GRADUATE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

This section contains descriptions of the courses that are regularly offered through the seminary as part of the graduate degree programs outlined on the Academic Programs page. A detailed schedule of current courses, including elective offerings, appears in the course schedule published prior to each term. The following course list is subject to change.

• Biblical and Exegetical Studies (BE)
• Leadership and Christian Formation (LC)
• Mission and Ministry (MM)
• Theological and Historical Studies (TH)

BIBLICAL AND EXEGETICAL STUDIES (BE)

BE 500

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (3 CREDITS)

This course introduces the student to the essentials of biblical interpretation and application. The study of approaches to the interpretation of biblical passages will provide background to exercising responsive reading and responsible interpretation. Topics covered will include translations, study helps and identifying historical and literary contexts.

BE 501

GREEK BASICS FOR THE ENGLISH READER (3 CREDITS)

This overview course will introduce the basic concepts and major paradigms of New Testament Greek in order to enable the student to use the basic exegetical tools--lexicon, concordances, grammars, and commentaries based on the original texts. This class will provide hands-on experience using basic language tools for word studies and in-depth examination of selected passages.

BE 502

HEBREW BASICS FOR THE ENGLISH READER (3 CREDITS)

This course introduces basic concepts and grammar constructions of Biblical Hebrew for the English reader, to enable students to use the fundamental exegetical tools: lexicons, concordances, grammars, and commentaries based on the original texts. This class will provide hands-on experience using these tools for word studies and in-depth examination of selected passages. Students will explore differences in translations and learn how to read commentaries that base their interpretations on the original languages in order to enhance study of Scripture.

BE 510

INTRODUCTORY BIBLICAL HEBREW I (3 CREDITS)

This is a beginning course for students who want to learn how to read Biblical Hebrew. Basic vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills will be taught. This introductory course will prepare the student for studies based on the Hebrew Bible. Students will build vocabulary and grammar through guided readings in the Book of Ruth.

BE 511

INTRODUCTORY BIBLICAL HEBREW II (3 CREDITS)

This course is the second of a two-part introduction to Biblical Hebrew. By the end of this course, the student will know 95% of the words appearing 200 times or more in the Hebrew Bible, understand the Hebrew verb system and have read the entire Book of Ruth. BE 510 (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for this course.

BE 520

ELEMENTARY NEW TESTAMENT GREEK I (3 CREDITS)

This is the first of a two part introduction to New Testament Greek. Basic vocabulary, grammar, and reading skills are taught. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of Greek in private and public devotions, evangelism and apologetics.

BE 521

ELEMENTARY NEW TESTAMENT GREEK II (3 CREDITS)

This is the second of a two part introduction to New Testament Greek. Basic vocabulary, grammar and reading skills are taught. Students will read and translate sections from the Greek New Testament each week and are encouraged to use their knowledge of Greek in apologetics, evangelism and in private and public devotions. BE 520 (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for this course.

BE 550

OLD TESTAMENT I (3 CREDITS)

Christianity has its roots in the Old Testament, which reveals God and His world in concrete, historical relationships and events. This course is the first in a two-part survey designed to explore God as Creator, Redeemer, and King as He calls to Himself a people who will reflect His character and trust His loving purposes in His universe. In studying Genesis through Esther, there will be opportunities to observe our own lives and faith in this light.

BE 551

OLD TESTAMENT II (3 CREDITS)

Much of the Hebrew Scriptures are written in poetry, which reflects the Hebrew sense of the mysterious yet intimate relationship between Creator and creatures, Savior and sinners. This course will focus on the message of the Wisdom Literature and Prophets (Job - Malachi) with special attention to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ and their application to our lives. This is the second in a two-course survey of the Old Testament.

