Catalog 05-07 - Biola University

Biblical & Theological Studies
A Division of Talbot School of Theology
Faculty
Dean: ...............................................................................Dennis H. Dirks, Ph.D.
Dean of the Faculty: ...........................................Michael Wilkins, Ph.D.
Chair: ........................................................................................Dave Talley, Ph.D.
Professors:..................................................................................... Curtis, Pierce
Associate Professors: ...................Berding, Horner, Lunde, Nuñez,
...................................................................................Talley, Thoennes, Williams
Assistant Professors: ....................................................................Lee, Perez
Objectives
A strong emphasis in Biblical & Theological Studies has always been
at the core of Biola’s curriculum. It is intended that all students
regardless of major will graduate with a working knowledge of the
Scriptures and a Christian worldview, integrated with academic
learning as well as personal and professional living.
General Bible Requirements
All students must complete 30 units of Biblical & Theological Studies
including 103, 105, 109, 110, 251, 254, 306, 465 and two bible electives.
Biola has a residency requirement for biblical studies. Of the 30
units of Bible required of all students, 15 units must be taken at Biola.
Students may petition the Registrar’s Office for an exception to this
rule. Transfer credit, credit for prior learning or credit by examination
may not be used to fulfill the minimum residency requirement. Majors
other than Biblical & Theological Studies or Christian Education
may count a maximum of 30 units toward graduation.
Degree Program
A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies is offered upon
the completion of the university baccalaureate and major requirements.
Obtaining a degree with this major requires 39 units. Majors
must complete general requirements (excluding the two electives)
plus 301, 311, 312, 411, 412, 455, 18 units of 300 / 400–level Bible
electives, HIST 321, 12 units of either Greek (BLGR 101/102, 201/202)
or Hebrew (BLHE 101/102, 201/202). In addition to the major requirement,
students are encouraged to select a specialization of 12-14
units outside the department to fulfill their non-prescribed electives.
Biblical Studies Challenge Exam
Challenge exams are designed for those who have a working knowledge
of the course content as a result of attending a Christian high
school, for example, but were not able to transfer that work to Biola.
Informal, personal study normally will not prepare one adequately
to pass these exams. These exams may be taken only during the
student’s first year at Biola. Also, if the student has taken the Old
Testament or New Testament class (or even a portion of it), he is not
eligible to take the challenge exam.
Exams are given in two parts, written and oral. Successful performance
must be attained on the written and oral portions in order
for the student to receive credit for the challenge exam. Grades are
recorded on a credit or no credit basis only. No re-takes permitted.
New Testament History & Literature .................................................................. 3
Old Testament History & Literature .................................................................... 3
Christian Ministries Certificate Program
Jointly sponsored by the Biblical & Theological Studies and Christian
Education departments, this program is designed for those desiring
a concentrated year of biblical studies and Christian ministry, without
a baccalaureate degree. It involves 33 semester units of regular
university coursework and meets the standards for organizations
requiring one year of Bible training. Specific courses include BBST
103, 105, 109, 110, 251, 254, 306, CEED 150, plus either BBST 320 or
CEED 320, three units of BBST or CEED elective, and three units of
BBST or CEED independent study and/or practicum. For those who
have a baccalaureate degree, a course of study leading to an M.A. is
available through Biola’s graduate school, Talbot School of Theology.
Please see graduate section for details.
Courses (BBST)
Co r e C U r r I C U lU m
bbst 103 Biblical interpretation & spiritual formation ................3
Equipping to interpret and apply the Bible in accurate and
dynamic ways for spiritual transformation and character
formation. Must be completed during the first year.
bbst 105 foundations of Christian Thought ....................................3
Introduction to theology with special emphasis on learning
to do theology; the doctrine of Scripture; introduction to the
integration of various fields of knowledge with the Bible; and
the importance and development of a Christian world view.
Must be completed during the first year.
bbst 109 old Testament history and Literature .............................3
An overview of the Old Testament with emphases on the
purpose of the writers; history and culture; literary genre,
structure, and themes; persons and events, together with
practical application for Christian living. Walk Thru the Old
Testament fee: $20. Fall and spring semesters only.
bbst 110 new Testament history and Literature............................3
An overview of the New Testament with emphasis on the pur-
pose of the writers; historical and cultural background; literary
genre, structure, and themes; persons involved; together with
practical application to Christian living.
bbst 150 old Testament survey ...........................................................4
An overview of the Old Testament focusing on book outlines,
key themes, persons and events in biblical history, along with
personal application. For BOLD students only.
66 Undergraduate Programs B I O L A U N I V E R S I T Y