ADMISSION

Preseminary Studies

On the basis of guidelines issued by The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, Emmanuel School of Religion suggests the following general principles concerning the undergraduate education of students preparing to enroll in a theological seminary:

1. Students should give evidence that they have developed to a satisfactory degree the ability to think independently, to communicate effectively, and to research adequately.
2. Students should possess a basic general knowledge of past and present culture through studies in the humanities and the natural and social sciences.0
3. The biblical languages are useful tools that students may acquire in the preseminary period. Modern languages such as German, French, and Spanish are also of value in this preparation.
4. The study of the contents of the Bible and of religion in general provide a foundation for a seminary program of theological study.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants for admission must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, or must satisfy the Committee on Admissions that their education has been equivalent to that of graduates of accredited colleges. They must present, with evidence of graduation, a certified record of studies and reference.

Admission is open to qualified students from any church body or theological tradition. Emmanuel does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, disability, color, or national or ethnic origin in its admission or educational policies.

It is recommended that applicants should have completed the following courses in their undergraduate studies:

The Admissions Committee will determine any deficiencies and will specify how they are to be made up. Students with such deficiencies may be admitted provisionally, but restricted as to the number of Emmanuel courses they may take until the requirements are met. No student can apply for degree candidacy while on provisional admittance status.

Application for Admission

Applicants for admission must submit the following materials:

• transcripts for all past college work
• a completed application form
• a brief essay as described in the application material
• references
• application fee

An application should be received no later than thirty days before the beginning of the semester for which the applicant wishes to enroll. Students applying after this date will be assessed a late application fee of an additional $10.00.

For further information or for an appointment to visit campus, an applicant should write or phone the Director of Admissions, Emmanuel School of Religion, One Walker Drive, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601-9438 (423/461-1535 or 800/933-3771). Email inquiries may be sent to AdmOffice@esr.edu. Administrative offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., September through May, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., June through August. The offices are closed on Saturday, Sunday, and most legal holidays.

Transfer of Credits

Students who have taken courses at other accredited graduate institutions may receive transfer credit for courses that are comparable to offerings in the Emmanuel curriculum. Such credit transfer is not automatic; it is conditional upon approval by the Academic Dean in consultation with the faculty.

For both the M.Div. and M.A.R., at least the last 24 semester hours of the degree program must be completed in the Emmanuel School of Religion curriculum, and the senior project or thesis must be completed under the direction of an Emmanuel faculty or faculty-appointed supervisor. For the M.Div. degree, at least 3 of the 6 required semester hours of Supervised Ministerial Experience must be taken at Emmanuel.

In no case can the entire block of courses for the major of the M.A.R. (24 sem. hrs.) or of the M.Div. with Concentration be transferred from another institution.

Special Students

Those who do not plan to take a degree from Emmanuel School of Religion may be enrolled as special students without meeting all the normal undergraduate prerequisites for admission. The Director of Admissions can provide information about an abbreviated application procedure for special students. Faculty advisors are prepared to help such students plan a coherent non-degree program of study.

International Students

This school is authorized under Federal law to enroll nonimmigrant international students (F-1 status only).

Before being permitted to enroll in Emmanuel, an international student must have arranged a means of paying tuition and have deposited with the School $1500.

The applicant will be required to make a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) except in special cases when the applicant is from a country in which English is the common language.

Department of Veterans Affairs

Courses in Emmanuel School of Religion are approved for veterans’ training under regulations administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

FINANCES

Expenses

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees are established on an annual basis. Tuition is charged on a per-hour rate. Fees are also assessed for some classes, technology, activities, and graduation. A complete list of tuition and fees for the subsequent school year will be available from the Admissions or Dean’s offices after February 1 each year.

STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE

All students are required to demonstrate health insurance coverage at the time of enrollment in Emmanuel. For those who do not have appropriate coverage, an agent from an approved agency is available during registration to write insurance coverage. Payment is arranged directly with the agent. Costs vary, depending on marital status and the number of children. A student is excused from participation only if he or she has comparable insurance.

Note:
Students who plan to terminate their previous health insurance and begin a new policy at Emmanuel should remember that some insurance companies deny coverage for pregnancy and many other preexisting conditions

PAYMENTS

Charges are to be paid in full at the beginning of the semester or, by the approval of the Business Manager, in four equal payments during the semester. The first payment is due at registration. No registration for classes is permitted until previous Emmanuel enrollment charges have been paid. All fees and insurance premiums are due at registration.

REFUNDS

Students who wish to withdraw from one or more classes must receive prior written permission from the Dean and the instructor. Three-fourths of the tuition will be refunded when withdrawal is made during the first two weeks of a semester, one-half during the following two weeks. (See note under Financial Aid: Grants-in-Aid for information about forfeiture of aid upon class withdrawals.) An explanation of refund dates for January Intersession and Summer Session is distributed each fall and spring at the time of preregistration for these courses.

MEALS

Meals at reasonable prices may be obtained conveniently at Milligan College in the McCormick Dining Center and the McMahon Student Center.

HOUSING

Emmanuel owns several student apartments, and construction is currently underway to provide housing in the Emmanuel Village adjacent to the campus. Dormitory rooms for single students are sometimes available at Milligan College, as are a limited number of apartments. Private apartments and houses are available for rent throughout the area. An assistant is employed in the Admissions Office to assist students in finding suitable housing.

BOOKS

Textbooks are available for purchase in the Emmanuel Bookstore. Students may not charge Bookstore items to their Emmanuel account unless a credit balance exists on the account. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards are accepted.

