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Undergraduate Academic Policies and Information
Graduate Academic Policies and Information
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Historical and Systematic Theology
Associate Dean, Jeffrey P. Greenman The Wheaton Biblical and Theological Studies graduate program provides both a theological base and methodological skills for doctoral work and for use in a variety of ministries. Among these are teaching, campus ministries, missions, evangelism, writing and research, administration, church and parachurch groups, lay persons in various fields, and personal enrichment. The concentrations in the Biblical and Theological Studies graduate program stress the concepts, principles, history, and methods of the theological disciplines. The program provides a scholarly, helpful, and understanding atmosphere in which students confront both traditional and contemporary interpretations and issues. It is committed to helping students formulate and articulate a biblical and global understanding of life and ministry in a setting committed to traditional biblical Christianity. Admission to the program does not require a specific undergraduate major or prescribed set of courses. However, students are required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in several areas. If such knowledge and proficiency cannot be demonstrated, additional undergraduate course work will be required. The areas of proficiency include: · A basic knowledge of the Bible and theology. · A general understanding of the major events, developments, and intellectual features of western civilization. · Good skills in written and spoken English.
Other areas of proficiency will be required depending on which concentration is selected within Biblical and Theological Studies. Students must select one of four concentrations available: Biblical Exegesis, Biblical Studies, History of Christianity, or Theology. Students are required to take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis. Students should register for BITH 692 Graduate Comprehensive Exam in the semester in which they intend to take the exam. Comprehensive exams can be failed only once. A student failing a particular exam (in part or as a whole) may retake the exam at the announced time in the following semester. All students desiring to write a thesis must apply in writing for the privilege. Students planning to complete a thesis during the summer must be sure their supervisor will be available. All students writing a thesis must register for BITH 698 and BITH 699 in all subsequent semesters. For M.A. programs in Church History, Theology or Biblical Studies, with their advisor’s approval and instructor’s permission, students may take up to 8 credit hours of ancient or modern language study as electives in their program. These courses must be taken at Wheaton College at the 500 level, and must be done while enrolled as a graduate student. Foreign language credits may not be applied to a second M.A. degree. The requirements for the program leading to a Master of Arts degree in the Biblical Exegesis concentration are 42 semester hours. The requirements for the program leading to a Master of Arts degree in the Biblical Studies concentration are 40 semester hours. Students may apply to write a thesis (4 hours). The requirements to complete the degree in the History of Christianity or Theology concentrations are 36 semester hours. Those enrolled in these concentrations may apply to write a thesis (4 hours) to complete the 36 hours. Students in these concentrations may either write a thesis or take four additional hours of course work and a comprehensive examination. The requirements to complete a second Master of Arts degree in Graduate Biblical and Theological Studies for students who have already completed one of the M.A. programs offered in the department will be reduced by up to 12 hours from the number of hours required for the second M.A. Students would be allowed to use up to 12 hours of the common core courses (Old Testament Theology, New Testament Theology, and Christian Theology) toward the second M.A. degree from the same department. Most courses will be taken on the 500- and 600-level in the Biblical and Theological Studies area. Four hours of elective courses may be taken in other graduate departments, except in the Biblical Exegesis concentration. Unless otherwise noted, a maximum of eight hours (only four hours in the Biblical Exegesis and Biblical Studies concentrations) from 300- and 400-level courses suitably enriched to carry graduate credit may be taken with approval of the student's advisor and the instructor. Each student works with an advisor to determine the appropriate concentration and to individualize the degree program based on the student's previous studies, interests, and goals. Coordinator, Gregory Beale The Biblical Exegesis concentration is a biblical language-based program which emphasizes study in both the Old and New Testaments. The program is designed to explore the biblical text within both its historic contexts and its use in modern worldwide contexts. The program requires 28 hours in core courses, ten hours of language-based exegetical studies, and a four-hour capstone course, combining OT Hebrew and NT Greek exegesis. Students are required to pass a written comprehensive exam. A prerequisite competency in Hebrew and Greek is required of all students. Hebrew competency is defined as taking HEBR 301, 302, and 401x (12 hours total) or their equivalent, or passing the Hebrew competency exam. Greek competency is defined as taking GREK 101, 102, and 201 (12 hours total) or their equivalent, or passing the Greek competency exam. Students may take language prerequisites concurrently with the program. These language prerequisites do not count toward the completion of the degree requirements of 42 hours, and must be passed before taking the language-based exegetical courses (the Greek prerequisites must be passed before taking BITH 564, though GREK 201 may be waived in some cases). The core requirements for this concentration include courses on the interpretive process (BITH 564, 562 and 625), biblical criticism (BITH 541 and 543), background studies (BITH 539 and either 551 or 552), and theology (BITH 565, 638, and 648). In addition, students must complete ten hours of course work in ancient-language-based exegetical studies, including a four-hour Hebrew Exegesis course (BITH 635) and a four-hour Greek Exegesis course. The last four hours of credit will be a capstone course (BITH 645 Canonical Biblical Interpretation).