BE 560

NEW TESTAMENT I (3 CREDITS)

The Good News is recorded, revealed, and reflected upon in the first five books of the New Testament. It is no mere set of ideas, but breathes, walks, talks, and loves: it is the person, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. Attention will be given to the distinctive message of each book as we encounter Jesus and how He is related to the reign of God in this world, in the Church, and in our lives. This course is the first in a two-part survey.

BE 561

NEW TESTAMENT II (3 CREDITS)

The letters of the New Testament to young churches, pastors, and friends are examined with a practical focus on the Christian life and growth. Included will be the Christology of the letter to the Hebrews, the practical aspects of the Epistles of Peter and John and key historical approaches to the Book of Revelation. This is the second of a two-part survey of the New Testament.

BE 610

INTERMEDIATE HEBREW (3 CREDITS)

Selected readings in the Hebrew Scriptures, from the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, are designed to increase the student’s growth in Biblical Hebrew, including a deepening awareness of syntax and an appreciation of literary analysis in the process of exegesis. Introductory Hebrew I and II are prerequisites for this course.

BE 620

INTERMEDIATE GREEK (3 CREDITS)

The class will translate sections of New Testament writings and other early Christian literature, paying special attention to vocabulary, syntax and principles of exegesis. Elementary New Testament Greek I and II are prerequisites for this course.

BE 680

GENESIS AND ROMANS (3 CREDITS)

Life in God’s world is a gift given and received in faith. In this course we will explore what two portions of Scripture reveal to us about life in this world. We will look at what the early chapters of Genesis reveal about the relational nature of creation, about our living in this world as creatures and believers, and about the disruption of these relations that enmeshes life in this world in sin and marks life even among God’s people by mutual antagonism and communal strife. Then we will turn to the Letter to the Romans to explore how it proclaims God’s work of reconciliation removing us from death in sin to life in Christ, calls us to root our life and ministry in the hope of God's commitment to be the Lord of His creation, and illustrates how peace with God is manifest in peace with one another in the context of life in this world.

BE 691

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK (3 CREDITS)

Hard realities of life--dust and shoe leather, pain and pride, love and betrayal, brazen sin and thick grace--are the stuff of Mark's action-packed gospel. His crisp account of the one anointed to become our suffering servant can evoke for all who study it a more profound, richer, more concrete spirituality.

BE 699

JAMES, TIMOTHY AND TITUS: MODELS FOR LEADERSHIP (3 CREDITS)

Jesus told us that, though the world sees leadership in terms of exercising powerful authority over others, among His people it is recognized by being a servant of others. In light of these strong words, many struggle with how to lead without resorting to wielding power or falling into false humility. In these letters of the early Apostles, God’s Spirit displays and calls us to genuine servant leadership in and through God’s people. As we study, we will seek to trust God to do the same in and through us.

BE 780

PSALMS AND REVELATION (3 CREDITS)

The books of Psalms and Revelation are two of the most well known parts of the Bible though often for very different reasons. Nevertheless, except for a few favorite verses, many of us still find them baffling. What do the Psalms of the old Hebrew worship tradition, with all those sacrifices and complaints, have to do with us as Christians today in our life of faith and worship? Despite the inherent claim in its name, Revelation, to reveal rather than to obscure, how do we apply to our own life needs the “mysteries” of this book rather than argue about whether it is for people in the Roman empire or some future time? We will explore the Psalms and Revelation as poetry, as symbolic language, and as worship-full revelation to change our lives. We will discover the anticipation and re-presentation of Jesus the King of God’s Kingdom at the heart of these books which puts all else which vies for our fear or loyalty in its place by an act of worship which calls us to worship.

BE 810

GUIDED STUDY: BIBLICAL STUDIES, OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT (3 CREDITS)

Arrangements must be made with a faculty member who is willing to supervise the proposed project.

LEADERSHIP AND CHRISTIAN FORMATION (LC)

LC 510

VOCATION, MINISTRY AND SPIRITUALITY (3 CREDITS)

This course is designed to deepen your personal walk with God and to integrate that walk with an authentic servant ministry through the experience of spiritual disciplines and spiritual friendships. In addition to the scheduled class meetings, there will be Bible studies and a prayer retreat. May also be credited as MM 510.

