Courses

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.