Hispanic Latin American Literature I

Survey courses covering selected major authors from Spanish speaking Latin America, from pre-Columbian times to the present. The historic and cultural context of the works is examined up to the mid-nineteenth century.

Hispanic Latin American Literature II

This course covers literature from the end of the nineteenth century to the present. Students consolidate their skills through the critical reading of literary texts, along with written and oral work.

Special Topics in Spanish Literature & Culture

Independent, but guided studies in specialized areas of interest.

Intro to Probability & Statistics

Students will explore probability theory, descriptive and inferential statistics at an introductory level; applications are taken from a wide range of disciplines. Topics include descriptive analysis, scientific visualization, sets, permutations and combinations, probability, discrete and continuous distributions (e.g. binomial, normal, t), confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Not for credit towards a major, concentration, or minor in Mathematics

Statistics for Health Care Students

Students specializing in the field of nursing will explore applied statistics at an introductory level. The focus is on developing the conceptual aspects of the subject rather than the mathematical foundations and assumes no prerequisite except elementary algebra. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, the normal, t-, chi-square and F-distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Applications are directed towards health and biological studies

Probability & Statistics I

An introduction to the theory and application of probability and statistics for students who have experience with calculus. Topics include data collection, descriptive statistics, probability, random variables and standard distributions, central limit theorem, hypothesis tests, interval estimates, and linear regression. Computer software will be used to display, analyze, and simulate data. The focus will be on biostatistics with applications using data from the life sciences.

Probability & Statistics

A study of the fundamental principles of mathematical statistics. Topics include probability distributions and densities, expectation and moment-generating functions, functions of random variable, sampling distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, regression and correlation, analysis of variance, nonparametric tests.

Topics in Theology & Culture

Provides an opportunity for students to engage critically with emerging issues, debates, and developments within a specific academic discipline. Students will explore contemporary topics that shape the Church’s witness, theological reflection, and vocational practice in today’s world. Emphasis is placed on integrating biblical and theological perspectives with scholarly inquiry, fostering spiritual formation, and cultivating leadership rooted in humility and social responsibility. The course is designed to develop advanced research and communication skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and a deeper awareness of the student’s role as a reflective practitioner within the global Christian community.

Topics: Disciple Formation

Advanced study of the theology and practice of disciple formation in contemporary contexts. This course examines the holistic process of making and strengthening disciples, integrating evangelism, spiritual formation, ecclesial life, and cultural engagement. Emphases vary by offering and may include theological foundations, historical models, contextual strategies, and contemporary challenges. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

History of Expansion of Christianity

A study of major missiological themes throughout the history of the global expansion of the church, with special emphasis on the modern Protestant missionary movement. Writings of exemplary mission historians will be examined for their contribution to our understanding of contemporary trends in world mission practice and strategy. Attention will be given to the missionary encounter with culture and society in its various historical contexts.

History of Evangelism

An examination of evangelism throughout the history of the Church. Special attention is given to particular Christian movements and personalities, highlighting contributions to gospel proclamation and witness of the Church in word and deed. Application of selected practices are considered for evangelism in contexts today.

Topics: Intercultural Relations

Advanced study of intercultural engagement within Christian theology and ministry. This course examines the theological, relational, and social dynamics of interaction across cultural differences in local and global contexts. Emphases vary by offering and may include cultural theory, communication patterns, power dynamics, migration, contextualization, and ecclesial life in multicultural settings. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

Teaching Missions & Evangelism

Provides supervised teaching experience in missions and evangelism within higher education contexts. Integrates adult learning theory, course design, instructional methods, and evaluation strategies to prepare students for theological and missiological teaching. Guides development of a syllabus, learning objectives, course teaching plan, and creative instructional exercises while cultivating reflective teaching practice. Includes classroom observation, student feedback analysis, and self-evaluation to foster pedagogical competence, professional integrity, and vocational discernment in academic ministry settings.

Leadership Development & Culture

Examines theological, philosophical, and anthropological foundations of leadership and culture in global Christian contexts. Integrates biblical reflection, leadership theory, and cultural analysis to evaluate leadership development across diverse social, political, and economic systems. Explores intercultural dynamics, power structures, and organizational practice while cultivating critical self-reflection and spiritual formation for ministry leadership. Applies major leadership theories to case studies of failed and effective leadership in order to develop culturally informed, theologically grounded approaches to leadership in multicultural and missional settings.

Topics: Mission History

Advanced study of the history of Christian mission in global perspective. This course examines the development of Christian expansion across cultures, regions, and eras, attending to theological motivations, intercultural encounters, indigenous movements, and the social implications of mission. Offerings may focus on particular periods, regions, movements, or themes. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

Missiology as a Discipline

An introduction to the academic discipline of missiology and principles of missiological research and writing. It includes an overview of classical and current publications in the field and an examination of the integrative relationship between theology, history, and the social sciences in Christian mission. Students will also receive an orientation to the TEDS PhD/Theology and Culture study program.

