MASTER OF ARTS (TALBOT)

Transcription

1 Biola University MASTER OF ARTS (TALBOT) Director: Alan Hultberg, Ph.D. Mission The mission of the Master of Arts is to produce biblically, theologically, and spiritually discerning Christian thinkers who can serve the body of Christ in lay, parachurch or academic ministries. The Master of Arts program provides both a general biblical, theological, and spiritual foundation for reflection and a specialized focus on a discipline crucial to fulfilling Talbot's mission and from which students can serve or go on for advanced study. These disciplines include Bible Exposition, Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy, Spiritual, and Theology. Program Upon completion of the Master of Arts, students will be able to:. Integrate a sound understanding of Scripture with the contents of their respective emphasized disciplines (ULO ).. Explain the major doctrines of Christianity, including their biblical basis, historical development, and contemporary relevance, and assess non-evangelical doctrines from an evangelical perspective (ULO ).. a. Explain the basic elements of Spiritual Theology, namely, the nature, process, and practices of spiritual growth (ULO ); b. demonstrate how knowledge of self integrates with knowledge of God in one's own life (ULO ); c. demonstrate relational skills that develop community (ULO ); d. articulate how the biblical teaching on vocation shapes one's own understanding of vocation and gainful employment (ULO,, ). 4. Perform and report research in their respective disciplines at a level sufficient to begin a doctoral program (ULO ). Each Program Learning Outcome (PLO) listed above references at least one of the University (ULO,, ), which may be found in the General Information ( section of this catalog. Admission Requirements Applicants must possess a Bachelor of Arts degree or its academic equivalent from an accredited college with a minimum grade point average of.0 (on a 4.0 scale). All applicants must submit a written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives. For special admissions deadlines and requirements involved in the Spiritual concentration, contact Graduate Admissions. Due to the limited enrollment in this concentration, all applicants will be personally interviewed. Academic Probation Students are placed on academic probation if their grade point average for any semester falls below.0 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below.0. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (.0) for continuance in the seminary. A student cannot graduate while on probation. Graduation Requirements. Satisfactorily complete semester credits as outlined in the curriculum requirements below. The rate of progress for many students is credits per semester, allowing the program to be completed in three years.. Submit an acceptable capstone project, as determined by the department of concentration. Students in Spiritual concentration submit an acceptable Spiritual Master's Project-Thesis, which includes credits for writing and one credit for personal growth exploration. The Project-Thesis must involve both a theoretical and practical-experiential dimension in consultation with thesis advisor. Students in other MA concentrations will receive specific directions about their capstone project from their respective departments.. At least 4 of the total credits required for the degree program must be completed in residency at Biola. Advanced Standing, Reduction and transfer credit are not considered residency credits. 4. Obtain a.0 average with no grade below a "C-" in all courses to be credited toward graduation. 5. Complete the entire program in no more than five years. 6. Meet with a Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Concentration Requirements Program Structure The academic programs leading to the degree Master of Arts with concentrations in Bible Exposition, Biblical and Theological Studies/ Diversified, New Testament, Old Testament, Philosophy, Spiritual, and Theology are comprised of credits structured in common to include:. Biblical and theological foundations.. Spiritual Focus (SFF).. Academic specialization in one of four disciplines requiring biblical language studies, or general studies in which biblical languages are not required. 4. Additional elective courses determined by the student in consultation with the advisor. Reduction Applicants who have taken undergraduate courses in biblical or theological studies may request a program reduction based on collegiate work. See Talbot Admissions Requirements for details. Note: if master's level courses are reduced based on undergraduate coursework, some Ph.D. programs may require additional graduate courses in order to meet doctoral program requirements. Curriculum (64 Credits) Core Requirements