Coordinator, Nicholas Perrin
The Biblical Studies concentration offers a general program in biblical studies based on the English text with special emphasis upon the literature, interpretation, and themes of the whole Bible. As with the Biblical Exegesis concentration, the program helps the student to explore the biblical text within both its historic contexts and its use in modern worldwide contexts. It is designed primarily as a terminal degree for students who do not expect to continue formal academic studies on the doctoral level. Knowledge of the biblical languages is not required. Students may, however, take Hebrew or Greek exegetical studies if they demonstrate competency in the respective language (see the definition of competency above). The Biblical Studies concentration requires the completion of 40 hours, including 26 hours of core course work and 14 hours of electives. The core requirements for this concentration include courses on the interpretive process (BITH 566), biblical criticism (BITH 541 and 543), background studies (BITH 539 and either 551 or 552), theology (BITH 565, 638, and 648), and BITH 625 World Christian Perspectives. The 14 hours of electives must include four hours of Old Testament studies (from BITH 534-538; 634, or with Hebrew competency achieved, BITH 635) and four hours of New Testament studies (from BITH 546-548, or with Greek competency achieved, BITH 646). With the remaining six hours of electives, a student may apply to write a thesis (4 hours). A student may also enroll in up to four hours outside the department or take up to four hours of suitably enriched 300- and 400-level courses in the department, with the approval of the student's advisor and the instructor of the course. Coordinator, Timothy Larsen The study of the History of Christianity integrates the history of Christian life and thought with the various disciplines in the field of theological studies on the one hand, and intellectual, social, cultural, gender, and political history on the other. This program requires students to complete 36 semester hours in order to obtain their degree. Up to eight hours of graduate credit may be taken in another department. It is normally required that students pass a comprehensive examination in addition to the course requirements for the program. However, students who successfully complete a thesis do not need to take the comprehensive examination. The study of the History of Christianity provides an opportunity for students to gain a sound grasp of the crucial contours of the history of Christianity across two millennia. It provides a vital foundation for those who wish to teach church history or who wish to go on to further study in historical theology or church history. Students may focus their work on any period of church history, and the collective expertise of the faculty members ranges from the early church all the way through the twentieth century. A particular strength of this program is Religion in American Life. This focus is supported by faculty expertise, seminar classes, and on-campus resources such as the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals, Billy Graham Center Archives and Wheaton College Archives. The requirements for this emphasis are: · Four hours of Historical Theology from BITH 653, 654, 655, or 656 · Either BITH 565 (Christian Theology) or BITH 525 (Biblical Theology) (4) · BITH 576 – History of Christianity to 1900 (4) · BITH 577 – World Christianity Since the Nineteenth Century (4) · BITH 683 – Historiography of the History of Christianity (2) · BITH 581 – The Reformation (4) · BITH 585x – History of Christianity in North America (4) · BITH 677 – Topics in the History of Christianity (4) or BITH 687 – Seminar in American Christianity and Historical Theology (4) · Six hours of electives. Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of these hours.