Theology of Mission & Evangelism

Focuses on the theology of mission in the Old and New Testaments with special attention to the operation of the Trinity, the missio Dei, the purpose and tasks of mission, church and mission, the nature and necessity of evangelism, historical developments in theology of mission, and current theological issues in Christian mission.

Sociology for Mission & Evangelism

An introduction of the field of sociology and the contributions it makes to the discipline of missiology. Attention will focus on issues such as globalization, new religious movements, gender, social capital, communication and media. Theoretical foundations and methodological questions will be introduced, and practical implications for ministry will be explored.

Anthropology for Mission & Evangelism

An introduction to the field of anthropology and the contribution it makes to the discipline of missiology. The seminar encourages participants to develop a model they can use in studying and ministering in specific societies and cultures. Attention is given to a study of the issues involved in cross-cultural communication, contextualization, and social transformation in evangelism and church planting in cross-cultural settings.

Professional Development Practicum

Provides doctoral students with the opportunity to design, conduct, and evaluate a supervised professional development activity that integrates academic expertise, vocational calling, and ministry practice. Activities may include teaching, consulting, curriculum development, coaching, pastoral ministry, grant writing, or other approved engagements. Students may propose Trinity-related or external opportunities, and must initiate planning conversations with their program director prior to the practicum semester. Each unit represents approximately 35–40 hours of invested work and may be repeated for credit up to a total of 2 sem. hrs. Credit/No Credit.

Missiological Research Methods

An introduction to various research methods in the study of missiology, from qualitative and quantitative empirical methods to theological and historiographic methods. Academic writing, use of library and archival sources, ethics in research and related topics will also be addressed.?NB: To be taken during the first 16 credit hours of the PhD/Theology and Culture program.

Qualitative Research Methods

Teaches various qualitative methods oriented towards dissertation research in theology and culture including observation and interviewing skills and the analysis of verbal data. Other topics include ethical issues in research, the place of theory in qualitative research, proposal writing for qualitative research, and recent controversies over how one 'represents' others in one's writings. NB: Students are encouraged to take THC 941 prior to this course.

Orientation: Post Coursework

Workshop addressing the purpose, expectations and methodology of preparing for the comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and dissertation writing. It includes class instruction, reading of exemplary field statements and proposals, and active participation in the various oral hearings. Credit/No Credit.

Comprehensive Exam Prep

Facilitates student preparation for the comprehensive examination in their discipline. Students review and synthesize core disciplinary literature, theories and methods, while preparing to demonstrate their readiness for dissertation research.

Dissertation Proposal Prep

An independent study for students to research a topic of study and prepare a proposal for their dissertation project. PhD/THC students may repeat this course twice for 2 sem. hrs. total.

Dissertation Research

Students write a dissertation which embodies the results of their original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration.

Dissertation Extension

Permits students who have completed all required dissertation credits to work toward the completion of their dissertation.

Theological German I

Develops reading competence in theological German through study of grammar, syntax, and core theological vocabulary. Students engage representative texts to build facility in recognizing complex sentence structures and interpreting academic prose, access primary and secondary theological literature in German, and progress toward advanced language proficiency. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.

Theological German II

Advances reading proficiency in theological German through sustained engagement with primary and secondary sources from the Reformation to modern theology. Students expand discipline-specific vocabulary, refine grammatical accuracy, and develop efficient scanning strategies for academic research. This course emphasizes translation of complex texts and preparation for graduate German proficiency examination. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.

Theological French I

Develops foundational reading proficiency in theological French through guided engagement with selected theological texts and focused review of grammar and vocabulary. The course establishes the grammatical and lexical grounding necessary for interpreting theological terminology and syntactical structures with care and growing confidence, preparing students for advanced study and engagement with French theological scholarship. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.

Theological French II

Advances reading proficiency in theological French through sustained engagement with selected biblical and theological texts. The course reinforces and extends students’ capacity to interpret complex academic prose with grammatical precision and mature lexical judgment, enabling direct and independent engagement with French theological scholarship at the post-graduate level. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.ss. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.

Theology I

Examines the foundations of systematic theology by introducing theological method and core Christian doctrines concerning God and God’s relation to the world. The course engages general and special revelation with particular attention to Scripture, and introduces theology proper, including the divine perfections and the Trinity, as well as the doctrines of creation, providence, anthropology, and hamartiology. Emphasis is placed on careful theological interpretation, doctrinal clarity, and responsible engagement with historic Christian teaching for the life and witness of the church.

Theological Ethics & Christian Life

Examines Christian moral reasoning as it arises from Scripture, doctrine, and Christian practice, integrating theological ethics with contemporary challenges facing individuals and communities. The course explores virtue and moral formation, as well as ethical judgment in personal, ecclesial, and social contexts, equipping students to engage complex moral issues with theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and faithful Christian witness.