2 Master of Arts (Talbot) The following are the core requirements for all Talbot Master of Arts Concentrations except the Spiritual Concentration and Biblical and Theological Studies/ Diversified (Kyiv Extension) Concentration. The core requirements for these concentrations are listed separately. TTBE 57 Hermeneutics and Bible Study Methods TTBE 59 Survey of Genesis Malachi TTBE 50 Survey of Matthew Revelation TTHT 54 Historical Theology Survey TTSF 50 TTSF 50 TTSF 504 Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Personal Foundations for Spiritual Spiritual, Vocation, and the Disciplines TTSF 505 Talbot Spiritual Direction I 0 TTSF 506 Talbot Spiritual Direction II 0 TTSS 50 Theological Research Methodologies TTTH 5 TTTH 5 Theology I - Introduction: Revelation and Nature of God Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin TTTH 6 Theology III - Christ, Salvation and the Spirit TTTH 64 Theology IV - The Church and Last Things Concentration/ Select credits in a concentration or electives from the lists below Total Credits 64 Up to 6 graduate elective credits may be taken in other schools of Biola University with advisor's approval. Concentrations with Curriculum Bible Exposition. Be able to identify the basic contents, backgrounds, and purpose of each book of the Old and New Testaments.. Be able to explain the general history and cultures relevant to the study of the Old and New Testament.. Be able to interpret and apply passages of the Old and New Testaments through use of the grammatical-historical method, including understanding the contribution of genre to the passage ancient meaning and modern significance. TTNT 50 Beginning Greek I TTNT 50 Introduction to Exegesis TTNT 604 Exegesis in the Gospels TTNT 605 Exegesis in the Epistles TTOT 60 Elements of Hebrew I TTOT 604 Elements of Hebrew II Bible Exposition electives 0 0 General electives 4 Total Credits One -credit Old Testament course and one -credit New Testament course must be taken from the list below. These courses may be taken for or credits. If taken for credits the additional credit will count toward the BE elective requirement. Old Testament TTBE 745 TTBE 7 - should be taken as, Expos of OT: The Pentatauch. TTBE 750 New Testament TTBE 770 TTBE 60 TTBE 7 - should be taken as, Expos of NT: Life and Teaching of Paul. Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified. Be able to research either the Old Testament or the New Testament using exegetical commentaries and certain tools designed for those with limited knowledge of Greek and Hebrew.. Be able to dialog with those who are outside of a biblically centered faith confidently and effectively, applying the knowledge of biblical doctrine to refute errors and to utilize practical techniques of dialog with the intent to reach those who "seek to know the reason for the hope that lies within you.". Be able to articulate a clear theology/philosophy of educational ministry. 4. Have an understanding and appreciation for the teaching/learning process, utilizing a broad range of ministry methods and resources in educational ministry. 5. Be able to plan, administrate, and evaluate an effective educational ministry program at a basic level. TTBE 50 Elementary Principles of the Biblical Languages TTCE 600 Educational Ministry in the Church TTPT 50 Evangelism and Follow-Up TTPT 70 The Church and Society Select one of the following: ISCL 556 TTHT 76 TTPH 60 World Religions Cults of America Apologetics Specialized Electives: 4 credits selected from TTBE, CE, HT, NT, OT, PH, PT, TH courses. A maximium of 6 credits in TTPT or TTCE General Electives 4 Total Credits 4

3 Biola University Biblical and Theological Studies/Diversified (Kyiv Extension) As a result of this program, students will:. Be able to recall the key contents of the Old and New Testaments and will identify important historical and cultural background information relevant to the study of the Old and New Testaments.. Be able to exegete and apply a biblical text through the application of historical-grammatical hermeneutics.. Be able to articulate the major elements of orthodox Christian theology, including biblical foundations, and will be able to apply this theology to an issue in the Eurasian church context. 4. Be able to explain the theory of "the sanctification gap" and will reflect upon the calling(s) of God in their lives. For the purposes of assessment, "sanctification gap" is defined as the perceived gap between the goal of santification and one's present spiritual life. Core Requirements TTSF 50 TTSF 50 Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Personal Foundations for Spiritual TTSS 50 Theological Research Methodologies TTTH 5 TTTH 5 Theology I - Introduction: Revelation and Nature of God Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin TTTH 6 Theology III - Christ, Salvation and the Spirit TTTH 64 Theology IV - The Church and Last Things Concentration Specific Requirements TTBE 50 Elementary Principles of the Biblical Languages TTBE 60 Genesis TTBE 76 TTBE 7 Expositional Methodology in Daniel and Revelation Exposition of Old Testament Segments or Themes TTBE 74 Issues in Biblical Exposition TTCE 600 Educational Ministry in the Church TTHT 505 Patristic and Medieval Theology TTHT 506 Reformation and Modern Theology TTNT 70 The World of the New Testament TTNT 79 New Testament Seminar TTOT 745 World of the Old Testament TTOT 79 Old Testament Seminar TTPH 60 Apologetics TTPT 70 The Church and Society TTPT 70 Biblical Leadership and Management TTTH 7 Current Theological Issues TTTH 70 The Theology and Practice of Prayer TTTH 77 Cults in the Eurasian Context TTTH 78 Theological Systems TTTH 790 Kyiv Capstone Project There are no available elective credits in this concentration Co-Curricular Requirements Participation in Spiritual Labs (6 sessions). These discussion groups meet as an additional component of class time Total Credits 66 Should be taken as the theme of Central Prophetic Passages Should be taken as the theme of Hermeneutical Principles New Testament. Have a developing appreciation of the New Testament through application of skills in the areas of Greek language, exegesis, the historical-cultural setting of the New Testament, and biblical theology.. Have a developing appreciation for the value of studying New Testament Greek for a better understanding of God's written word. It is expected that the graduate will use an exegetical methodology for the New Testament on a regular basis throughout his or her lifetime.. Personal study and teaching of the New Testament will also be within the framework of: a. Accurate interpretation of the New Testament in its various genres, especially the Gospels and the Epistles. b. The life and ministry of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church within the context of the culture of first-century Judaism and the Greco-Roman world. 4. Be able to articulate key critical issues about the New Testament and give perspective on a reasonable and informed solution. TTNT 50 Beginning Greek I TTNT 50 Introduction to Exegesis TTNT 604 Exegesis in the Gospels TTNT 605 Exegesis in the Epistles TTNT 70 The World of the New Testament - TTOT 60 Elements of Hebrew I TTOT 604 Elements of Hebrew II New Testament electives 8 General electives 4 Total Credits TTNT 70 should be taken for a minimum of credits. If taken for credits, the third credit may count toward the required number of New Testament electives (see ). Must be taken within the final 0 credits of the program. Old Testament