LC 600

EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP: COMMUNICATING THE HEART AND THE CHARACTER OF GOD (3 CREDITS)

The first followers of Jesus were called "disciples" and Jesus instructed these same followers to "make disciples." So what does it mean to be a disciple and what does it mean to make disciples? Christians have answered these questions in a number of ways over the first 20 centuries of the Christian church. This seminar examines what discipleship has looked like both in the biblical text as well as in the history of the Christian church. This biblical and historical background allows us to look with discernment at contemporary ideas of discipleship and discover dynamic and practical ways to follow Jesus in the 21st century. Students will leave the class with a plan for growth in personal discipleship as well as a plan to help others grow as disciples. May also be credited as MM 600

LC 610

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF LEADERSHIP (3 CREDITS)

Did the gifts die out with the apostles of the New Testament? Is leadership a spiritual gift or a learned ability? The questions are many. This course will explore what the Bible says about leadership and the gifts of the Spirit. We will find out how the Spirit would have all Christians, "charismatic" and "non-charismatic", work together in mutual love and trust. There will be opportunities to discuss your own spiritual gifts through Bible study, prayer, and through inventories and interaction with other believers as well as to discover styles of leadership that are appropriate to your history and community.

LC 700

SPIRITUAL FORMATION: TRANSFORMATION IN RELATIONSHIPS (3 CREDITS)

Christian Spirituality is grounded in attentiveness to personal and communal religious experience, which finds expression in loving action in the world. This course will invite students to explore the nature of their own spiritual formation as well as introduce modalities of formation from Christian traditions of spirituality. It will then discern their implication for ministry today. The course seeks to demonstrate that self-care and ministry must be complementary rather than competitive, so that balance in self, relationship, and ministry can be sustained. It will invite participants to regular spiritual practice and requires a willingness to try a variety of spiritual practices that encourage a contemplative approach to life. This contemplative milieu and the discipline of spiritual direction will inform all aspects of the course.

LC 750

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF WORSHIP: WORSHIP THAT IGNITES THE HEART (3 CREDITS)

Worship is the food for which our hearts hunger. In this class, we will look at the biblical understanding of worship, the traditions of the church at worship, and skills for leading others in worship. Moreover, we will experience the reality of worship that will set our hearts on fire.

LC 800

GUIDED STUDY: LEADERSHIP (3 CREDITS)

Arrangements must be made with a faculty member willing to supervise the proposed project.

LC 810

GUIDED STUDY: SPIRITUALITY (3 CREDITS)

Arrangements must be made with a faculty member willing to supervise the proposed project.

MISSION AND MINISTRY (MM)

MM 500

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE PORTFOLIO (1-6 CREDITS)

The student will prepare a portfolio consistent with seminary guidelines that documents one’s continuing education, educational experiences and lessons learned in the ministry. The program director or designee will review the portfolio and the credit awarded will be determined with the academic dean.

MM 510

VOCATION, MINISTRY AND SPIRITUALITY (3 CREDITS)

This course is designed to deepen your personal walk with God and to integrate it with an authentic servant ministry through the experience of spiritual disciplines and spiritual friendships. In addition to the scheduled class meetings, there will be Bible studies and a prayer retreat. May also be taken as LC 510.

MM 515

HISTORY OF MISSION (3 CREDITS)

This course is a biographically driven history of mission that informs the student about the major movements in world history as it seeks to inspire the imagination with “what might be God’s blessing.”

MM 520

CROSS CULTURAL HERMENEUTICS (3 CREDITS)

“Reading a culture” is one of the critical works of effective mission. This course is a case- study based introduction to what is required in understanding and exegeting a culture, providing the tools and practice to do this.