LIVING EXPENSES

Students are urged to make careful, realistic plans each year for funding their living expenses in addition to tuition and fees. These expenses vary widely according to individual circumstances, but approximate guidelines for new students are available from the Director of Admissions.

Financial Aid

Emmanuel offers a comprehensive program of financial aid for students. All M.Div. and M.A.R. students are eligible to apply for financial aid. A financial aid application must be completed each year. If financial need is demonstrated, Emmanuel will attempt to meet a portion of that estimated need. Complete details are available in the Financial Aid Handbook. Awards are made in May for the following academic year.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

Grants-in-Aid

Grants are available to applicants who meet academic and other qualifications for admission and who are taking at least nine semester hours of credit per semester. The exact amount of each grant will be determined on the basis of actual need demonstrated on the student’s application for aid each year and the number of credit hours the student is carrying. A review each spring of the student’s academic performance, in addition to financial need, will determine continuation of the grant-in-aid. Special consideration will be given to entering students whose financial situation is uncertain. A student’s spouse is assured a full-tuition grant upon enrollment.

Qualifications for receiving and retaining grants-in-aid are fully explained in the Financial Aid Handbook, available in the Office of Admissions and in the Dean’s Office.

Note:
When a student withdraws from a course for which the tuition is being fully or partially paid directly by financial aid, the student must reimburse the School for the nonrefundable portion of the tuition as set forth in the schedule given above under Refunds. Withdrawing to fewer than 9 credit hours usually cancels one’s eligibility for financial aid. See the Financial Aid Handbook for more information.

Loans

Emmanuel participates in the Federal Stafford Student Loan and PLUS/Supplemental Loan programs. The Stafford program allows students to postpone repayment until degree requirements have been completed. Some additional loan money is available to students apart from these programs.

Campus Employment

A limited number of jobs on campus are available to students as funded by the College Work/Study Program and the Emmanuel Work/Study Program. Current minimum wage is credited to student accounts for the hours worked, up to the amount awarded.

Professorial Scholarships

Several Professorial Scholarships are available each year. Students who receive these scholarships must apply separately from other financial application to be considered for these awards. Those selected for the awards are assigned to a professor from whom they provide ten hours of assistance each week. These are renewable on a year-to-year basis.

Scholarships

Several named scholarships are available to students who meet specified qualifications. These scholarships are awarded through the school’s financial aid program.

Gifts

Friends of Emmanuel contribute to the Timothy Fund, through which some assistance is given to students in need. Students also make assistance available to one another through the Student Emergency Loan Fund.

Employment

Employment of many kinds is available in Johnson City and the Tri-Cities region. An assistant in the Admissions office helps students and their spouses to find secular employment in the area. Students desiring to serve a local church in any capacity should contact the Office of Admissions, Emmanuel School of Religion, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601-9438. Assistance is available to all students currently enrolled in Emmanuel School of Religion and to incoming students whose applications have been approved by the Admissions Committee.

THE CURRICULUM

Students enrolled in Emmanuel School of Religion have graduated from liberal arts colleges, universities, and Bible colleges. Some enter directly from undergraduate programs, while others have acquired many years of experience in various professions since their college days. Therefore, the degree programs of Emmanuel, while consisting of a common core of requirements, are individually tailored to the needs of each student as much as possible.

At the time of admission, each student is assigned a faculty advisor whose function is to guide the student in planning his or her academic program each term and to be available as a special counselor in the whole process of maturing for ministry through the seminary experience. The student should remain in close contact with his or her advisor. The faculty advisor is ready to help obtain assistance from other professional resource persons should this be needed. Individual growth is significantly assisted by a general review of each student’s progress by the whole faculty at least twice within the program, and an oral examination by a faculty committee at the end of the program.

The Master of Divinity Degree

The Master of Divinity is considered the standard program of ministerial education and is formally required for ordination by many churches. This degree aims to provide a breadth of education in all the areas of theological learning, with special focus on the practice of pastoral ministry.

The student who completes this program should, presupposing the general educational goals stated in this catalog, be able to:

1. Understand and interpret Scripture and the Christian tradition in relation to the ministry of the church.
2. Articulate a theology of ministry consistent with the nature of the church and appropriate to his or her specific goal(s).
3. Communicate clearly and appropriately through preaching, teaching, writing, and/or other forms applicable to his or her specific vocation.
4. Design and implement forms of ministry appropriate to particular circumstances.
5. Function with appropriate ministerial ethics.
6. Assess people and situations accurately and sympathetically to provide ministerial leadership in such activities as counseling, preaching, worship, teaching, program planning, and administration.
7. Establish a lifelong learning plan to increase understanding and effectiveness.
8. Articulate convictions persuasively, but with tolerance, humility, and a spirit of cooperation in relations with other religious traditions.

The Master of Divinity Degree requires the satisfactory completion of 90 semester hours of graduate course work, including a senior project, distributed according to the requirements set forth below:

Old Testament (12 hours): OT 5150, 5160, and two electives classes. (OT 5010 and 5020 do not apply.)

New Testament (12 hours): NT 5150, 5160, 7100, and one elective class. (NT 5010, 5020, 6010, and 6020 do not apply.)

Christian Doctrine (12 hours): CD 5150, 5160, and two elective classes. CD 5030 may be used for one of the elective classes.

Church History (12 hours): CH 5010, 5020, and two elective classes.

Christian Ministries (12 hours): CM 5010; CMP 6030 or CMP 6040; CME 5010, CME 7090, or CME 6020; elective. CMM 5030 may be applied to this field.