Coordinator, Jeffrey W. Barbeau The Theology concentration provides a program of study in Christian theology, both in its richly diverse heritage and in its contemporary developments. This concentration seeks to equip students to become faithful stewards of Christian thought and Scripture and thus to become more effective agents of Christ’s redemptive work within this fallen world. Students choosing this concentration must select one of two available emphases: 1) General Theological Studies; 2) Historical and Systematic Theology. Both require students to complete 36 semester hours in order to obtain their degrees. 1. General Theological Studies The requirements for this emphasis are: · BITH 638 – Old Testament Theology (4) · BITH 648 – New Testament Theology (4) · Eight hours in historical studies from BITH 576, 577, 653, 654, 655, or 656 · Four hours in systematic theology from BITH 565 Christian Theology (4) or BITH 675 Advanced Systematic Theology (4) · Sixteen hours of electives. Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of these hours. 2. Historical and Systematic Theology Requirements for this emphasis are: · BITH 638 – Old Testament Theology (4) · BITH 648 – New Testament Theology (4) · Eight hours in historical theology from BITH 653, 654, 655, and 656 · Eight hours in systematic theology: BITH 565 Christian Theology (4) and BITH 675 Advanced Systematic Theology (4) · Four hours in specialized topics from BITH 558, 561, 562, 563, 567, 581, 669, 676, 677, 683, 687, or ENGL 434 (G) · Eight hours of electives. Those who write a thesis take BITH 698 in lieu of four of these hours.
Students selecting the Historical and Systematic Theology emphasis should have undergraduate course work in philosophy. PhD Committee Chair, Jeffrey P. Greenman Coordinator Daniel I. Block
The Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies is designed to train scholars who can serve the church worldwide as teachers, researchers, pastors, and leaders. The program aims at fostering faithfulness to the teaching of Scripture in combination with creative and critical reflection on its significance for the church and contemporary culture. Students may focus on either Biblical Theology or Systematic/Historical Theology. The nature of Scripture and of the theological task demand that theology be rooted in Scripture and that Scripture be interpreted theologically. The Wheaton Ph.D., therefore, requires that its students take a holistic approach to biblical-theological studies. While students will write dissertations that focus on one of the traditional areas of academic competence—Old Testament, New Testament, Systematic Theology, or Historical Theology—the entire program, including the dissertation, will require integration with the other specialties. In order to facilitate this integration, students in the Wheaton Ph.D. program will write dissertations that are distinctly theological in nature. The program seeks, at the same time, to be integrative in another way, by bringing to bear on the theological task insights from people and cultures outside the North American context. Requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program. In addition to the admission requirements for the Graduate School in general, students applying for the Ph.D. are required to have the following: · An M.A. (in an area of Biblical or Theological Studies) or M.Div. degree or the equivalent. · Normally, a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their master’s-level work. · An acceptable score on the GRE. · For international students: scores on the TOEFL of 600, on the TWE of 5.0, and on the TSE of 50. · Evidence of potential for doctoral-level research in the form of a substantial research paper. · Competency in biblical Hebrew and Greek. · Recommendations from three of the applicant's professors and his or her pastor. · Approval from the mentor with whom the student seeks to study (normally secured through a personal interview). Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical and Theological Studies. The program incorporates the best elements from North American, British, and German doctoral models. Emphasis will be placed on guided research and independent study, though some formal courses are required. Informal learning in a community setting is integral to the program. Students will work closely with a faculty mentor, who will have primary responsibility for establishing the specific shape of the program that the student will undertake. Students are expected to engage in dissertation research and writing from the beginning of the program. The length and specific components of the program will therefore vary from student to student. All students will be required to take a minimum of 40 hours of doctoral-level courses and may be asked to take as many as 60. The requirements are:
In addition to the specific courses listed above, Ph.D. students must also demonstrate competence in biblical Greek and Hebrew and in two research languages (German and one other language appropriate to the student's field of study), demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the field, and write and successfully defend a dissertation. Students may apply for candidacy in the program after their first year of study. Candidacy will be awarded to students who have successfully completed all degree requirements, excepting the dissertation. Degree requirements must be completed within six years of the first date of enrollment.
