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Year Course ID Course
2025-2026 RELS 567

The Theology of Karl Barth

This course is an examination and deeper understanding of Karl Barth's theology. Primary attention is given to the character, development, and significance of Barth's theology. The student also reads Karl Barth in the context of Christian thought.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 575

Christianity & Culture

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 575

Christianity and Culture

How do Christians past and present relate to culture? Students are invited to examine some important aspects of Christianity's involvement in Western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as some specific current issues related to Christian cultural activity.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 576

Christian Worldviews in Historical & Cultural Perspective

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to explore the nature and scope of Christian worldview as we investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions. We will inquire into implications of Christ's lordship for various spheres of life, such as politics, art, science and the environment. We investigate and develop personal responses to the challenges for a Christian worldview in today's pluralist society. Students are encouraged to analyze their own worldview in order to critically interact with a view toward understanding how it affects relationships in society and the world.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 576

Christian Worldviews in Historical and Cultural Perspective

What is Worldview in relation to Theology? How does it influence us and others? Students are invited to explore the nature and scope of Christian worldview as we investigate some of the salient moments in the history of Christian worldview thinking and its contemporary expressions. We will inquire into implications of Christ's lordship for various spheres of life, such as politics, art, science and the environment. We investigate and develop personal responses to the challenges for a Christian worldview in today's pluralist society. Students are encouraged to analyze their own worldview in order to critically interact with a view toward understanding how it affects relationships in society and the world.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 577

New Testament Canon: Development & Theology

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 577

New Testament Canon: Development and Theology

Investigates the theological implications of the historical development of the New Testament canon. Stress is laid upon the contextual reading of primary source evidence and its interpretation in important secondary source literature. New Testament canon development is explored as it relates to the Rule of Faith, the early councils, creeds, and the church fathers. These relationships are then investigated with a view toward how they influence our understanding of Scripture in the twenty-first century.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 611

Advanced Old Testament Exegesis

The principles of Hebrew exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): A minimum of two years of Hebrew. With the instructor's consent, second year Hebrew Readings may be taken as a co- requisite.
2025-2026 RELS 611

Advanced Old Testament Exegesis

The principles of Hebrew exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the Old Testament.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 612

Advanced Old Testament Seminar

Old Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 611 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Old Testament Textual Criticism, Genesis, Exodus, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Daniel, Psalms, Chronicles and the Rewritten Bible, Inner-Biblical Exegesis, History of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible, and Old Testament Theology. Among other things, students are asked to research and report on various aspects of the seminar topic. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 612

Advanced Old Testament Seminar

Old Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 611 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Old Testament Textual Criticism, Genesis, Exodus, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, Daniel, Psalms, Chronicles and the Rewritten Bible, Inner-Biblical Exegesis, History of the Hebrew Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Hebrew Bible, and Old Testament Theology. Among other things, students are asked to research and report on various aspects of the seminar topic. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 621

Advanced New Testament Exegesis

The principles of Greek exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the New Testament.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): A minimum of two years of Greek. With the instructor's consent, second year Greek Readings may be taken as a co-requisite.
2025-2026 RELS 621

Advanced New Testament Exegesis

The principles of Greek exegesis are reviewed and applied to several examples of the genres found within the New Testament.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 622

Advanced New Testament Seminar

New Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 621 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Matthew, Luke-Acts, Prison Epistles, Hebrews, Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Apocryphal Gospels and the New Testament, the Septuagint and the New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament, the Targums and the New Testament, Anti-Semitism and the New Testament, and New Testament Theology. Students are asked to research various aspects of the seminar topic and report back to the seminar. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 622

Advanced New Testament Seminar

New Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 621 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Matthew, Luke-Acts, Prison Epistles, Hebrews, Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Apocryphal Gospels and the New Testament, the Septuagint and the New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament, the Targums and the New Testament, Anti-Semitism and the New Testament, and New Testament Theology. Students are asked to research various aspects of the seminar topic and report back to the seminar. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 631