Supervised Ministerial Experience (6 hours): Modules I, II, and III, including CMF 5010, 5020, 7050, and 7060.

CMC 7220 (3 hours).

CD/CMM 5030. See CD and CM areas above.

Languages (18 hours): NT 5010, 5020, 6010 and 6020 and OT 5010 and 5020.

Senior Project (3 hours): Chosen from the options listed above.

Note
Students who enter having completed some or all of the language requirements may use those hours as electives in any area.

SPECIAL MASTER OF DIVINITY TRACKS

Although the standard M.Div. program is recommended for most students preparing for ministerial service, four special options are available to qualified students.

With Concentration

In some cases, students may be permitted to distribute the hours required for the Master of Divinity degree in such a way as to allow them to concentrate more in one area of study than would otherwise be possible. The educational goals remain the same as for the standard M.Div.

Admission to this program is by petition to the faculty, and requires the following:

• Evidence (ordinarily transcripts) showing that the student has done undergraduate theological study of sufficient quantity and quality to warrant a decrease in the size of the normal M.Div. area core requirements.
• Completion of 30 hours of graduate theological study with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
• Demonstration of the capacity for independent study.
• Recommendation by the student’s academic advisor and the chair of the area of concentration, and approval by the faculty.

This track requires the satisfactory completion of 90 semester hours of graduate study, including a thesis. The 90 hours shall be distributed as follows:

Old Testament (9 hours): OT 5150, 5160, and one elective class. (OT 5010 and 5020 do not count in this Area.)

New Testament (9 hours): NT 5150, 5160, and one elective class. (NT 5010, 5020, 6010, and 6020 do not count in this Area.

Christian Doctrine (9 hours): CD 5150, 5160, and one elective class. CD 5030 may apply to this area.

Church History (9 hours): CH 5010, 5020, and one elective class.

Christian Ministries (9 hours): CM 5010; CMP 6030 or CMP 6090.

Supervised Ministerial Experience (6 hours): Modules I, II, and III, including CMF 5010, 5020, 7050, and 7060; CME 7040 or CME 6020 or CME 5010.

CMC 7220 (3 hours).

CD/CMM 5030. See CD and CM areas above.

Languages (18 hours): NT 5010, 5020, 6010 and 6020 and OT 5010 and 5020.

Concentration (15 hours): Six classes chosen from the area of concentration.

Senior Project (3 hours): The thesis must be chosen.

Note
Students who enter having completed some or all of the language requirements may use those hours as electives in any area.

Christian Care and Counseling

The purpose of this program is to offer students the skills and understandings in Christian Care and Counseling that are grounded in Bible and theology, shaped by the mission of the church, informed by the historic practices of the church, and conversant with the social sciences as they pertain to a ministry of care and counseling. Admission to the program requires the following: declaration at time of admission, or petition to the faculty. The higher GPA averages required in the M.Div. with Concentration do not apply.

In addition to achieving the educational goals stated for the standard M.Div, the student who successfully completes this program should be able to:

• Understand the meaning of Scripture as it relates to the ministry of Christian care and counseling.
• Relate the practices of Christian care and counseling to the essential practices and theological understandings of the church.
• Articulate a philosophy of Christian care and counseling that contributes to the church’s mission.
• Locate the ministry of Christian care and counseling within the history of the church and particularly within the Stone-Campbell tradition.
• Critically appraise the contributions of the social sciences to the practice of Christian care and counseling.
• Assess people and situations accurately with a view to a genuine ministry of Christian care and counseling.
• Implement and administer a ministry of Christian care and counseling within the local congregation.

This track requires the satisfactory completion of 90 semester hours of graduate course work, including a senior project, distributed according to the requirements set forth below:

Old Testament (9 hours): OT 5150, 5160, and one elective class.

New Testament (9 hours): NT 5150, 5160, and one elective class.

Christian Doctrine (9 hours): CD 5150, 5160, and one elective class. CMM 5030 may be used for the elective in this Area.

Church History (9 hours): CH 5010, 5020, and one elective class.

CMM/CD 5030: This course may apply either to CM or CD requirements.

Christian Ministries (6 hours): CM 5010 and one elective class. CMM 5030 may be used as the elective in this Area.

Supervised Ministerial Experience (12 hours): Modules I, II, and III, including CMF 5010, 5020, CMC 7220 and 7230, and CMF 7050 and 7060.

Languages (18 hours): NT 5010, 5020, 6010 and 6020 and OT 5010 and 5020.

Christian Care and Counseling (15 hours): CMC 5010 and 6040, CME 5050, and two elective classes chosen from the area of concentration.

Senior Project (3 hours): Chosen from the options listed above.

Note
Students who enter having completed some or all of the language requirements may be use those hours as electives in any area.

Christian Education

The purpose of the program is to offer students a professional program in Christian education that is strongly grounded in Bible and theology as well as the ministry of Christian education. Admission to the program requires the following: declaration at time of admission, or petition to the faculty. The higher GPA averages required in the M.Div. with Concentration do not apply.

In addition to achieving the goals for the standard M.Div., the student who successfully completes this program should be able to:

• Understand the meaning of Scripture and the Stone-Campbell tradition as each relates to the ministry of Christian education.
• Articulate an educational mission that is an extension of the mission of the church.
• Teach the Scriptures effectively.
• Function professionally, using sound educational theory.
• Assess people and situations accurately with a view to genuine ministry.
• Function as an effective change agent.
• Enlist commitment from others to the educational mission of the church.
• Equip those who are recruited to the mission of the church to teach effectively.
• Administer a program of Christian education.