Graduate students, with the approval of their advisors, may take certain 300- and 400-level courses, when suitably enriched, for graduate credit (eight hours maximum); 700- and 800-level courses are open only to Ph.D. students, unless otherwise specified or with approval of the program director and course instructor. All courses listed below carry four (4) hours of credit unless otherwise noted. BITH 502x. Hebrew. See HEBR 302. BITH 503. Language Study. Graduate-level study of an ancient or modern language in conjunction with a one semester or advanced language course taught at Wheaton College. Requires advisor’s approval and permission of instructor. (2 or 4) BITH 504. Language Study. Graduate-level study of an ancient or modern language in conjunction with a second semester language course taught at Wheaton College. Requires advisor’s approval and permission of instructor. (2 or 4) BITH 505. Language Study. Graduate-level study of an ancient or modern language in conjunction with a one semester or advanced language course taught at Wheaton College. Requires advisor’s approval and permission of instructor. (2 or 4) BITH 517, 518. Studies in Biblical Lands. A study of cultural, historical, geographical, and theological dimensions of the Old Testament, New Testament, and the Church through classroom lecture and travel to Israel, Greece, Turkey, and Rome. In addition, through contact with leaders and communities of non-western churches, Wheaton-in-the-Holy Lands engages students with issues of the theological development of the Church down through the centuries. Su only. BITH 521. Theology of Education. An examination of fundamental theological issues underlying education, including the relationship of revelation to other disciplines, the Christian conception of persons and knowing, and the relationship of the Church to culture. Required for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. (2) BITH 525. Biblical Theology. A study of the major theological themes within the Old and New Testaments, based upon the biblical text and the writings of major biblical theologians. The course will also consider the historical development and interrelationship of these themes throughout the successive periods of biblical history. BITH 526x. Biblical Theology of Worship. An examination of worship in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, with a view to developing a theology of worship that is consistent with the teachings of Scripture. Special attention will be paid to the appropriate application of this theology for the church today. BITH 532. Greek Exegesis in the Septuagint. Introduces the Greek Old Testament and modern Septuagintal studies. Exegesis of selected passages of the Greek Old Testament with special reference to the corresponding passage in the Hebrew text and, when relevant, its use in the New Testament. Prerequisite: BITH 564, completion of Greek competency and one year of Hebrew or instructor’s approval. Counts toward Greek exegesis requirement in Biblical Exegesis program. (2 or 4) BITH 534. Pentateuch. Primeval and patriarchal history. God's sovereign rule as Creator and the choice and development of Israel as his special people. A study of the relationship between law and covenant and of Israel as a worshiping community. BITH 535. Prophets and Prophecy. A study of the phenomenon of prophecy in ancient Israel, in its theological and cultural settings. In addition to the critical issues, the major prophets will be examined and their message and theology studied as part of the mainstream of the prophetic movement. (2) BITH 536. Old Testament Book Studies from the English Text. Studies of the content, message, and contemporary relevance of selected portions of the Old Testament against the background and the setting of the original writer and recipients. (2 or 4) BITH 537. History of Israel I. Analysis of the Formative Period of Israelite history, including the conquest, heroic age, and Davidic kingship. The historical, literary, theological, and sociopolitical aspects of the encounter between Mosaic Yahwism and Canaanite Baalism are investigated and evaluated. (2) BITH 538. History of Israel II. Analysis of the Traditional, Exilic, and Restoration Periods of Israelite history, including the "golden age" of Solomon, the decline and fall of the divided kingdoms, the rise of prophetism, the exile, and the establishment of the post-exilic Temple state. The tensions between the politics of justice versus oppression, and the religion of God's freedom versus accessibility are highlighted. (2) BITH 539. Ancient Near East Backgrounds of the Old Testament. An introduction to background and comparative studies that will focus on methodology and the conceptual world of the ancient Near East. As the cultures and literatures are compared both similarities and differences will emerge and be evaluated for their impact and role in the exegesis of the biblical text. (2) BITH 541. Old Testament Criticism. A study of the history, method, and results of modern historical approaches to the Old Testament literature. Attention will be given to a critical assessment of these developments from an evangelical perspective. (2) BITH 543. New Testament Criticism. A study of the history, method, and results of modern historical approaches to the New Testament literature. Attention will be given to a critical assessment of these developments from an evangelical