4 4 Master of Arts (Talbot). Have a developing appreciation of the Old Testament through application of skills in the areas of Hebrew language, exegesis, and the historical-cultural setting of the Old Testament.. Have a developing appreciation for the value of studying Old Testament Hebrew for a better understanding of God s written word. It is expected that the graduate will use an exegetical methodology for the Old Testament on a regular basis throughout his or her lifetime.. Be able to research the Old Testament using the exegetical tools of Hebrew language and archaeological and historical studies. It is expected that the insights into the biblical text will be more original and better supported as a result of the exegetical method. 4. Be able to research the New Testament using the exegetical tools associated with the Greek language. It is expected that the insights into the biblical text will be more original and better supported as a result of the exegetical method. 5. Be able to help others understand the textual history, historical accuracy, and key critical issues of the Old Testament in light of the latest findings and based on a thoroughly biblical worldview. TTNT 50 Beginning Greek I TTNT 50 Introduction to Exegesis TTOT 60 Elements of Hebrew I TTOT 604 Elements of Hebrew II TTOT 705 Exegesis in Genesis and Selected Passages TTOT 745 World of the Old Testament General electives Old Testament electives Total Credits TTOT 745 should be taken for a minimum of credits. If taken for credits, the third credit may count toward the required number of Old Testament electives (see ). Three of these credits must be OT exegesis. Philosophy The main purpose of this concentration is to help the student develop the skills to do philosophy from a Christian worldview. The attitudes and character traits of a Christian philosopher will be fostered by departmental activities, professional modeling, and teaching techniques. Skills necessary for the craft of philosophy will be developed by equipping the student to think critically, conduct high-level philosophical research, and interact with the broader philosophical community. The program is aimed at developing the ability to do philosophy in various ministry programs, such as parachurch and local church apologetics as well as preparing the student for further graduate work in fields such as philosophy, ethics, religious studies, law, political science, and theology. Collectively, graduates of our program should be providing visionary leadership, articulating a Christian worldview in various cultural contexts at Christian colleges, in seminaries, and in parachurch ministries, for example and should be penetrating the secular university and venues of popular culture, such as art, media, and music. Therefore, many graduates will qualify for admission to competitive doctoral programs in philosophy, ethics, religious studies, and other fields. As a result of this program, the student will achieve the following learning outcomes (in addition to the core M.A. learning outcomes):. Graduates will be able to explain the importance of sustaining a vibrant intellectual life as part of an ongoing commitment to following Christ.. Graduates will be able to summarize and critique, in written form, professional philosophical literature published in specialized philosophical journals and with academic presses, and will be able to relate the material in professional philosophical literature to various aspects of a Christian worldview, for use either in a professional academic setting, in the local church, or through engagement with popular culture.. With respect to the history or current state of discipline, graduates will be able to articulate: a. three distinct normative ethical theories, namely utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics, and the fundamental disagreements underlying disputes about beginning- and end-oflife ethics; b. three theories of properties (realism, nominalism, and trope theory), the distinction between libertarian and compatibilist theories of free will, and the distinctions among substance dualism, property dualism, and physicalism; c. the basic contours of a correspondence theory of truth and a foundationalist theory of the structure of knowledge; d. two classical arguments for the existence of God, and the basic contours of the challenges to Christianity from the coherence of the Incarnation and the Trinity, from God's foreknowledge, and from evil. These learning outcomes will be measured through the evaluation of a portfolio submitted by and an oral exam taken by each student during the semester after which he or she will graduate from the M.A. Philosophy program. Details of the portfolio, oral exams, and how they will be evaluated can be found in the Talbot Philosophy Department office, and details about these requirements will be sent to students during their first semester enrolled in the program. Reduction and Transfer Guidelines for Philosophy Concentration Students with satisfactory undergraduate parallel content in philosophy will be considered for course reduction. All requests for course reduction are subject to departmental approval on a case by case basis. Students seeking course reduction must have earned at least a "B" grade. Students may only transfer courses that are parallel in content and taken from accredited graduate schools and seminaries. Request for transfer of courses should be submitted to the Office of the Registrar with prior approval from the department. Students must complete in residence a minimum of 4 credits in the Philosophy concentration. TTPH 5 Metaphysics I TTPH 544 Epistemology I TTPH 547 The Theology and Philosophy of Science TTPH 566 History and Normative Systems of Ethics TTPH 64 Ethical Issues I TTPH 667 Philosophical Anthropology and Philosophy of the Mind