The Christian Education track requires the satisfactory completion of 90 semester hours of graduate course work, including a senior project, distributed according to the requirements set forth below:

Old Testament (9 hours): OT 5150, 5160, and one elective class. (OT 5010 and 5020 do not count in this Area.)

New Testament (9 hours): NT 5150, 5160, and one elective class. (NT 5010, 5020, 6010, and 6020 do not count in this Area.)

Christian Doctrine (9 hours): CD 5150, 5160, and one elective class. CD 5030 may be used in this Area.

Church History (9 hours): CH 5010, 5020, and one elective class.

Christian Ministries (6 hours): CM 5010 and one elective class; CMP 6030 or CMP 6040.

CMM/CD 5030: This course may apply either to CM or CD requirements.

Supervised Ministerial Experience (9 hours): Modules I, II, and III, including CMF 5010, 5020, 7050, and 7060.

CMC 7220 (3 hours).

Languages (18 hours): NT 5010, 5020, 6010 and 6020 and OT 5010 and 5020.

Christian Education (21 hours): CME 5010, 5050, either CME 5020, 6020, or 7010, CME 6010 and 6120, and two classes chosen from CME 6070, 6110, 6140, or 7040.

Senior Project (3 hours): Chosen from the options listed above.

Note
Students who enter having completed some or all of the language requirements may use those hours as electives in any area.

Urban Ministry

This degree is intended to provide special preparation for urban ministry by allowing the student to spend one semester in Chicago in an integrated program of classroom study and field experience at the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education.

The goals for the standard M.Div. apply to this degree.

Admission to the program as an incoming student is by special application; admission as a current student is by petition to the faculty. The following criteria apply:

1. Evidence (ordinarily transcripts) showing that the student has done undergraduate theological study of sufficient quantity and quality to warrant a reduction in the size of the normal M.Div. area core requirements. Note that, whereas an academically weak student will not usually be admitted to the M.Div. in Urban Ministry, the higher grade point average requirements for the M.Div. with Concentration do not apply to this degree. The GPA requirement is that of the regular M.Div. degree.
2. Demonstration of a genuine interest in urban ministry.
3. Recommendation by the student’s academic advisor and of the Emmanuel School of Religion dean to the appropriate program.

Requirements include the satisfactory completion of 90 semester hours of graduate studies, including completion of the SCUPE program in Chicago or courses in another approved setting. The hours shall be distributed as follows:

Old Testament (9 hours): OT 5150, 5160, and one elective class.

New Testament (9 hours): NT 5150, 5160, and one elective class.

Christian Doctrine (9 hours): CD 5150, 5160, and 5030.

Church History (9 hours): CH 5010, 5020, and one elective class.

Christian Ministries (6 hours): CMM 5410 or 5420 and either CMM 6350 or 6010.

Supervised Ministerial Experience: CMF 5010 and 7060.

Languages (18 hours): NT 5010, 5020, 6010 and 6020 and OT 5010 and 5020.

Urban Ministry (27 hours): Completed in an off-campus program. Must include field work and theological integration or those courses must be included in Supervised Ministerial Experience. This segment should preferably be completed during the Middler year.

Senior Project (3 hours): Must be field-based option.

Notes

• Students who enter having completed some or all of the language requirements may use those hours as electives in any area.

• Students must complete at least the following courses prior to going to the off-campus center: OT 5150, 5160, CD 5150, 5160, CH 5010, 5020, CMM 5410 or 5420, CMM 6350 or 6010, and CMF 5010.

NOTE FOR ALL PROGRAMS:

Students who have taken undergraduate courses that closely parallel required courses in the M.Div. curriculum may be exempted from such courses with written certification by the appropriate Area Chair (usually on the basis of a proficiency examination) that the student has indeed already mastered the subject at issue. The Area Chair will report the results of the examination to the Dean. In such cases, the student is expected to take a different course in the same area, according to the recommendation of the area faculty.

For information about the transfer of credits from other graduate institutions, see above under Admissions. At least the last 24 semester hours of work, including 3 semester hours of Supervised Ministerial Experience and the senior project, shall be completed in the Emmanuel School of Religion curriculum.

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 is required in the curriculum area from which the senior project advisor is appointed, and an overall cumulative grade point average of 2.50 is required for graduation.

THE SENIOR PROJECT

Each M.Div. student must complete a senior project. The student is required to plan the M.Div. program so that the senior project is finished by the completion of 81 hours, counting the hours assigned to the project. The student may select from one of the options listed below for the senior project. (Note specific requirements or recommendations for particular degree programs.) The student must make this selection on the degree plan sheet to be submitted for approval by the faculty by the end of the semester in which 60 hours are completed.