perspective. (2) BITH 546. New Testament Book Studies from the English Text. The content, message, and contemporary relevance of selected portions of the New Testament against the background of the setting of the original writer and recipients. Logical units of the NT literature. (2 or 4) BITH 547. Life and Teachings of Jesus. The events and teachings of Jesus in their contemporary context together with an analysis of current relevant research. BITH 548. Life and Teachings of Paul. The major aspects of the teachings of Paul in the context of his life and times as reflected in selected parts of his letters and Acts. BITH 551. Greco Roman Backgrounds of the New Testament. An introductory study of the Greco-Roman world, including its history, society, culture, religion, and literature, in relation to the expansion of early Christianity and the New Testament documents. (2) BITH 552. Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament. A study of the history, literature, and thought within Judaism in the Persian and Hellenistic periods. In providing an important backdrop to the understanding and interpretation of the New Testament, emphasis will fall on the political and economic forces at work in Palestine, as well as the religious ideas and practices. (2) BITH 553. New Testament and Early Christian History. An investigation of the history, literature, and theology of the New Testament and Christianity prior to A.D. 325. BITH 554x. Topics in Archaeology. See ARCH 554. (2 or 4) BITH 558. Topics in Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies. Separate courses devoted to the study of topics of general interest. (2 or 4) BITH 561. Theological Anthropology. A theological examination of the nature of persons with special reference to issues raised by modern philosophy and psychology. (2) BITH 562. Introduction to Old Testament Exegesis. A practical hermeneutics course, orienting students to the principles and praxis of Old Testament exegesis. Focusing on selected Hebrew texts, chosen from various genres, attention will be given to the literary and rhetorical strategies employed by biblical authors to achieve their intended goals. Particular issues to be addressed include textual criticism, lexical and grammatical analysis, compositional style and genre and the broader canonical and historical contexts. Prerequisites: HEBR 301, 302, 401. (2). BITH 563. Apologetics. Survey of the theological resources for meeting contemporary challenges to Christianity, including the problems of secularism, pluralism, evil, and the historicity of Jesus. (2) BITH 564. Principles of Interpretation (Hermeneutics). A survey of the principles, methods, and history necessary for a proper interpretative approach to biblical literature and its various literary genres. Though the course will provide a broad introduction for interpreting the whole Bible, the actual assignments of the course will be based primarily on the Greek New Testament. Completion of the Greek Competency (12 hours) or instructor’s approval is required for the course. The course itself is a prerequisite for all exegetical courses in Old and New Testament. BITH 565. Christian Theology. An introduction to the methods of systematic theology and the major topics within the biblical revelation. Special attention is given to the rationale for these Christian doctrines, their systematic interconnections as well as their development within the history of Christian thought, and their contemporary challenges. BITH 566. Foundations for Biblical Interpretation. A survey of the principles, methods, and issues of biblical and theological interpretation in the past and present. Intended for students in non-theological disciplines, as well as for those in Biblical and Theological studies who have limited theological preparation. BITH 567x. Theology of the Church. (See BITH 382). (2) BITH 569. Christian Traditions. A survey of the major Christian traditions with an emphasis on their theological presuppositions and systematic thought, including the common tradition of the early church, as well as the Orthodox, Catholic, Reformed, and modern Protestant traditions. BITH 571. Introduction to the History of Christianity. A summary introduction to the history of Christianity designed to provide a rapid but comprehensive overview to assist students who seek basic understanding of the history of Christianity as a background for other fields of study. The emphasis is upon succinct summary, and the course will focus on key turning points in Church history from the early church to the twentieth century. Graduate students will attend the same lectures as undergraduates in HIST 305 but receive different syllabi with different levels of required work. (2) BITH 572x. Doctrine of Scripture. See BITH 392. (2 or 4) BITH 576. History of Christianity to 1900. An introduction to the history of Christianity from the age of the apostles through the nineteenth century. The course treats the development of institutions, doctrines, and interactions with culture. It is divided into approximately equal sections on the early church, the church in the middle ages, the era of the reformation, and the period 1600-1900. The course is meant to be a complement of HIST 477/BITH 577, which focuses on the worldwide expansion of Christianity in the last two centuries. BITH 577. World Christianity Since the Nineteenth Century. A survey of the history of world Christianity