Christian Studies Classes

I. Christian Studies Major (B.A.)

A. General Education requirements

Old Testament Survey (CST 1113)

A general survey of the history, literature, and basic ideas of the Old Testament.

New Testament Survey (CST 1123)

An overview of the New Testament and the history, literary forms, and social settings which are relevant to an informed understanding of the New Testament documents.

 

B. Core (all Christian Studies majors complete all of the following)

Introduction to Philosophy (CST 1413)

A general introduction to the origins, branches, issues, and personalities in Western philosophy.

Introduction to Ministry (CST 2213)

A general overview of the Christian ministry including spiritual formation for ministry and the nature of ministry in the church and church-related settings. Students also examine the call to ministry, leadership in ministry and the functions of ministry.

Introduction to Christian Theology (CST 2313)

A general introduction to the major beliefs and major theologians of the Christian faith. The study gives special attention to Christian beliefs about God, humanity, Jesus Christ, salvation, the church, and the kingdom of God. Prerequisites: CST 1113 and 1123.

 

Advanced OT. Choose one of the following:

Studies in the Prophets (CST 3113)

A study of the prophets, their messages, and their methods in the context of their time and place. Prerequisite: CST 1113.

Studies in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature (CST 3123)

A study of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes placing them in the context of Old Testament theology and other Ancient Near Eastern literature. Prerequisite: CST 1113.

Formation & History of the Hebrew Kingdoms (CST 3133)

An examination of the history of Israel found in Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles from the settlement of Canaan to the destruction of Judah. Prerequisite: CST 1113.

 

Advanced NT. Choose one of the following:

Johannine Literature (CST 3173)

A study of the gospel of John, the three letters of John, and the Book of Revelation focusing on major literary similarities and differences between those books, important themes in each, and the social setting of each. Prerequisite: CST 1123.

The Synoptic Gospels (CST 4163)

A study of the literary and historical relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke including the unique contributions of each Gospel. Prerequisite: CST 1123.

Pauline Literature (CST 4173)

A study of major issues in the interpretation of the letters attributed to Paul. Treatment of the social setting of these letters, major themes characteristic of Paul, and an overview of attempts to write a chronology of his life. Prerequisite: CST 1123.

World Religions (CST 3613)

A survey of the history, beliefs, practices, and major divisions of the major religions of the world. Prerequisites: CST 1113, 1123.

 

Church History. Choose one of the following:

History of the Christian Church I (CST 3313)

A survey of the history of the Christian Church from the first century A. D. to the Reformation.

History of the Christian Church II (CST 3323)

A survey of the history of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the contemporary period.

Senior Seminar (CST 4013)

This is the capstone course for the major and must be taken in the spring semester of the year in which the student plans to graduate. The course is composed of reviews of the upper level courses in the major as well as the treatment of career related topics.

 

C. Two Tracks (choose three courses in each of two of the following)

Only one of Ministry and Youth Ministry may be chosen.

 

1. Bible

Any of the courses listed under “Advanced OT” and “Advanced NT” may be used here (but the courses used here must be in addition to the courses used to complete the Core).

 

Travel and Excavation in the Middle East (CST 2013)

Participants will travel to archaeological sites-particularly in Israel and/or take part in an excavation. Prerequisites: None, but CST 1113 and 1123 are suggested.

Exilic and Post-Exilic History of the Jews (CST 4153)

A study of the Jewish people from 587 B.C. to A.D. 135 utilizing canonical and deuterocanonical-literature. Prerequisite: CST 1113.

 

2. Ministry

Introduction to Missions (CST 2223)

An introductory study of the biblical, theological, and historical bases of Christian missions with special attention to Southern Baptist home and foreign missions.

Introduction to Preaching (CST 2233)

An introduction to the gathering, organization, and delivery of sermonic materials. Prerequisites: CST 1113, 1123 and JR standing.

Ministry Internship (CST 3213)

Students gain academic credit for supervised ministry in a church or other ministry opportunity. Prerequisite: CST 2213. (On demand)

Philosophy of Youth Ministry (CST 3513)

A study of the philosophical, theological, and methodological issues foundational to effective youth ministry in the congregational setting. Prerequisite: CST 2213. (Spring 2009)

 

The following Music courses may be used to complete this track: MUS 2523, 3533, 3543, 3563, 4573.

The following Theater courses may be used to complete this track: THR 3033.

Other Music and Theater performance groups can count for 3 hours of this track.

 

3. Theology/History

Both Church History courses must be taken. The one not used to complete the Core will go here.

 

Christian Ethics (CST 4413)

An introduction to the theory and practice of Christian ethics. This class emphasizes the use of Scripture in ethics and the importance of virtue and character formation.

Antisemitism, Christianity, & the Holocaust (CST 4353)

An examination of the development and manifestations of antisemitism throughout history (especially Nazi Germany 1933-1945) including the present day with special emphasis on “Christian” antisemitism.

 

4. Youth Ministry

Philosophy of Youth Ministry (CST 3513)

A study of the philosophical, theological, and methodological issues foundational to effective youth ministry in the congregational setting. Prerequisite: CST 2213.

 

Child and Adolescent Development (PSY 2043)

no discription

Youth Ministry Internship (CST 4513)

An opportunity for students to acquire practical ministry experience in youth ministry. Prerequisite: CST 3513.

 

D. Christian Studies electives: Choose 2 CST courses from any of the above tracks.

E. Minor:

A minor of your choice (other than Christian Studies or Youth Ministry) is required for the Christian Studies major. The Biblical Languages Minor is recommended for CST majors and others planning for seminary.

 

II. Christian Studies Minor

 

III.Youth Ministry Minor

 

IV. Biblical Languages Minor

The following courses are required for the Biblical Languages Minor (a total of 24 hours):

Beginning Hellenistic Greek (GRK 1013, 1023)

An introduction to Hellenistic (New Testament) Greek grammar and vocabulary.

Intermediate Hellenistic Greek (GRK 2013, 2023)

A course designed to improve translation skills, review grammar, and develop vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK 1023.

Beginning Classical Hebrew (HEB 1013, 1023)

An introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of Classical (biblical) Hebrew.

Intermediate Classical Hebrew (HEB 2013, 2023)

A course designed to improve translation skills, review grammar, and develop vocabulary. Prerequisite: GRK 1023.

 

The following elective courses in Biblical Languages are also offered:

Hellenistic Greek Syntax (GRK 3013)

A study of Greek sentence structure, the structure of phrases, and the application of modern linguistics to these issues. Prerequisite: GRK 2023.

Hellenistic Greek Exegesis (GRK 3033)

A guided reading course, the choice of texts being set by the instructor. Prerequisite: GRK 2023.

Advanced Hellenistic Greek Exegesis (GRK 4013)

A guided reading course, the choice of texts being set by the instructor. Prerequisite: GRK 3013 or 3023.

Classical Hebrew Exegesis & Syntax (HEB 3013)

An accelerated Bible translation course from prose portions of the Bible. The subject to be determined by the instructor. Prerequisite: HEB 2023.

Advanced Classical Hebrew Exegesis & Syntax (HEB 4013)

An accelerated Bible translation course in the poetic portions of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: HEB 3013 or 2023 with the consent of the instructor.

Biblical Aramaic (HEB 4023)

Accelerated treatment of biblical Aramaic grammar and translation of biblical Aramaic texts. Prerequisite: HEB 2023.