1. A Thesis. The student investigates in depth a defined question within one of the theological disciplines. The thesis is not expected to make a completely original contribution to the discipline (as is a doctoral dissertation), but it is expected to demonstrate the ability to frame a significant question, to identify and collect the pertinent materials, critically to evaluate the available data and to make sound judgments about the central question, and to present a coherent written account of the investigation and its conclusions. A formal proposal sufficient to present a definition of the topic, an outline of the expected approach, preliminary bibliography, and expected dates for completion of the thesis must be submitted to the supervisor who will approve it and in turn inform the faculty. The proposal must then be deposited in the Dean’s office. The thesis committee comprised of the supervisor and two other persons will conduct an oral examination. The thesis must be completed with a grade of no less than B. The thesis is required of all students who take the M.Div. with a concentration (except in Christian education, urban ministry, and Christian care and counseling) and carries 3 hours of credit. Other students may choose to do the thesis.
2. Extended Research Paper. This paper, of at least 30 pages, may be written in a 600 or 700 level class. It must be rewritten as necessary in order for any two faculty members (one being the class instructor) to certify that it represents A- quality work in content, form, and compositional style. The student must declare this option to the professor and on the registration form at the time of enrollment in the class. The Dean, for the purpose of critically discussing the paper, will formally schedule a meeting of the student and both faculty members. No additional academic credit will be given for this. The student may then enroll in an additional class to meet the hour requirement for the program.
3. A field-based ministry project, carrying 3 semester hours credit, will be completed under the direction of a faculty advisor. This project consists of the design, accomplishment, and evaluation of a program planned for and conducted in a congregation or other ministry setting. A research design must be submitted for approval to the advisor who will then inform the faculty. The design is then deposited in the Dean’s office. The written project, usually not to exceed 30–35 pages, will provide a theological and biblical context for the project and the description of the implementation and outcomes of the project. A minimum grade of B must be earned. A second reader/evaluator will be appointed and an oral exam will be conducted. One of the committee members must be a CM faculty member. Most Christian care and counseling and Christian education M.Div. students will be expected to pursue this option.
4. A written review of approximately 2500–3000 pages of reading pertinent to a significant topic. A faculty supervisor will direct and evaluate the project; he/she will be joined by a second faculty member for an hour-long critical discussion of the completed paper. The review may take one of the following forms: (1) a critical reflection on the content of the reading; (2) an analysis of various methodological approaches represented in the works read; (3) an investigation of a major theme or themes arising from the works read; (4) a bibliographic essay documenting the progress of research on a particular theme; or (5) some combination of the above. The written project must earn a minimum grade of B.

PROGRESSIVE EVALUATION

Students are admitted to Emmanuel School of Religion with the expectation that they will be able to complete a degree program with academic success and with the personal and spiritual formation necessary to fulfill their ministry or other vocational function faithfully. The School has a sense of responsibility to students to assist them to develop personally and spiritually so they can minister to others, but also to the churches and other organizations for which students may minister or work following graduation. This requires substantial evaluation of the progress of students in as many facets of their preparation as possible.

To assist students in their academic, personal, and spiritual formation, the faculty will each spring assess each student’s readiness to continue in pursuit of the stated degree goal. Factors to be considered include grade point average, reports from supervised ministry experiences, attitudes and behaviors demonstrated in the classroom and community, and other data that may be deemed essential by the faculty.

Students will be informed each year of permission to continue in study. One of four options will be given: (1) continue study in good standing; (2) continue study with additional academic, personal, or spiritual requirements to be met within a designated period of time; (3) continue study without institutional funding and recommendation, or (4) denial of continuance in study. In most cases action 2 would be taken before either action 3 or 4.

Students have the right of appeal as outlined in the Student Handbook. Nothing in this policy precludes the right of the School to take disciplinary action at other times during the school year.

JUNIOR YEAR
1–30 Semester Hours

1. Completion of orientation.
2. Successful completion of all required entrance and proficiency examinations; removal of any deficiencies in the undergraduate study program; and completion of any Emmanuel courses recommended by the faculty to the Dean in subjects where educational insufficiencies have been discovered.
3. Enrollment in as many as 30 semester hours of course work as approved by faculty advisor.
4. Formal faculty approval of continuation of studies beyond 30 semester hours on the basis of proficiency examination scores, satisfactory performance in courses taken, and the demonstration of moral character and maturity.

MIDDLER YEAR
31–60 Semester Hours

1. Presentation of a proposed degree program to the academic advisor by the end of the eighth week of the semester during which at least 60 semester hours are being completed. The degree program proposal must designate the curriculum area in which the senior project will be completed and the name of the faculty member (of the student’s choice) who has agreed to supervise the senior project. When approved by the academic advisor, the degree program is then submitted by the student to the Dean for approval by the whole faculty.
2. Submission of a written senior project proposal to the designated advisor for approval. The advisor-approved proposal is to be submitted by the student to the Dean before the end of the twelfth week of the semester during which at least 60 semester hours are being completed.
3. Faculty approval of the degree program and acceptance by the Dean of the advisor-approved senior project proposal confer upon the student the official status of degree candidate. (Any subsequent change of senior project advisor or program requires formal petition to the faculty through the Dean.) Faculty approval of the degree program will be based not only on the adequacy of the academic program and the student’s academic performance, but also on the demonstration of moral character and maturity. [At this time, a thesis carrel is assigned.]

SENIOR YEAR
61–90 Semester Hours

1. Completion of the senior project before enrollment in the 82nd hour of the program. This includes first draft, oral examination and deposit of the final draft of the project.
   Note:
   If the senior project is completed in the fall semester and if the choice is a thesis, field-based project, or bibliographic essay, the first draft is due the first Friday of fall classes. The final oral examinations on all projects must be completed by end of the first week in December. The final copy of the project must be deposited in the Dean’s Office and forms completed by the last day of the semester. The same order prevails during the spring semester if the student plans to complete enrollment in the summer or fall terms, i.e., first draft by the first Friday in February, examination completed by the end of the first week in May, and final materials deposited by the last day of the semester.
2. Recommendation by the faculty and approval by the Board of Trustees for the bestowal of the degree.
3. Settlement of all accounts with Emmanuel School of Religion as certified by the Business Manager no later than one week preceding Commencement.