MM 542

BRIDGES: HELPING MORMONS DISCOVER GOD’S GRACE (1 CREDIT)

The Bridges training series equips biblical Christians to better understand the culture of the Latter-day Saints, to build real connections with them, and to share with gentleness and respect our own heartfelt testimony concerning the Good News of Jesus Christ.

MM 560

INTERCULTURAL INTERNSHIP (3 CREDITS)

Students in the MAICS program who have not come from a rich background in cross-cultural ministry will be required to participate in an intercultural internship. This will provide the student with both a hands-on experience of communicating across a cultural divide and a basis for providing a context for future mission.

MM 570

MISSION PROJECT (3 CREDITS)

Students in the MAICS program who have had significant prior experience in cross-cultural ministry will be required to participate in designing and implementing or working with an existing mission project.

MM 600

WORLD RELIGIONS (3 CREDITS)

This class will introduce students to the teachings and history of the great religions of the world along with the “on the ground” reality of what it means to live in these religious cultures.

MM 640

APOLOGETIC TRADITIONS (3 CREDITS)

As people called upon to give an answer for the faith that lies within us, it is critical for us to understand how God’s people have engaged in this process with great success over the twenty centuries of Christian history. We also need to understand the philosophies and methods being championed today so that we may engage our generation with imagination and confidence.

MM 675

HOMILETICS: BASIC THEOLOGY AND PRACTICE OF PREACHING AND TEACHING (3 CREDITS)

How does a Christian leader effectively use words, and what does that look like? How can one become both faithful and effective in passing God’s Word on to others? This course is designed to ground you in an understanding of Christian rhetoric through exploring Scripture texts and communication theory, with an emphasis on the narrativity of the Bible. Exercises and projects will then be employed to build spiritual wisdom and practical skills for communicating the biblical story in classroom and pulpit.

MM 690

MISSION THESIS (3 CREDITS)

In this guided seminar, students will reflect on their experiences and understanding in order to articulate a vocation of mission in preparation for responding to their call.

MM 700

PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING (3 CREDITS)

The Good Shepherd – Jesus – 'takes heed to himself and to the flock which the Holy Spirit has entrusted to him. The same is true for a good pastor. In this course we will explore what this broadly means, what skills are called for, and some of the situations involved. Emphasis will be given to the role the pastor plays in enabling the congregation to be a caring community. Along with readings, lectures and discussions, the class format will include case studies, role-playing, film, and various community resources.

MM 705

ETHICAL CONCERNS IN A PASTORAL CONTEXT (3 CREDITS)

Lay and pastoral ministry requires continual discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of faithful ways to align our lives with what God is doing in the world. Course participants will explore both challenges to and opportunities for the development of a deeper trust in God as Christians seek to engage in ethical relationships and practices in the context of families, workplaces, communities, and societies. This exploration will involve reflection on biblical and contemporary stories and themes, ethical models, as well as presentations by guest speakers who pursue ministry in various social contexts.

MM 710

LIFE AND CONFLICT IN THE CHURCH (3 CREDITS)

Life in the Church as a congregational leader is different from life as a student in a seminary. This course introduces students to some of the hands-on details of local church ministry, such as: making and understanding a church budget; creating an agenda for and leading a church business meeting; preparing clergy tax returns; dealing with pastoral isolation.

MM 720

CHURCH HERITAGE AND POLITY (3 CREDITS)

This investigation of the various biblical and historic models of Church government will help students develop a sensitivity and vision for ministry in their own local church contexts. In addition, each student will explore in detail the confessional heritage and polity of their own tradition in preparation for ordination exams in polity.

MM 790

MENTORED MINISTRY PROJECT (3 CREDITS)

A project is conducted with a mentor that is designed and completed in a manner that serves local church and para-church organizations. This project will generally seek to analyze a ministry situation, propose constructive change, and evaluate the implementation of that change.