Current Theology

Examines significant current issues, movements, and debates in biblical and systematic theology. Attention is given to emerging theological developments, constructive proposals, and contemporary challenges facing the church in global contexts. Topics may vary. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

Topics: Theologians

Examines selected influential Christian theologian(s) from diverse historical and global contexts. Students engage theological method, doctrinal development, and ecclesial impact while considering contemporary relevance for church and academy. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, integrative reflection, and responsible theological discernment within evangelical contexts. Focus may vary by semester. Repeatable for credit with different emphasis.

Theology II

Topics in Theological Studies

Provides an opportunity for students to engage critically with emerging issues, debates, and developments within a specific academic discipline. Students will explore contemporary topics that shape the Church’s witness, theological reflection, and vocational practice in today’s world. Emphasis is placed on integrating biblical and theological perspectives with scholarly inquiry, fostering spiritual formation, and cultivating leadership rooted in humility and social responsibility. Cross-listed: DMN 931.

Topics: Advanced Doctrines

Advanced seminar examining selected themes in biblical and systematic theology. Emphasis is placed on the biblical foundations, historical development, and contemporary articulation of doctrinal theology within the context of historic evangelical orthodoxy. Students engage primary and secondary theological sources, critically evaluate competing interpretations, and construct coherent theological formulations for the life of the church and its witness in the world. Topics vary by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

Topics: Advanced Ethics

Advanced seminar examining selected themes and questions in Christian moral theology in conversation with Scripture, the historical tradition, and contemporary evangelical scholarship. Students critically assess ethical frameworks, engage complex moral issues, and articulate theologically grounded ethical reasoning for the life and witness of the church. Topics vary by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

Topics: Advanced Theologians

Advanced study of major Christian theologians and their doctrinal contributions. Examines theological method, use of Scripture, ecclesial impact, and contemporary relevance within the broader Christian and evangelical tradition. Focus varies by semester and may center on one or multiple theologians. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

Reading Scripture Theologically

Examines the integrative character of biblical studies, church history, and Christian theology as they relate to theological readings of Scripture, highlighting how these disciplines contribute to interpreting and responding to Scripture through doctrinal formulation and the formation of both individual readers and churches. Through critical engagement with evangelical and non-evangelical scholarship, students develop an interdisciplinary method for exploring the doctrine of Scripture, biblical hermeneutics, the theological disciplines, the history of exegesis, and Christian doctrinal development. Overall, the course focuses on the issues, methods, and aims involved in reading the Bible to know God and grow in godliness.

The Theological Scholar

Orients students to doctoral-level scholarship (the development of an argument, research philosophy and methodology, good writing skills, dissertation preparation), program specifics, and the doctoral community life and ethos. Course includes papers presented by professors from different disciplines to illustrate and generate discussion about theological integration. Required of all PhD/THS students.

Professional Development Practicum

Provides doctoral students with the opportunity to design, conduct, and evaluate a supervised professional development activity that integrates academic expertise, vocational calling, and ministry practice. Activities may include teaching, consulting, curriculum development, coaching, pastoral ministry, grant writing, or other approved engagements. Students may propose Trinity-related or external opportunities, and must initiate planning conversations with their program director prior to the practicum semester. Each unit represents approximately 35–40 hours of invested work and may be repeated for credit up to a total of 2 sem. hrs. Credit/No Credit.

Proposal Study I

Includes sustained reading, reflection, and identification of a potential dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings, which might include classic, significant background works within the field; resources on potential research methods relevant to the dissertation; literature review of the topic; or whatever is in the best interest of the student's progress. Other work such as translation, textual analysis, or database development may be assigned. In rare instances, with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.

Proposal Study II

Includes sustained reading, reflection, and identification of significant questions related to their dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor plan readings, which might include classic, significant background works within the field; resources on research methods relevant to the dissertation; literature review of the topic; or whatever is in best interest of the student's progress. Other work such as that of THS 941 may be assigned. In rare instances, with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic. Pre-requisite(s): THS 941.

Proposal Study III

Provides for sustained reading and reflection for students to identify their primary research question (or thesis) and the subsidiary questions and structure of argument required to answer it. Guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings or other work. At this point in the proposal process, students should begin to write their dissertation proposal. In rare instances, and with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.

Proposal Study IV

Provides for sustained reading, reflection, and writing regarding their dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings or other work. At this point, students should be writing their dissertation proposal with the goal being a complete, revised proposal ready for defense by the time the student takes comprehensive exams at the end of coursework. In rare instances, and with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.

Comprehensive Exam Prep

Facilitates student preparation for the comprehensive examination in their discipline. Students review and synthesize core disciplinary literature, theories and methods, while preparing to demonstrate their readiness for dissertation research.

Dissertation Research

Students write a dissertation which embodies the results of their original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration.

Dissertation Extension

Permits students who have completed all required dissertation credits to work toward the completion of their dissertation.