TIME LIMIT

All requirements for the Master of Divinity degrees must be completed within seven years after initial enrollment in Emmanuel School of Religion. The faculty may grant an extension of one year when a degree candidate presents a petition through the Dean; in some cases the faculty may attach conditions to the granting of an extension. The faculty reserves the right to disallow course work originally included in the approved degree program but which has since become more than ten years old. In such cases, the student will be required to enroll in equivalent courses at Emmanuel or other institutions approved by the faculty.

The Master of Arts in Religion Degree

The Master of Arts in Religion is an academic degree for persons interested in pursuing graduate study primarily in one of the theological disciplines, while acquiring minimal introductory exposure to the other areas of classical Christian learning. It is designed to lead to deeper biblical and theological understanding in preparation for further study or for more effective service in the church and in the world while in a “secular” profession. It is not a substitute for the M.Div. as foundational preparation for full-time church ministry. The M.A.R. may not be taken with a major in Christian Ministries.

Presupposing the general educational goals in this catalog, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a competency in one of the academic areas sufficient to pursue further graduate study in the area,
   and/or
2. Articulate the importance of the general theological curriculum for the practice of a “secular” vocation.

The Master of Arts in Religion degree requires the satisfactory completion of 57 semester hours of graduate study, including a thesis, distributed as follows:

Concentration (24 hours): Seven classes and a thesis in the chosen concentration: Old Testament, New Testament, Christian Doctrine, or Church History. (Christian Ministries is not an option.)

Languages (12 hours): OT 5010 and 5020 and NT 5010 and 5020.

Other Courses (21 hours): Seven classes, at least one in each of the four remaining curriculum areas.

Notes:

• Supervised Ministerial Experience courses are not applicable to this degree.
• At least the last 24 semester hours of course work, including the thesis, shall be completed in the Emmanuel School of Religion curriculum.
• A minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required for graduation.

THE THESIS

The thesis will be an investigation in depth of some topic of interest within the area of concentration, with special emphasis on original, independent research. A thesis advisor to supervise the student’s work in preparing the thesis is appointed from the faculty of the appropriate curriculum area; a second faculty reader to assist in evaluating and approving the finished thesis is also appointed, usually from a different area. After the advisor and reader have approved the final draft of the thesis, the student must successfully pass an oral examination about one and one-half hours in length, conducted by a committee consisting of the thesis advisor as chair, the reader, and at least one other faculty member appointed by the Dean. This examination centers on the thesis but may range more widely over the student’s whole program of study.

After the student has been admitted to Emmanuel School of Religion, the progression of the Master of Arts in Religion degree program shall be as follows:

JUNIOR YEAR
1–28 Semester Hours

1. Completion of orientation.
2. Successful completion of all required entrance and proficiency examinations; removal of any deficiencies in the undergraduate study program; and completion of any Emmanuel courses recommended by the faculty to the Dean in areas where educational insufficiencies have been discovered.
3. Enrollment in as many as 28 semester hours of course work as approved by the faculty advisor.
4. Presentation of a proposed degree program to the academic advisor by the end of the eighth week of the semester during which at least 28 semester hours are being completed. The degree program proposal must designate the curriculum area in which the thesis credit will be earned and the name of the faculty member (of the student’s choice) who has agreed to supervise the thesis. When approved by the academic advisor, the degree program is then submitted by the student to the Dean for approval by the whole faculty.
5. Submission of a written thesis proposal to the designated thesis advisor for approval. The advisor-approved proposal is to be submitted by the student to the Dean before the end of the twelfth week of the semester during which at least 28 semester hours are being completed.
6. Faculty approval of the degree program and acceptance by the Dean of the advisor-approved thesis proposal confer upon the student the official status of degree candidate. (Note that any subsequent change of thesis advisor or program requires formal petition to the faculty through the Dean.) Faculty approval of the degree program will be based not only on the adequacy of the academic program and the student’s academic performance, but also on the demonstration of moral character and maturity. (At this time, a thesis carrel is assigned.)

SENIOR YEAR
29–57 Semester Hours

1. Continuation of classes.
2. Presentation to the thesis advisor of the complete first draft of the thesis in acceptable form by the end of the first week of the spring semester of the year during which the student expects to graduate (or the first week of the fall semester if the student wishes to have the oral examination during the fall semester).
3. Completion of the final draft of the thesis as approved by the thesis advisor and reader and submission to the Dean of two copies by Tuesday of the ninth week of the semester.
4. Certification by the thesis committee of the final approval and acceptance of the thesis following satisfactory performance in the oral examination. Oral examinations must be completed by December 1 or May 1, depending on the semester.
5. Recommendation by the faculty and approval by the Board of Trustees for the bestowal of the degree.
6. Deposit of two final copies of the thesis, with the appropriate approval form, in the Dean’s office no later than two weeks prior to Commencement.
7. Settlement of all accounts with Emmanuel School of Religion as certified by the Business Manager no later than one week preceding Commencement.

TIME LIMIT

All requirements for the degree must be completed within five years after initial enrollment in Emmanuel School of Religion. The faculty may grant an extension of one year upon a degree candidate’s petition through the Dean; in some cases the faculty may attach conditions to the granting of an extension. The faculty reserves the right to disallow course work originally included in the approved degree program but which has since become more than ten years old. In such cases, the student will be required to enroll in equivalent courses at Emmanuel or other institutions approved by the faculty. Students who have completed all course requirements except the thesis must pay a continuation fee each semester until the degree is granted.