The Deuteronomistic History

This course reviews the emergence, aims, and interpretive techniques of the Deuteronomistic history, including the (re)interpretation of Mosaic, conquest and royal traditions. Of special interest is the presentation of the founding and confirming of the Davidic dynasty.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 631

The Deuteronomistic History

This course reviews the emergence, aims, and interpretive techniques of the Deuteronomistic history, including the (re)interpretation of Mosaic, conquest and royal traditions. Of special interest is the presentation of the founding and confirming of the Davidic dynasty.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 632

Historical Jesus

This course reviews several of the most promising recent developments in Jesus research. Sources, the criteria of authenticity, Jesus' contemporaries, and Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom receive emphasis. Special attention is given to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance for Jesus research.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 632

Historical Jesus

This course reviews several of the most promising recent developments in Jesus research. Sources, the criteria of authenticity, Jesus' contemporaries, and Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom receive emphasis. Special attention is given to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance for Jesus research.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 633

Themes of the Pentateuch

This course reviews the principal themes of the Pentateuch, emphasizing the presentation of Yahweh as Creator and covenant Maker. Critical interpretation of the Pentateuch, including the classic statement of the Documentary Hypothesis, is assessed.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 633

Themes of the Pentateuch

This course reviews the principal themes of the Pentateuch, emphasizing the presentation of Yahweh as Creator and covenant Maker. Critical interpretation of the Pentateuch, including the classic statement of the Documentary Hypothesis, is assessed.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 634

Mark

This course reviews recent research in the Gospel of Mark as it pertains to Mark's community and its interpretation of the Jesus tradition, as well as to the question of the historicity of Mark's presentation of the story of Jesus.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 634

Mark

This course reviews recent research in the Gospel of Mark as it pertains to Mark's community and its interpretation of the Jesus tradition, as well as to the question of the historicity of Mark's presentation of the story of Jesus.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 640

Advanced Greek Readings

This course exposes students to a variety of Greek texts that are important for understanding the language and literature of the Greek New Testament. These texts include the Septuagint, papyri, inscriptions, and various extra-biblical writings such as the apocryphal gospels. Students are led to appreciate the literary conventions and genres of the Greco-Roman world.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 640

Advanced Greek Readings

This course exposes students to a variety of Greek texts that are important for understanding the language and literature of the Greek New Testament. These texts include the Septuagint, papyri, inscriptions, and various extra-biblical writings such as the apocryphal gospels. Students are led to appreciate the literary conventions and genres of the Greco-Roman world.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 641

Isaiah

This course reviews the historical prophet Isaiah and the political circumstances in which he lived. It also considers the subsequent formation of the Book of Isaiah, including its various components and perspectives, its unified message and various features of inner-interpretation.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 641

Isaiah

This course reviews the historical prophet Isaiah and the political circumstances in which he lived. It also considers the subsequent formation of the Book of Isaiah, including its various components and perspectives, its unified message and various features of inner-interpretation.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 642

Romans

This course explores the nature of Paul's argument in his letter to the Roman Christians, with special emphasis on the apostle's scriptural defence of the Christian gospel and his understanding of the relationship of Gentiles to Israel.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 642

Romans

This course explores the nature of Paul's argument in his letter to the Roman Christians, with special emphasis on the apostle's scriptural defence of the Christian gospel and his understanding of the relationship of Gentiles to Israel.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 643

Psalms

This course examines the Psalms as the primary window into Israel's worship, especially during the pre-exilic period. Features of both corporate and individual faith are brought to light.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 643

Psalms

This course examines the Psalms as the primary window into Israel's worship, especially during the pre-exilic period. Features of both corporate and individual faith are brought to light.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 644

John

This course reviews the various questions of sources, relationship to the Synoptic Gospels, Christology, use of the Old Testament, religious background, and early Jewish/Christian polemic.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 644

John

This course reviews the various questions of sources, relationship to the Synoptic Gospels, Christology, use of the Old Testament, religious background, and early Jewish/Christian polemic.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 645