since the middle of the nineteenth century. This course includes some background on the earlier missionary expansion of the Church, but its emphasis is on the transition of Christianity from a western to a world religion in the last two centuries. Most of the course treats the modern history of Christianity outside of Europe and North America. David Barrett's World Christian Encyclopedia is the basic reference book for the material to be covered. BITH 581. The Reformation. The doctrines and practices of the Reformers (1450-1650) in their political, social, economic, and intellectual contexts. Special attention to Luther, the Reformed (Zwingli and Calvin), Anabaptists, the English Reformation, and the Catholic Reformation. BITH 585x. History of Christianity in North America. See HIST 483. BITH 622. Theological and Religious Issues in Psychotherapy. A study of the religious issues that are confronted in psychotherapy, with an emphasis on the practical clinical applications and implications of Christian theology. The role of the psychologist as a healer and minister of grace will be considered, as well as topics such as sin and evil, confession, redemption, forgiveness, and the use of prayer and Scripture. (For Psy.D. students or with permission of instructor and department chair.) (2) BITH 623. The History of Pastoral Care. A survey of the principles and techniques of Christian nurture (the care of souls) from the time of Gregory the Great to the modern church in America. Both primary and secondary sources are read in an effort to understand how the church has ministered to persons with various needs and in varied circumstances. (For Psy.D. students or with permission of instructor and department chair.) (2) BITH 624. Theological Ethics for Counseling. A course designed to explore the biblical and theological foundations for a Christian ethic together with a consideration of the main Christian traditions in ethics. Case study applications will be made to issues in counseling. (For Psy.D. students or with permission of instructor and department chair.) (2) BITH 625. World Christian Perspectives. Readings and discussions on the task of biblical interpretation and theological reflection in the context of world Christianity. (2) BITH 631. Intermediate Hebrew. A comprehensive study of the basic principles and methods of interpreting the Hebrew Old Testament. Emphasis on reading as a tool to build vocabulary and understanding of Hebrew grammar and syntax. Prerequisite: working knowledge of Hebrew. BITH 634. Poetic Books. The form and content of Hebrew poetry with its background in ancient Near Eastern literature. An examination of key passages in books such as Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. (2 or 4) BITH 635. Hebrew Exegesis. Exegesis of books or selected portions of larger books of the Hebrew Old Testament. Capability of translation is assumed because of the prerequisite. The purpose of the course is not to teach Hebrew grammar, but to interpret the Old Testament from the Hebrew text. Prerequisite: BITH 631. (2 or 4) BITH 638. Old Testament Theology. The major teachings of the various parts and the whole of the Old Testament with concentration upon some of the most important themes in an attempt to discover the intention of the biblical writers. BITH 639. Advanced Old Testament Topics. Separate courses devoted to the study of specialized topics, issues, or areas within the Old Testament field. (2 or 4) BITH 641. Current Issues in Old Testament Studies. An examination of recent trends in Old Testament scholarship with special attention paid to significant problem areas. Prerequisite: BITH 541. (2) BITH 645. Canonical Biblical Interpretation. An integrative course that is the capstone of the M.A. in Biblical Exegesis program. The course enables students to solidify their ability to exegete scripture with canonical sensitivity. It also guides the student in integrating a canonical perspective into the exegetical and hermeneutical enterprise, including relating parts of the testaments to one another and to their particular relevant historical backgrounds within a biblical-theological framework. Various texts and themes throughout the OT and NT will form the basis for the semester’s work. Four hours to be taken in the student’s last spring semester of the program. BITH 646. Greek Exegesis. Exegesis of books or selected portions of larger books of the Greek New Testament. Capability of translation is assumed because of the prerequisite. The purpose of the course is not to teach Greek grammar but to interpret the New Testament from the Greek text. Prerequisite: BITH 564 or equivalent. (2 or 4) BITH 648. New Testament Theology. An investigation of the dominant themes in the New Testament in the light of the cultures in which they were produced and the methods of representative contemporary New Testament theologians. BITH 649. Advanced New Testament Topics. Separate courses devoted to the study of specialized topics, issues, or areas within the New Testament field. (2 or 4) BITH 651. Current Issues in New Testament Studies. An examination of recent trends in New Testament scholarship with special attention given to significant problem areas. Prerequisite: BITH 543. (2) BITH 653. Historical Theology: Early Christianity. An examination of the theological developments from the second through the fifth centuries. Special attention is given to the formation