Study Toward Both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Religion Degree

Permission to work toward both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Religion degree at Emmanuel School of Religion is granted only by specific approval of the faculty upon petition by the student through the Dean. Work toward the second degree may be undertaken only after such permission has been officially granted.

The following conditions will apply:

• All specific requirements for each degree must be fulfilled
• No more than 30 hours from the Master of Divinity may be applied to the Master of Arts in Religion; no more than 28 hours from the Master of Arts in Religion may be applied to the Master of Divinity
• The same thesis cannot be submitted for both degrees

Student Load

Students who are taking at least 9 semester hours for credit each semester are officially classified as full-time students. No student may enroll in more than 15 semester hours of credit, unless prior faculty approval is granted upon petition through the Dean.

System of Grading

A	–	Excellent	4.0 grade points
A-	–		3.7 grade points
B+	–		3.3 grade points
B	–	Good	3.0 grade points
B-	–		2.7 grade points
C+	–		2.3 grade points
C	–	Adequate	2.0 grade points
C-	–		1.7 grade points
D+	–		1.3 grade points
D	–	Poor	1.0 grade points
D-	–		0.7 grade points
F	–	Failure including unapproved withdrawal after the sixth week of the semester	0 grade points
P	–	Pass	No grade point given
W	–	Official withdrawal, consisting of the written consent of the teacher concerned and completion of a withdrawal form in the Dean’s office. Note: Withdrawal is not usually permitted after the sixth week of each semester except in the case of extenuating circumstances.
I	–	Incomplete, given when the teacher judges that extenuating personal circumstances justify granting additional time past the end of the term for a student to complete course requirements. The student must get the teacher’s written approval, complete the necessary form in the Dean’s office, and pay the required fee before final examinations week. An Incomplete grade is automatically changed to F by the Registrar if the course work is not completed within six weeks.

Note:
With the exception of Incomplete, a course grade cannot be changed after it is recorded by the Registrar. However, a course may be repeated, in which case only the higher of the two grades will be used in calculating the grade point average.

Academic Probation

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

In addition to the other requirements set forth, a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 is required for the Master of Divinity degrees. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for the Master of Arts in Religion degree.

Entering M.Div. students must achieve an overall GPA of 2.25, and entering M.A.R. students must achieve an overall GPA of 2.50, by the end of their second consecutive semester of enrollment. (A student who has not formally chosen a degree program will be held to the M.Div. requirement).

In subsequent semesters, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 (M.Div.) or 3.0 (M.A.R.). For the purposes of this requirement, the cumulative GPA will be calculated at the conclusion of the spring semester in each academic year until the degree is granted.

PROBATION AND SUSPENSION

Students who fail to achieve these GPA requirements at the end of their second or subsequent semesters will be placed on academic probation. After being placed on academic probation, they must achieve the required cumulative GPA by the conclusion of the following spring semester. Students who fail to do so will be suspended. Suspension means the withdrawal of permission to enroll in classes for credit and the termination of any status of degree candidacy that may have been previously conferred.

1. After a minimum of one semester’s suspension, students may petition the faculty for permission to reenroll. Such permission will normally be granted only if evidence is presented that makes it appear likely that they will be able to achieve and maintain the required cumulative GPA
2. If students can show extenuating personal circumstances to be the cause of their failing to achieve the GPA needed to lift the probation, they may petition the faculty for a one-semester extension of the probation.

Reading Courses

A reading course may be arranged for an especially capable student who wishes to do independent study of a topic that is not available in the regular course offerings of the curriculum. Such a course must be under the immediate direction of a faculty member. The approval process requires that the student obtain a “Request For Reading Course” form from the Dean’s office, on which are to be listed the curriculum area (with the course number 7000), title, number of credit hours, instructor, and a full description of objectives and requirements. This form, signed by the student, the instructor, and the Area Chair, is then submitted to the Curriculum Committee no later than its last stated meeting prior to the beginning of the term in which the course is to be taken. If it endorses the proposal, the Curriculum Committee will secure the necessary approval from the general faculty.

Having been fully approved, a reading course is included in the registration process at the start of the term as part of the student’s regular academic load, and is charged tuition. The course is graded and is subject to all pertinent academic regulations. Only one reading course may be taken in any term, and the faculty will not usually allow more than one or two reading courses in a degree program (except the Master of Divinity with Concentration).

It is emphasized that reading courses are not approved merely to help students even out the totals of their credit hours in an area, or to alleviate inconveniences in the class schedule. Their primary function is to provide opportunity for advanced study in a subject of special interest.

Summer School and January Intersession Programs

Emmanuel School of Religion offers a number of special one- or two-week courses during the summer and during January. These are designed to offer intensive, specialized study opportunities not usually available from the resident faculty in the regular curriculum. These are often taught by specialists from the faculties of other seminaries or universities or by persons of unique competence in some aspect of church ministry or missions. Occasionally these courses involve clinical or practicum elements that take place away from the Emmanuel campus.

Summer courses are also offered at Milligan College, East Tennessee State University, and other area colleges which can be advantageous to those students who need to make up academic deficiencies in their undergraduate work or who wish to supplement their seminary studies.

Related Academic Programs

ASSOCIATION FOR CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION

Through Emmanuel’s membership in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, accredited programs of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) are available to students locally and at over 250 hospitals, clinics, correctional and rehabilitation institutions, and other centers. One-half, one, or more accredited units of CPE can be earned.

