Course Descriptions
SR 501 Introductory Seminar (1)
An overview of the science and religion dialogue and its relevance to evangelical Christianity and the secular culture. Normally taken during the first year. Required of M.A. students.
SR 510 Research Methodologies (1)
Research skills for use of library, Internet, and key reference works. Methods of scholarly and journalistic writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation of data and testimony. Required of M.A. students.
SR 514 History of Christian Thought (3)
History of Christian thought from the apostolic Fathers to the modern era with an emphasis on the development of doctrine. Highlights key thinkers in the patristic, medieval, Reformation and modern eras. Required of M.A. students.
SR 517 Interpretative Issues and Methods (3)
A study of principles for sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena. A presentation of various approaches to studying the Bible. Required of M.A. students.
SR 519 Old Testament / Hebrew Literature (3)
A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Required of M.A. students.
SR 520 New Testament Literature (3)
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems. Required of M.A. students.
SR 526 Contemporary Christian Belief (2-3)
An examination of current Christian worldviews in relation to the areas of history, science, and philosophy.
SR 529 Historical Perspectives in Science and Religion (2)
A survey of the history of science and its interaction with Christianity from New Testament times through the twentieth century. Emphasis is on key historical movements that continue to shape the modern dialog. Required of M.A. students.
SR 530 Darwin, Evolution, and Design (2)
A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating modern science and the biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to scientific issues and controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christianity into question. Prerequisite: SR 529. Required of M.A. students.
SR 540 Metaphysics and Epistemology (3)
A topical study of the nature and methodology of metaphysics with emphasis on the nature and ultimate categories of being as well as specific areas (e.g., causation, space and time, the soul, freedom and determinism, personal identity, and essentialism). Epistemology topics surveyed will include the definition of knowledge and justified belief, problems in skepticism, the nature of epistemic justification and the nature of truth. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating metaphysics and epistemology with the construction and defense of a Christian worldview. Required of M.A. students.
SR 541, 542 Christian Thought I, II (2, 2)
A survey of the essential Christian doctrines with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions. Required of M.A. students.
SR 631 Modern Physics, Cosmology, and Design (2)
A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating modern science and the biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to scientific issues and controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christianity into question. Prerequisite: SR 530. Required of M.A. students.
SR 640 World Religions and Science (2)
A survey of the core beliefs of other world religions with an emphasis on the ways in which they use modern science to justify their worldviews. Required of M.A. students.
SR 650 Advanced Seminar: Special Topics (1-2)
In-depth focus on a specific contemporary issue in the science and religion dialogue, whereby students will understand the contemporary dynamics and learn to integrate their thinking in a mentored setting. Content varies, and seminars may be repeated for credit with different topics. Topics include: Intelligent Design, Cosmological models, Quantum reality, Sociobiology, Human origins, the anthropic principle, issues in biochemistry. Prerequisites: SR 529, 530 and 631, or permission of instructor. Required of M.A. students.
SR 660 Special Projects in Science and Religion (1-3)
Directed research or project related to Science and Religion issues.
NT 501 Beginning Greek I (2)
An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Translation of portions of the New Testament in the second semester. Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses.
OT 603 Elements of Hebrew I (3)
Basic Hebrew grammar with translation and written exercises. A non-credit lab will be required for all students.
PH 547 The Theology and Philosophy of Science (3)
A study of various issues that arise in the integration of science and orthodox Christian theology (e.g. models of integration, the scientific status of creationism, the creation/evolution debate) as well as an investigation of selected topics in philosophy of science relevant to a Christian worldview (e.g. the realist/antirealist debate, the nature, formation, use, and confirmation of scientific laws and theories, scientism and the limits of science).