the writing of an exegesis paper. Prerequisite: OTST 640 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently).
NTST 650/850 Greek Exegesis (3)
A formal introduction to the steps and tools for exegesis of the Greek text, including the study of textual criticism, practice in exegesis of selected New Testament passages, and the writing of an exegesis paper. Prerequisite: NTST 640 or equivalent (may be taken concurrently).
OTST 652/852 Advanced Hebrew (3)
An advanced course in Hebrew grammar, semantics, syntax, and readings, including Old Testament texts and samples of extrabiblical Hebrew texts such as epigraphical texts from the biblical period and Hebrew texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Prerequisite OTST 640 or equivalent.
NTST 652/852 Advanced Greek (3)
An advanced course in Greek grammar, syntax, and readings, including both New Testament texts and samples of extrabiblical Koine Greek literature from the period. Prerequisite: NTST 640 or equivalent.
OTST 656 Introduction to Semitic Languages (3)
An introductory study on the cognate Semitic languages such as Akkadian, Amorite, Ugaritic, Phoenician, Syriac, Arabic, or a selection of any of the above. This course does not include the study of Hebrew and Aramaic. Prerequisite: OTST 540 or equivalent.
A course in the essentials of the grammar and syntax of biblical Aramaic, with readings from the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: OTST 540 or equivalent.
OTST/NTST 659/859 Readings in Second Temple Period Jewish Literature (3)
Reading of selected Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic documents in order to provide a sense of the worldview and literature that grew out of the Old Testament texts and that illuminate the larger context of the New Testament writings. Prerequisites: OTST 640 Hebrew Readings, NTST 640 Greek Readings, and OTST 658 Biblical Aramaic.
Expositions and Exegesis
Note: The 500-level courses are for students who take them as expositions of the Old or New Testament. Credits at the 600 level are accessible only to students who add Hebrew or Greek exegesis to the exposition—additional work, under the guidance of the instructor, is done outside the regular class on exposition. Prerequisite for the exegesis courses: OTST 640 or NTST 640, as relevant (these may be taken concurrently).
The content of the courses that may be repeated for credit should be specified and preannounced by the instructor. The specific content of those courses will be included in the student’s transcript.
A study of the Pentateuch as a whole, including the analysis and exposition of selected passages from all five books of the Pentateuch, focusing particularly upon their message and significance for the Christian church. Special emphasis may be placed upon biblical teachings such as creation, redemption, law, sanctuary, and eschatology.
OTST 562/662/862 Historical Books ______ (3)
A survey of the following books of the Bible: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther.
OTST 563/663/863 Poetic Literature ______ (3)
A theological study of the Psalms, Song of Songs, and Lamentations that includes structure, genre, and the characteristics of biblical poetry and liturgy, as well as the exegetical study of specially selected texts, with a focus on the relevance of this collection to Asia-Pacific cultures. May be repeated for credit with different content.
OTST 565/665/865 Biblical Wisdom Literature ______ (3)
A study of the distinctive features of Hebrew wisdom in its ancient Near Eastern context. The course consists of a selected study of the Wisdom Books of the Hebrew Bible: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon concentrating on the historical setting, literary structure, selected exegesis, and theological message. May be repeated for credit with different content.
OTST 566/666/866 Pre-Exilic Prophets ______ (3)
A study of selected texts and theology of the eighth- and seventh-century Old Testament prophets: Jonah, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Joel. May be repeated for credit with different content.
OTST 567/667/867 Exilic and Post-Exilic Prophets ______ (3)
A study of selected texts and theology of the sixth- and fifth-century B.C. prophets: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. May be repeated for credit with different content.
OTST 570/670 The Book of Daniel (3)
An expository study of the book of Daniel, including introductory information, the genre and structure of the book, and different approaches to the book. The study of each chapter will include a contextual exposition taking into consideration the theology of the book, enabling the student to prepare sermons and other materials related to the book.
OTST 661/861 Selected Exegesis of the Pentateuch (3)
An in-depth study of one book of the Pentateuch which will be announced in advance, including historical, literary, theological, and comparative perspectives. Emphasis may also be given to the issues involving Pentateuchal criticism. May be repeated for credit focusing on a different book. Prerequisite OTST 640 Hebrew Readings (may be taken concurrently).