MM 800

GUIDED STUDY: MINISTRY (3 CREDITS)

Arrangements must be made with a faculty member who is willing to supervise the proposed project.

MM 820

INTERNSHIP: CROSS CULTURAL MINISTRY (6 CREDITS)

Reflections on the foundational dynamics of cross-cultural ministry will provide the structure of the classroom component of this course in order to prepare the student for a supervised field experience. The student, together with a faculty advisor, will participate in a cross-cultural ministry experience for the purpose of accomplishing specific goals for his or her ministry. Students will explore resources, monitor progress, and reflect on experiences as opportunities for growth.

MM 830

INTERNSHIP: CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY I (3 CREDITS)

Putting classroom knowledge into practical experience is the purpose of this course for Master of Divinity students, which begins in spring semester but continues through summer and fall. Along with exposure to and involvement in pastoral ministry, students receive close mentoring from an experienced leader in a local congregation and time for theological reflection on their experiences with other interns. The student meets with a faculty advisor and on-site mentor to discuss the specific goals for his or her ministry. Together they tailor the practicum to help accomplish these goals.

MM 831

INTERNSHIP: CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY II (3 CREDITS)

This class is a continuation of Congregational Ministry I.

MM 832

INTERNSHIP: CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY III (3 CREDITS)

This class is a continuation of Congregational Ministry I and II.

THEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL STUDIES (TH)

TH 510

THEOLOGY I: THE GOD WE LOVE, THE JESUS WE BELIEVE (3 CREDITS)

Designed to develop an integrated perspective of major Christian teachings, this first section of the two-part introduction will focus on the nature of God and how we humans relate to Him and then on the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ and how we respond to them. Drawing first from relevant sections of Scripture and then noting significant doctrinal discussions in church history, students will be invited to reflect on their own faith experience and how this can be articulated in our contemporary Utah culture.

TH 511

THEOLOGY II: THE SPIRIT WHO GIVES US LIFE (3 CREDITS)

As the second section of the two-part introduction to theology, this course invites the students to reflect on their own faith and how it can be communicated to their neighbors. The focus is on the activity of the Holy Spirit in giving both natural and physical life, life together in the church and life forever in the new heaven and new earth, and also a living Scripture revealing all of these things. Theology I is not a prerequisite for this course.

TH 550

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY I: EARLY AND MEDIEVAL CHRISTIAN HISTORY (3 CREDITS)

This course examines the work of God and the practical piety of key Christians from the second through the fifteenth centuries (Athanasius, Augustine, Patrick, Wycliff, etc.). Special attention is given to their historical, theological and spiritual contributions to the life of the Christian church.

TH 551

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY II: FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE PRESENT (3 CREDITS)

This course examines the work of God and the practical piety of key Christians from the Reformation to the present (Luther, Calvin, Whitefield, C. S. Lewis, etc.). Special attention is given to the historical, theological, and spiritual contributions they have made to the life of the Christian church.

TH 600

THESIS ORIENTATION SEMINAR (3 CREDITS)

This seminar is designed for students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Theology program. Together, we will reflect on scholarship as a Christian calling, while at the same time learning the essentials of scholarship as a craft. This course will prepare students to develop and present their thesis proposals and thesis bibliographies.

TH 601

DOCTRINE OF GOD SEMINAR (3 CREDITS)

In this seminar we will explore aspects of prolegomena and theology proper: God and His Word, including creation, revelation, providence, and interpretation; God and His design, including His existence, nature, character, and will. The aim will be to think about our knowledge of God with biblical correctness, intellectual clarity, and heart-warming devotion in the light of Christian theological history and present-day discussions. Prerequisite: TH 510.

TH 602

BIBLICAL AND THEOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY (3 CREDITS)

This course provides an in-depth look at the language, background and themes related to the Church and para-church and their educational programs in Scripture. Themes such as the Kingdom of God, peace, justice, etc. and their relevance in the current cultural context will be examined.