Wisdom Literature

This course offers an analysis of the biblical and intertestamental wisdom literature with a special emphasis on the Book of Ecclesiastes, i.e. Qohelet.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of Hebrew (RELS 245 and 336)
2025-2026 RELS 645

Wisdom Literature

This course offers an analysis of the biblical and intertestamental wisdom literature with a special emphasis on the Book of Ecclesiastes, i.e. Qohelet.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 647

The Dead Sea Scrolls

This course surveys the Dead Sea Scrolls and the light they shed on Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity. Themes of major sectarian scrolls are studied; recently published scrolls and fragments are evaluated.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 647

The Dead Sea Scrolls

This course surveys the Dead Sea Scrolls and the light they shed on Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity. Themes of major sectarian scrolls are studied; recently published scrolls and fragments are evaluated.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 648

Advanced Greek Studies

This course introduces students to various technical features involved in the study of New Testament Greek. These studies include treatment of aspects of advanced Greek grammar, textual criticism, the influence of the Septuagint on the New Testament, the literary and linguistic influence of literary Greek on the New Testament, and the relevance of Greek study for New Testament exegesis.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 648

Advanced Greek Studies

This course introduces students to various technical features involved in the study of New Testament Greek. These studies include treatment of aspects of advanced Greek grammar, textual criticism, the influence of the Septuagint on the New Testament, the literary and linguistic influence of literary Greek on the New Testament, and the relevance of Greek study for New Testament exegesis.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 649

Rabbinic Literature

This course introduces the student to the most important rabbinic writings (e.g., Mishnah, Talmud, and the Midrashim). Sessions consist of readings and introductory lectures concerned with the origin and editing of this literature, its purposes, and the types of scriptural and logical arguments employed. Selected writings are studied in greater depth; depending on the makeup of the class, some passages are read in Hebrew and others in English.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 649

Rabbinic Literature

This course introduces the student to the most important rabbinic writings (e.g., Mishnah, Talmud, and the Midrashim). Sessions consist of readings and introductory lectures concerned with the origin and editing of this literature, its purposes, and the types of scriptural and logical arguments employed. Selected writings are studied in greater depth; depending on the makeup of the class, some passages are read in Hebrew and others in English.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 650

Introduction to Biblical Archaeology

This course is scheduled as the Summer session study tour of Israel (cf. RELS 350). It offers students the opportunity to study important topographical and archaeological sites, including digs in progress, and to view several important finds in the Israel National Museum.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 650

Introduction to Biblical Archaeology

This course is scheduled as the Summer session study tour of Israel (cf. RELS 350). It offers students the opportunity to study important topographical and archaeological sites, including digs in progress, and to view several important finds in the Israel National Museum.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 652

Syriac

The course offers students an introduction to Syriac. Although the emphasis falls on the Peshitta, students are exposed to other Syriac writings.

Course Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Hebrew and may, at the instructor's discretion, require a minimum of 3 to 6 sem. hrs. of Aramaic.
2025-2026 RELS 652

Syriac

The course offers students an introduction to Syriac. Although the emphasis falls on the Peshitta, students are exposed to other Syriac writings.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 655

Introduction to Aramaic

This course, which presupposes a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Biblical Hebrew, offers students an introduction to Biblical, Qumranic, and Targumic Aramaic.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 655

Introduction to Aramaic

This course, which presupposes a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Biblical Hebrew, offers students an introduction to Biblical, Qumranic, and Targumic Aramaic.

Course Credits: 3
2024-2025 RELS 656

Readings in Aramaic

This course, which presupposes RELS 655, guides students through selected readings in Biblical, Qumranic, and Targumic Aramaic.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 656

Readings in Aramaic

This course, which presupposes RELS 655, guides students through selected readings in Biblical, Qumranic, and Targumic Aramaic.

Course Credits: 3
2025-2026 RELS 658

Mishnaic & Qumranic Hebrew

This course, which presupposes a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Hebrew, offers students an introduction to Mishnaic and Qumranic Hebrew and guides students through selected readings.

Course Credits: 3