of the ecumenical creeds, developments in the doctrines of the canon, God, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and the sacraments, as well as the nuances differentiating the Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. (2) BITH 654. Historical Theology: Medieval Christianity. An examination of the theological developments from the fifth through the fourteenth centuries. Special attention is given to the relationship between reason and revelation, soteriology, ecclesiology, the sacraments, and popular piety. (2) BITH 655. Historical Theology: Reformation. An examination of the key theological writings during the Reformation period, including selections by Lutheran, Calvinist, Anabaptist, and Catholic figures. (2) BITH 656. Historical Theology: Contemporary Theology. An examination of the theological developments from the Enlightenment to the present, focusing on key figures representing nineteenth-century German liberalism, neo-orthodoxy, post-Vatican II Catholicism, liberation, and postmodern theology. (2) BITH 669. Topics in Theology. Selected topics in theology to provide for in-depth study of a selected topic of current interest. (2 or 4) BITH 675. Advanced Systematic Theology. An in-depth examination of theological method and the major theological topics within the traditional loci, employing classical and contemporary theological texts. BITH 676. Seminar in Systematic Theology. 676-1. Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Systematic Theology. (2 or 4) 676-2. Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Systematic Theology (assumes an ancient language or modern language research component in primary and/or secondary resource materials). BITH 677. Topics in the History of Christianity. Separate courses devoted to the study of the Christian church in specific eras or countries, or specific themes in church history. (2 or 4) BITH 679. Seminar in Historical Theology. 679-1. Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Historical Theology. (2 or 4) 679-2. Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Historical Theology (assumes an ancient language or modern language research component in primary and/or secondary resource materials). BITH 682. Colloquium in the History of American Christianity. Special courses in specific aspects or themes of the history of the church in North America. Taught in conjunction with visiting scholars sponsored by the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals. (2 or 4) BITH 683. Historiography of the History of Christianity. Christianity and history, with emphasis on the history of Church History, the implications for the meaning and practice of history, and the relationship of philosophies of history to the Christian faith. (2) BITH 687. Seminar in American Christianity and Historical Theology. 687-1. Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Church History. (2 or 4) 687-2. Focused seminars providing for in-depth research of particular persons, movements, events, eras, topics, and themes in Church History (assumes an ancient language or modern language research component in primary and/or secondary resource materials).) BITH 692. Graduate Comprehensive Exam. Prerequisites: The student should be in the final semester of coursework, have completed all core courses, or have completed all coursework. Fee $25. May be repeated once. Graded pass/fail. (0) BITH 695. Independent Study. Intensive research on a precisely defined topic related to some phase of Biblical and Theological Studies. Initiative for selecting the topic and proposing the methodology rests with the student. A faculty member must approve, recommend amendments (if necessary), supervise, and evaluate the project. Limit four hours in any one degree program except by special permission. (1 to 4) BITH 696. Internship. (2 or 4) BITH 699. Thesis Continuation. See M.A. Thesis/Applied Thesis/Action Research. (0) BITH 751. Introduction to Doctoral Research. Orientation to doctoral research in theology and to Wheaton's Ph.D. program in Biblical and Theological Studies. (1) BITH 752, 753, 754. Colloquium. Designed to track the requirement that students involve themselves in the life of the academic community by participating in occasional lectures and discussions on topics of interest. (1 each) BITH 793. Directed Study. Supervised independent study in conjunction with the auditing of a regular graduate BTS course. (4) BITH 794. Directed Study in the Liberal Arts. Supervised independent study in conjunction with the auditing of a regular undergraduate course in the liberal arts. BITH 795. Guided Research. Supervised independent study. (2-4) BITH 798. Supervised Pedagogical Experience. Students participate with a faculty member in teaching a course. (2) BITH 881. Seminar: The Theological Interpretation of Scripture. Orientation to the contemporary issues in theological method. Attention is given to hermeneutical issues and the intersection of biblical, historical, and systematic theology. BITH 882. Seminar: Topics in Biblical Theology. Intense study of a particular topic in biblical theology, normally including work in both Old and New Testaments. BITH 883. Seminar: Topics in Systematic or Historical Theology. Intense study of a particular topic in systematic or historical theology. BITH 899. Dissertation Continuation. (0) Revision Date: May 1, 2008
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