5 Biola University 5 TTPH 684 Philosophy of Religion TTPH 685 Philosophical Theology Philosophy electives 6 General electives Total Credits Spiritual This concentration is designed as a personal growth and academic degree. It is an intensive, integrative program within the Institute for Spiritual at Talbot School of Theology, designed to equip men and women for the ministry of discipleship and spiritual formation in general, in the local church, and for further academic training in spiritual formation. The program is designed entirely around promoting growth in the believer's inner life of faith and prayer with God in the context of a shared community and developed knowledge-base in the Word. Because the program is experiential and theoretical in nature with respect to spiritual growth and the dynamic processes involved, the M.A. Concentration in Spiritual draws upon an interdisciplinary faculty from both Talbot and Rosemead School of Psychology. It includes both in-depth theoretical and integrative coursework, employing the creation disciplines such as theology, philosophy, psychology and education as well as experiential-relational soul work in classes and co-curricular requirements to aid in understanding the spiritual life mentoring. Note also that this more academic M.A. with a concentration in Spiritual is to be distinguished from the more professional M.A. in Spiritual and Soul Care, the latter being fashioned more along the lines of an Apprentice Training Model which includes training, supervision and service components in spiritual direction and mentoring. As a result of this program, students will:. Develop the PLOs having to do with biblical integration (#) and spiritual formation (#) to a higher level of mastery. Core Requirements TTBE 59 Survey of Genesis Malachi TTBE 50 Survey of Matthew Revelation TTSS 50 Theological Research Methodologies TTTH 5 TTTH 5 Theology I - Introduction: Revelation and Nature of God Theology II - Works of God, Angels, Man and Sin TTTH 6 Theology III - Christ, Salvation and the Spirit TTTH 64 Theology IV - The Church and Last Things TTSF 57 TTSF 5 TTSF 54 TTSF 5 Hermeneutics and the Word in Spiritual Introduction to Christian Spirituality and Prayer History and Theory of Christian Soul Care and Direction History and Traditions of Christian Spirituality TTSF 5 TTSF 54 TTSF 544 Developmental Spirituality and Contemplative Prayer Personal Foundations of Spirituality and Retreat Personality Development and Psychopathology TTSF 585 Personal Spiritual Direction 0 TTSF 6 Spiritual and Theology Seminar TTSF 64 Spiritual Disciplines Seminar TTSF 645 Christian Virtue and the Spiritual Disciplines TTSF 67 Personal Retreat and 4 TTSF 70 Spiritual Seminar TTSF 740 Spiritual Project/Thesis 4 General electives 6 Co-Curricular Requirements 4 Didactic Therapy Faculty-Student Retreats TTSF 585 TTSF 67 Personal Spiritual Direction Personal Retreat and Total Credits 66 4 TTSF 585 to be taken every term of enrollment. TTSF 67 should be taken twice for credits each, for a total of 4 credits. TTSF 70 should be taken in Interterm. See Institute for Spiritual section for full description. Theology As a result of this program, the student will be able to explain the major doctrines of Christianity, including their biblical basis, historical development, and contemporary relevance, and assess non-evangelical doctrines from an evangelical perspective. Greek Option TTNT 50 Beginning Greek I TTNT 50 Introduction to Exegesis TTHT 76 Cults of America or TTTH 7 World Religions and Cults TTPH 60 Apologetics TTTH 709 Contemporary Theology TTTH 765 Theology Capstone Seminar Theology electives selected from TTTH, PM and HT courses. 6 Theology and related electives selected from TTBE, NT, OT, PH, TH, PM, and HT courses. General electives selected from any Talbot department. Total Credits Non-Greek Option 5

6 6 Master of Arts (Talbot) TTBE 50 Elementary Principles of the Biblical Languages TTHT 76 Cults of America or TTTH 7 World Religions and Cults TTPH 60 Apologetics TTTH 709 Contemporary Theology TTTH 765 Theology Capstone Seminar Theology electives selected from TTTH, PM and HT courses. Theology and related electives selected from TTBE, NT, OT, PH, TH, PM and HT courses. General electives selected from any Talbot department. Total Credits