Biblical and Theological Studies - Biblical Literature 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 three primary lenses: the study of Scripture, the study of theological and ethical discourse, and the study of other religious traditions. 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 or mission; 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

Biblical Literacy & Interpretation: Students will demonstrate both knowledge of Old and New Testament biblical texts (with reference to their literary, historical, and social settings) and the application of appropriate exegetical methods to their interpretation of these texts while generating theological syntheses from those texts.
Theological, Ethical, & Moral Reasoning: Students will exhibit competency in critical assessment of Christian theological and ethical positions within their contexts, with a special focus on Anabaptist perspectives.
Religious Literacy & Interfaith Perspectives: Students will demonstrate an understanding of dimensions of diverse religious traditions and the ways in which Christian and other religious communities engage each other.
Integration: Students will integrate their academic biblical, religious, and theological learning with their faith commitments and lived practice.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Degree Pathway

Biblical and Theological Studies - Biblical Literature, B.A. Four Year Pathway

Required Core Courses (34 units)

BIB 304 - Paul and His Letters Credits 3
BIB 428 - Biblical Theology Credits 3
BIB 442 - Methods in Biblical Interpretation Credits 3
BIB 483 - Projects in Biblical and Religious Studies Credits 1
COM 480 - Narrative Credits 3
REL 455 - Christians and Religious Neighbors Credits 3
REL 460 - Religions of the World Credits 3
THEO 300 - Introduction to Theology and Ethics Credits 3
THEO 465 - Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking 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 Credits / Units: 3

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 Credits / Units: 3

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 338, BLIT 338H, 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 Credits / Units: 3

Elective Courses (6 units)

Choose a minimum of 6 units from the following:

BIB, any 300- or 400-level course with this prefix (except BIB-300, BIB-314, BIB-438, BIB-439, BIB-446, BIB-448, 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
ART 330 - Art and Religion Credits 3
COM 395 - Text and Performance 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
PHIL 331 - Ancient Philosophy Credits 3