Page 60 - 2017-2018 Academic Catalog

BTS/HIS 345 BTS/HIS 386 BTS 397
Religion in America 3 John Calvin 3 Special Topics in Historical/Philosophical Studies 3
Two additional BTS courses from any of these areas 6
Biblical Languages (21 credit hours)
This concentration provides a course of study in biblical Hebrew (the language of the Old Testament) and biblical Greek (the language of the New Testament). Students learn to read and exegete the Bible in these original languages.
Learning these languages greatly enriches one’s study of the Bible. Familiar texts come alive in new ways, and the student gains a deeper understanding of key concepts and themes. This study will thus enhance all other study in the Biblical and Theological Studies department, as well as application of the biblical perspective in each other discipline, and the student’s personal Christian life and calling. For those who are pursuing Christian ministry or teaching, or further biblical study, learning the biblical languages is a prerequisite for responsible interpretation.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Biblical Languages department is to equip students with the knowledge of the basic grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew and biblical Greek, enabling them to read and study the Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures in these original languages. Students also learn to do exegetical analysis in at least one of these languages, evaluating exegetical arguments based on their knowledge of the language, and utilizing the tools for such study. All of this language study reinforces the value of these skills for reading, understanding, and teaching the Scriptures, and will encourage students to apply the insights gained to the contemporary context and to their own personal lives and callings.
Concentration Learning Outcomes:
Students who complete the Biblical Languages Concentration are able to:
1. Demonstrate a proficiency in the basic elements of grammar and syntax for both biblical Hebrew and Greek, showing an understanding of the linguistic categories, as well as mastery of a basic vocabulary sufficient for reading Hebrew and Greek biblical texts.
2. Pursue exegetical study of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) or the Greek New Testament, evaluating exegetical arguments based on their knowledge of the language, and utilizing the tools for such study (text-critical apparatus, advanced lexicons, grammars, commentaries, and scholarly articles).
3. Understand the value of knowing Hebrew and Greek for reading, studying, interpreting, and teaching the Bible and apply insights gained in the text of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Greek New Testament to the contemporary context and to their own personal lives and callings.
Concentration Course Requirements:
60