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BIBLICAL STUDIES EMPHASIS
Course Requirements | Language Practicum | Senior Project | Director
This curricular emphasis enables M.Div. and M.A. students to acquire knowledge and expertise in biblical interpretation that goes beyond the basics of the core curriculum and aids the student to gain the confidence and discipline to make Bible study a lifelong activity. The student may request one member of the biblical division as her/his program advisor. This academic emphasis includes the following elements:
A minimum of five elective courses in Bible (either or both testaments)
Regular participation in a biblical language program
A senior project with concluding evaluation
M.Div. students should elect this option no later than the fall semester of their Middler year by (1) selecting their program advisor and (2) filing the proper application with the Registrar's office. M.A. students should elect this option by the end of their first year.
A minimum of five elective courses in either or both testaments beyond the core courses, including one from each of these categories:
A Hebrew or Greek language course
An exegetical course in a biblical book
One doctoral biblical seminar (either testament) pending approval of the instructor
The student elects two additional courses in Bible. These may include such emphases as archaeology, feminist biblical interpretation, rhetorical criticism, etc. We recommend courses in those sections of the Bible not covered in core courses; students may include an Independent Study course.
Students are encouraged to take two biblical courses (including the core course options) at ACTS schools or the University of Chicago Divinity School.
Options for course or practicum credit, by prior agreement, include:
Attendance at a biblical conference (national or regional SBL, three sessions of CSBR) with subsequent evaluative report and discussion with program advisor.
Participation in an archaeological excavation at a biblical site.
Participation in an approved travel/study program related to the Bible (e.g., CTU Israel program; study-travel in Turkey and Greece; attendance at the summer session of the American School of Classical Studies in Athens)
Students must participate regularly in one or both of the language practica (next Sunday's lessons in Hebrew and Greek).
Senior Project with Concluding Evaluation
The student is to complete one of the following projects (Note: items (1)-(4) may be used to meet requirements in a course, subject to the approval of the professor):
Lead a four-week Bible study program in a parish (with appropriate materials and evaluation).
Prepare the syllabus and course materials for a four-week adult forum on a biblical topic.
Keep an action/reflection log of biblical learnings during the program in a format agreed on with one's program advisor.
Present a portfolio of exegetical/homiletical notes for a series of sermons.
Write a major biblical paper for one course credit on an approved topic.
Write a senior thesis on an approved topic under the appropriate faculty advisor (three course credits)
Director of Biblical Studies Emphasis
For more information, contact Dr. David Rhoads, Professor of New Testament, drhoads@lstc.edu.