OTST 671/871 Exegesis of the Book of Daniel (3)
An exegetical study of the book of Daniel. The course constitutes a chapter-by-chapter study utilizing all the tools of exegesis including linguistic and syntactical analyses of the book in its original languages. The theology of individual portions of the book as well as of the book as a whole will also be considered. Prerequisites: OTST 640 Hebrew Readings (may be taken concurrently) and OTST 658 Biblical Aramaic.
A study of the four Gospels, including introductory issues, the theology of each Gospel, analysis and exposition of selected passages, and consideration of the essence of the gospel message for the Church.
NTST 562/662/862 The Acts of the Apostles (3)
An expository/exegetical study of the Acts of the Apostles.
NTST 564/664/864 Pauline Epistles (3)
A study of one or more of the Pauline Epistles. The epistle(s) to be studied will be announced. May be repeated for credit with different content.
An expository/exegetical study of the Epistle to the Hebrews.
NTST 568/668/868 General Epistles (3)
A study of selected writings among the general epistles. The epistle(s) to be studied will be announced. May be repeated for credit with different content.
NTST 570/670 The Book of Revelation (3)
An expository study of the book of Revelation, including introductory information, the genre and structure of the book, and different approaches to the book. The study of each chapter will include a contextual exposition taking into consideration its theology in light of OT background, enabling the student to prepare sermons and other materials related to the book.
NTST 661/861 Selected Exegesis of the Gospels (3)
An in-depth study of one Gospel which will be announced in advance, from historical, literary, and theological perspectives. May be repeated for credit focusing on a different Gospel. Prerequisite: NTST 640 Greek Readings (may be taken concurrently).
NTST 671/871 Exegesis of the Book of Revelation (3)
An exegetical study of the book of Revelation. The course constitutes a chapter-by-chapter study utilizing all the tools of exegesis including linguistic and syntactical analyses of the book in its original language. The theology of individual portions of the book as well as of the book as a whole will also be considered. Prerequisite NTST 640 Greek Readings (may be taken concurrently).
Biblical Themes and Theology
OTST 580/680 Selected Old Testament Themes (3)
A survey of selected major Old Testament themes like salvation, law, covenant, sacrificial system, messianic expectations, etc. May be repeated for credit with different content.
NTST 580/680 Selected New Testament Themes (3)
A survey of selected major New Testament themes like salvation, law, covenant, sacrificial system, messianic expectations, etc. May be repeated for credit with different content.
OTST 682/882 Theology of the Old Testament (3)
An in-depth study of Old Testament theology and its methodology. A survey of the theology of the respective Old Testament writers, with special focus on the unity of the Bible and biblical authority.
NTST 682/882 Theology of the New Testament (3)
An in depth study of New Testament theology and its methodology. A survey of the theology of the respective New Testament writers, with special focus on the unity of the Bible and biblical authority.
Seminars
OTST/NTST 555/655 Interdepartmental Colloquium and Forum (1–3)
This course is designed to sharpen skills in Biblical, Theological- Historical, and Applied Theological Studies through academic presentations and participation in colloquia and forum meetings.
OTST/NTST 609/809 Seminar in Biblical Studies Methods (3)
A discussion and illustration of principles and methods of study and research in the field of Biblical Studies, especially for students majoring in Biblical Studies. A major paper is required, using selected methods from the discipline.
OTST/NTST 614/814 Seminar in Biblical Interpretation (3)
A research seminar on specific problems related to biblical interpretation. May be repeated for credit with different issues. A major paper is required.
OTST/NTST 634/834 Seminar in Biblical History and Backgrounds (3)
A research seminar on specific problems relating to biblical history and backgrounds. May be repeated for credit with different issues. A major paper is required.
OTST 674/874 Seminar in Old Testament Exegesis (3)
Advanced work on selected Old Testament passages, building on other courses in Old Testament exegesis. May be repeated for credit with different issues. A major paper is required. Prerequisites: OTST 640 and OTST 658.
NTST 674/874 Seminar in New Testament Exegesis (3)
Advanced work on selected New Testament passages, building on other courses in New Testament exegesis. May be repeated for credit with different issues. A major paper is required. Prerequisite: NTST 640.
OTST/NTST 677/877 Seminar in Biblical Theology (3)
A seminar course focusing on major theological themes and thought patterns of the Bible, with special attention to such subjects as the unity of the Bible, the relationship between the Testaments, and biblical authority. May be repeated for credit with different issues. A major paper is required.
