BIB 801                                                                 

ADVANCED BIBLICAL RESEARCH & WRITING                                                                                       

Course Description: This course focuses on original research skills necessary for the development of a Ph.D. dissertation. These skills include collecting empirical data, researching topics in foreign languages, sufficiently detailed documentation, and research methods. Students will complete research assignments in the area of dissertation interest.

4 Credits

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BIB 802                                                                 

TEACHING & LEARNING: THEORY & PRACTICE                                                                    

Course Description: This course is an examination of major theories of learning and their application to teaching

methodology and curriculum design. The course provides an understanding of the role of teaching and

learning for the purpose of educating a diverse group of students in biblical studies.

Additionally, this course prepares students for teaching in a Christian higher education context.

4 Credits

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BIB 803                                                                 

O.T. BACKGROUNDS                                                                    

(Course Description: This course will explore languages, literatures, and cultures of the Ancient Near Eastern

civilizations related to the Hebrew Bible. Students will be exposed to Aramaic, Akkadian, and Ugaritic.

Ancient inscriptions, contracts, and a variety of religious texts will be read to enhance the student's understanding of the OT. The impact of archaeological discoveries on current understanding of the OT will be studied.

4 Credits

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BIB 804                                                                 

N.T. BACKGROUNDS                                                                    

Course Description: This course will explore languages, literatures, and cultures of the Inter-testamental

and New Testament periods. Inter-testamental literature, including the Septuagint, will be read to enhance a

student’s understanding of the New Testament. A variety of background areas will be studied including,

but not limited to: religion, philosophy, language, economics, and politics. 

The impact of archaeological discoveries on current understanding of the NT will be studied.

4 Credits

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BIB 805                                                                 

O.T. EXEGESIS                                                                               

Course Description: Students in this course will develop advanced skills in exegeting the Hebrew Bible. 

Various passages of the OT will be translated, analyzed, and outlined, both exegetically and homiletically. 

A research paper related to the student’s dissertation interest will be developed and critiqued by the cohort.

4 Credits

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BIB 806                                                                 

N.T. EXEGESIS                                                                               

Course Description: This course reinforces the traditional processes of New Testament exegesis and introduces more recent linguistic approaches with an emphasis on discourse analysis. The major systems of discourse analysis will be reviewed and applied to New Testament texts. Throughout the course the student will receive coaching in the development of exegetical skills. Various passages in the NT will be translated, visually mapped, and analyzed.

4 Credits

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BIB 809                                                                 

O.T. HERMENEUTICS & THEOLOGY                                                                               

Course Description: Students in this course will study advanced issues related to the interpretation and theology of the Old Testament. Topics include: the value and application of genre analysis to Old Testament interpretation, scholarly challenges in the interpretation of the Old Testament, and contemporary frameworks for understanding and utilizing biblical theology in Old Testament studies.

4 Credits

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BIB 810                                                                 

N.T. HERMENEUTICS & THEOLOGY                                                                               

Course Description: Students in this course will study advanced issues related to the interpretation and theology

of the New Testament (NT).  Topics include: the value and application of genre analysis to NT interpretation,

scholarly challenges in the interpretation of the NT, and contemporary frameworks for understanding

and utilizing biblical theology in N.T. studies.

4 Credits

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BIB 811                                                                   

GUIDED RESEARCH 

Course Description: With the guidance of the director of the PhD in Biblical Studies program, each cohort will

select a subject for in-depth study which matches the needs and interests of the cohort. Possible topics include but are not limited to church history, specific theological studies, Hebrew poetry, and textual criticism.

BIB 811 is completed in three consecutive semesters for a total of 12 credits.

Pass/No Pass

4 Credits

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BIB 813                                                                   

CONTEMPORARY INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS & DESIGN                                                               

Course Description: Students will explore the relationship between technology, research, learning, and teaching and will learn how to teach effectively in online and mediated environments. This course prepares students to apply

these methods in a Christian higher education context.

4 Credits

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BIB 814                                                                   

PH.D COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

Course Description: This course is the first part of the Ph.D. culminating experience. The comprehensive exam evaluates the student’s comprehensive knowledge of the course work in the program, a personal philosophy of teaching statement. Written qualifying exams will cover the areas of OT & NT biblical backgrounds, OT & NT exegesis, and OT & NT hermeneutics and theology. Students must complete the qualifying exams successfully before beginning the dissertation series.

Pass/No Pass.

4 Credits*

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BIB 815                                                                 

DISSERTATION: READING & PROPOSAL                           

Course Description: Under the guidance of the dissertation advisor, students will review the precedent literature in an area of research interest, develop a dissertation topic, and write a proposal which presents the student’s research questions and strategy. Once the proposal is approved, the student may proceed to Dissertation.

Students may not begin research until proposal has been approved.

Prerequisite: BIB 814

Pass/No Pass

4 Credits*

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BIB 816                                                                   

DISSERTATION                                          

Course Description: Dissertation with original study and research using historical, critical, biblical and theological tools and analysis focusing on an approved topic or issue.

BIB 816 is repeated in 3 consecutive semester for a total of 12 credits.

Pass/No Pass

4 Credits*

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BIB 817                                                                 

DISSERTATION CONTINUATION

Course Description: A continuation for DGEN 899. If a student does not complete the dissertation in the required 12 credits, they will enroll for BIB 817 each semester until the dissertation is completed.

Prerequisite: an IP in BIB 816. Repeatable for credit.

Pass/No Pass.

1 Credit*

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BIB 818                                                                  

DISSERTATION DEFENSE                                                          

Course Description: After completion, the Ph.D. student defends the final dissertation in an open hearing. Once the dissertation has been approved, the student is recommended for graduation.

Pass/No Pass

4 Credits*