Catalog 2012-2014 - Anderson University School of Theology

Master’s Degree Courses — Biblical Studies (BIST), continued
BIST COURSES
5100 Archaeology and the Ancient Near East 3 hrs.
This course introduces the basic sciences and methods of archaeology and how these methods,
through archaeological research, help understand the historical development and cultures of the
Ancient Near East. The course covers archaeological technique and methods, as well as archaeology’s
research in understanding Sumerian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Grecian,
and Roman influence of the Ancient Near East. Offered: in the fall semester. May be taken by
arrangement with consent of instructor.
5110 The Literature and History of the Old Testament I 3 hrs.
This course studies Genesis through 2 Kings (to the fall of Jerusalem and Exile to Babylon),
within the wider context of the peoples, kingdoms, and empires of the Old Testament world.
Major topics, such as creation, exodus, covenant, and the rise of the Prophetic Movement, will
be explored. Emphasis is given to the understanding of the texts within their historical milieu,
while, at the same time, being attentive to contemporary methodologies of biblical interpretation,
especially, literary approaches. The student will also research and write a major exegesis
study of an Old Testament passage. This course is prerequisite to BIST 5120.
5120 The Literature and History of the Old Testament II 3 hrs.
This course studies the theological teachings of the writing prophets. The prophets will be studied
chronologically. Emphasis is given to understanding the prophets within their historical context,
and also in seeing their relevance for the contemporary world. To this end, emphasis is also
given to close readings of the texts from various perspectives. The theological teachings of the
wisdom teachers will also be studied. The student will also research and write a major exegesis
project in this course. prerequisite: BIST 5110.
5330 Biblical Hebrew I 3 hrs.
This introductory-level course is a study of the basic principles of biblical Hebrew grammar and
syntax, with reading and writing exercises. Acquisition of a basic vocabulary is expected, with
some reading in selected Old Testament passages.
5340 Biblical Greek I 3 hrs.
This course is a study of the basic principles of grammar, with reading and writing exercises.
Acquisition of a basic vocabulary is expected, with some reading in selected New Testament
passages.
5430 Biblical Hebrew II 3 hrs.
This introductory-level course is a continuation of the study of biblical Hebrew grammar and
syntax, with reading and translation of selected narrative passages. Second-year Hebrew is strongly
recommended after this course for facility in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. prerequisite:
BIST 5330 or equivalent.
5440 Biblical Greek II 3 hrs.
This course is a continuation of the study of basic principles of grammar, with reading and writing
exercises. Continuation of acquisition of basic vocabulary is expected, with some reading in
selected passages. Second-year Greek is strongly recommended after this course for facility in the
Greek text of the New Testament. prerequisite: BIST 5340 or equivalent.
5900 Research Design: Principles and Skills 1 hrs.
Methods of research, bibliography, and design for project or thesis, with attention to form and
principles of writing.
6131 Biblical Hebrew III 3 hrs.
This intermediate-level course consists of a reading of selected passages of the Hebrew Old
Testament for the purpose of acquiring a large vocabulary and general facility in interpretation of
Hebrew texts. prerequisite: BIST 5430.
Anderson University School of Theology Catalog, 2014-2015 45