TH 603

HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY (3 CREDITS)

This course offers an historical and philosophical overview of the church’s ministries with special attention given to the development of youth and family ministry within the fields of Christian education and religious education in the United States and abroad. The student will develop a philosophy of ministry that is historically informed and consistent with an understanding of the biblical and theological foundations. Special attention will also be given to the incorporation of the social sciences into one’s understanding.

TH 610

DOCTRINE OF CHRIST SEMINAR (3 CREDITS)

This seminar surveys key interpretations of the person, work and meaning of Jesus the Christ. The course has three phases: We begin with the four Gospels and the various quests for the historical Jesus. Discovering obvious limits in these historical quests, we survey important developments in the fourth, fifth, thirteenth, and sixteenth centuries. This prepares us to understand the theological opportunities presented in contemporary interpretations of Christ. Our goal is to both know and serve His good pleasure. TH 510 is a prerequisite for this course.

TH 620

DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT SEMINAR (3 CREDITS)

This seminar surveys our life in Christ through the personal presence and activity of the Spirit of God, from reconciliation to glorification, from this life to the next, both individually and in community.

TH 710

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN AMERICA (3 CREDITS)

This seminar explores the considerable influence of Christianity in shaping American culture, values and history. Topics include the Puritan vision of America, the Great Awakenings, the evangelical crusades for social reform, the Fundamentalist-Modernist controversy, and the present condition of Christianity in America.

TH 744

HISTORY OF PHILOSOPHICAL AND ETHICAL WORLDVIEWS (3 CREDITS)

The rationale for this course is to introduce and cultivate students in the awareness that, historically, the way we think affects how we behave (mediated through our choices) and the way we behave affects the way we think (mediated through our desires). This will be accomplished by reading and reflecting on a selection of original sources that embody and/or illustrate the intellectual developments of western thought and the ethical movements of western society with a view to discovering how they affect Christian belief.

TH 748

MODERNISM AND POSTMODERNISM (3 CREDITS)

The western world appears to be in the midst of a cultural transition rivaling the intellectual and social changes that marked the birth of modernity out of the Middle Ages. The new direction is often designated—for lack of a better term—postmodernity. Although what will characterize this emerging era is not yet evident and, therefore, neither is what it will be called in retrospect, we must prepare to meet this challenge by understanding the assumptions that have shaped our civilization over the recent centuries and these new challenges to them. This seminar will explore both of these movements with a particular interest in the theological implications surrounding this idea.

TH 752

CHURCH IN AMERICAN CULTURE (3 CREDITS)

This course examines the mutual interaction and influence, for both good and ill, between church and culture as seen in the history of Christianity in America in the late 19th and 20th centuries. It explores both hallmark and shifting values of the American 'melting pot' culture—such as individualism, pluralism, materialism and pragmatism. It also examines the prophetic and accommodating responses of the Christian community within this cultural mix in order to cultivate awareness and preparedness to live and minister in grace and truth in the midst of these phenomena, to be in the world but not of the world, already but not yet.

TH 780

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES SEMINAR (3 CREDITS)

This course will focus on contemporary theological studies, surveying themes being presented as possible integrative motifs for theology and allowing the student to reflect on his/her own area of interest in light of these orientations.

TH 800

GUIDED STUDY: THEOLOGY (3 CREDITS)

Arrangements must be made with a faculty member who is willing to supervise the proposed project.

TH 810

GUIDED STUDY: HISTORY (3 CREDITS)

Arrangements must be made with a faculty member who is willing to supervise the proposed project.

TH 820

MASTER OF ARTS THESIS (6 CREDITS)

The student will engage in a substantial piece of independent research on a specific, focused subject as approved in the proposal submitted in TH 600 Thesis Orientation Seminar. Under the direction of an assigned faculty advisor and second reader, the student will be required to defend his/her thesis before an appropriate committee. Open only to enrolled students in their final year of the MATS program.