Biblical and Theological Studies Major: Biblical Studies Emphasis B.A.

Program Director: Melanie Howard, Ph.D.

Overview

The biblical and theological studies major nurtures faithful and critical reflection on Christian tradition through two primary lenses: the study of Scripture and the study of theological and ethical discourse. Students are invited to delight in a richer understanding of and witness to the Scriptures in conversation with both the Christian church and the world. A majority of graduates pursue careers in church or church-related ministry; some pursue graduate studies in Bible, theology, or religious studies. Other graduates have been successful in careers in law, community transformation, business, consulting, and teaching.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students will exhibit competence in fundamental academic skills, including communication, information literacy, and research.
Students will accurately summarize the contents of a selection of biblical texts.
Students will describe basic elements of the literary, historical, and social contexts of the Old and New Testament.
Students will use the tools and methods of academic biblical exegesis.
Students will generate theological syntheses from biblical texts.
Students will demonstrate familiarity with the disciplines of Christian theology and ethics by accurately describing major figures and themes.
Students will critically assess theological and ethical approaches and the contexts out of which these emerge.
Students will formulate coherent perspectives on moral and ethical issues.
Students will articulate Anabaptist theological and ethical principles for faith and life.
Students will summarize major issues and events in the history of the church.
Students will demonstrate understanding of and respect for different cultural and religious traditions.
Students will describe the integration of their academic biblical and theological learning, faith commitments, and lived practice.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Required Core (13-15 Units)

BIB 428 - Biblical Theology Credits 3
BIB 441 - Biblical Interpretation: to 18th Century Credits 3
BIB 483 - Projects in Biblical and Religious Studies Credits 1 - 3
REL 460 - Religions of the World Credits 3
THEO 300 - Introduction to Theology and Ethics Credits 3

Emphasis Courses (18 units, assuming 3 unit crossover with General Education BLIT course)

BIB 304 - Paul and His Letters Credits 3
BIB 442 - Biblical Interpretation: 19th-21st Centuries Credits 3
3 Units OT Biblical Literature. Select from the following:

BLIT 310 , BLIT 311 , BLIT 312 , BLIT 315 , BLIT 316 , BLIT 317 , BLIT 319 , BLIT 320 , BLIT 321 , BLIT 322 , BLIT 323 , BLIT 324 , BLIT 325 , BLIT 326 , BLIT 327 , BLIT 360H or BLIT 400

3 Units of NT Biblical Literature. Select from the following:

BLIT 313 , BLIT 330 , BLIT 331 , BLIT 332 , BLIT 333 , BLIT 334 , BLIT 335 , BLIT 336 , BLIT 337 , BLIT 338 , BLIT 338H , BLIT 339 , BLIT 340 , BLIT 341 , BLIT 342 , BLIT 343 , BLIT 345 , BLIT 346 , BLIT 347 , BLIT 348 , BLIT 349 , BLIT 365 or BLIT 400

3 Units of Any Biblical Literature. Select from the following:

BLIT 310 , BLIT 311 , BLIT 312 , BLIT 313 , BLIT 315 , BLIT 316 , BLIT 317 , BLIT 319 , BLIT 320 , BLIT 321 , BLIT 322 , BLIT 323 , BLIT 324 , BLIT 325 , BLIT 326 , BLIT 327 , BLIT 330 , BLIT 331 , BLIT 332 , BLIT 333 , BLIT 334 , BLIT 335 , BLIT 336 , BLIT 337 , BLIT 338H , BLIT 338 , BLIT 339 , BLIT 340 , BLIT 341 , BLIT 342 , BLIT 343 , BLIT 345 , BLIT 346 , BLIT 347 , BLIT 348 , BLIT 349 , BLIT 360H , BLIT 365 or BLIT 400

Two semesters of one biblical language. Select from the following:

GRK 106 - Classical Greek I Credits 3 and
GRK 107 - Classical Greek II Credits 3 or
HEB 115 - Beginning Biblical Hebrew I Credits 3 and
HEB 116 - Beginning Biblical Hebrew II Credits 3

Electives

Select 6 units minimum

BIB, any 300- or 400-level course with this prefix (except BIB-300, BIB-314, BIB-446, BIB-449, BIB-451, and BIB-453)
BLIT, any 300- or 400-level course with this prefix
GRK, any course with this prefix
HEB, any course with this prefix
MIN, any 300- or 400-level course with this prefix
REL, any 300- or 400-level course with this prefix
THEO, any 300- or 400-level course with this prefix

COM 368 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3 or
HIST 368 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3 or
PHIL 330 - Ancient and Medieval Rhetoric Credits 3
ART 330 - Art and Religion Credits 3
HIST 325 - History of Christianity Credits 4
HIST 360 - Greece: Drama and Paideia in the Polis Credits 4
HIST 364 - Classical Mythology Credits 3
HIST 365 - Rome: Politics, Pagans and Patristics Credits 4
HIST 367 - The Ancient Near East Credits 3
LIT 460 - Critical Approaches to Literature Credits 3
COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
PHIL 331 - Ancient Philosophy Credits 3
PHIL 333 - Medieval Philosophy Credits 3
COM 395 - Text and Performance Credits 3

Note

Students may cross over no more than one focus series course with coursework in the major.