Two accredited CPE programs are offered in Johnson City. At the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, a one-unit CPE program (400 hours of supervised experience) is offered annually on either a summer (June through August) or extended (September through May) schedule. At the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, one-unit CPE programs are available covering the fall and spring semesters.

MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL SEMINAR

Emmanuel has accepted the invitation of the Pitulloch Foundation in Atlanta to join with other selected seminaries to participate in an annual three-week study tour to Syria, Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Greece. The program is directed by Dr. J. Maxwell Miller, Fernbank Planetarium in Atlanta, and Dr. Gerald Mattingly of Johnson Bible College. Students are selected annually from each of the schools to join lay persons from the Southeast to participate in the tour.

The program is designed to fulfill several purposes: to provide a tour, under the guidance of a knowledgeable professional, of the region central to the biblical heritage and to international affairs today; to provide opportunities for students from different seminaries to develop a friendly and supportive relationship; and to unite “lay” persons in key positions in business and community affairs with students preparing for ministry.

On the basis of nomination from the faculty and interviews, student selections are made from those who have completed at least one year of seminary study and who are not graduating seniors, who have a primary vocational commitment to the pastoral ministry, and who have not before traveled in the Middle East. Participants pay approximately one-third the actual cost of the tour.

One semester hour of credit, in Old Testament, New Testament, or Church History, may be earned for participation, graded Pass/Fail. Eight hundred pages from the reading list supplied by the Seminar leaders must be read. A signed affirmation that this reading has been completed (listing titles) and a typewritten copy of the reflection paper required by the Seminar must be submitted to the Dean by the due date specified by the Seminar leaders. Registration must be completed and tuition paid no later than two weeks prior to the beginning of the Seminar.

OVERSEAS MINISTRIES STUDY CENTER

Emmanuel is one of thirty schools holding membership in the Overseas Ministries Study Center of New Haven, Connecticut, a residential center providing continuing education in Christian world mission for missionaries on furlough, ministers, professors, and students.

Seminary Student Seminars on World Mission are held at the center each January. Emmanuel’s co-sponsorship of these courses enables students to pay registration and tuition fees only half those of nonmember schools.

Arrangements for receiving academic credit may be made through the Dean’s office. Information is available from the Dean or the professor of world mission.

CROSS-REGISTRATION AT MILLIGAN COLLEGE AND EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Emmanuel has a cooperative arrangement by which students may register through Emmanuel for graduate courses at both Milligan College and East Tennessee State University.

A wide range of programs is available at ETSU that can fruitfully supplement the Emmanuel curriculum. Offerings in counseling, philosophy, education, and modern languages are those most often of interest to Emmanuel students. This relationship makes it possible for Emmanuel students to enroll in ETSU courses at in-state tuition rates, which are considerably lower than Emmanuel’s own tuition.

COURSES OF STUDY

The course numbering system indicates both the general academic level of a course and the Area in which it is offered. 5000-level courses are the most elementary and introductory; 6000-level are somewhat more advanced; 7000-level are the most advanced.

+ designates required courses which are offered every year. A complete list of all courses to be offered in any academic year is available from the Dean’s office.

Since the specific topic and contents of the 7000-level seminars almost always change each time the seminar is offered, a student may enroll in the same seminar more than once.

A course may be listed in more than one curriculum area. In such cases the student is free to chose the area in which the course is to be credited.

Except where noted, each semester course is for 3 hours credit.

The Area of Old Testament

The Old Testament area offers advanced study of the books of the Hebrew Bible, including their text and language, social-historical background, literary character, and theology. The Deuterocanonical/Apocryphal books, Dead Sea Scrolls, and other important Jewish writings of the Second Temple period are also studied. Courses give attention to the ancient Near Eastern and later Hellenistic settings of the biblical books, their religious ideas and teachings within their original contexts, and their theological significance for Christian faith. Exegesis is emphasized as the foundation for the larger task of theological interpretation of the Hebrew Bible as Christian Sacred Scripture. Accordingly, courses in Hebrew language and in exegesis are central.

Students completing courses in the Area of Old Testament can expect to:

1. Acquire a basic reading knowledge of classical Hebrew, with a command of grammar and syntax sufficient to do exegesis for preaching and teaching, to make use of Hebrew-based commentaries and reference works, and to evaluate modern translations of the Old Testament.
2. Gain a sympathetic understanding of the most important issues and approaches that have emerged in the rich history of Jewish and Christian scholarship of the Hebrew Bible and be guided by this knowledge in personal study for ministry and missionary and ecumenical outreach.
3. Identify and gain basic familiarity with good methods and models of biblical interpretation.
4. Become acquainted with the most important books and reference tools available for Old Testament study, and develop research skills that will make possible a life-long program of careful, responsible, and spiritually fruitful biblical study.
5. Identify the main features and process of development of the theological teachings of the Old Testament, and demonstrate their relationship to the apostolic teachings of the New Testament.
6. Begin to identify ways that the various Old Testament writings may be used in preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and spiritual development in the church.

Students wishing to concentrate in Old Testament studies are expected to have solid foundational knowledge of the New Testament and of Christian Doctrine.

OLD TESTAMENT FACULTY

ROBERT J. OWENS JR., B.A., M.A., M.Div., Ph.D., Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and Area Chair ROLLIN A. RAMSARAN, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of New Testament RODNEY A. WERLINE, B.A., M.Div., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament WILLIAM C. GWALTNEY JR., Th.B., B.A., Ph.D. Adjunct Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

OT 5010/5020 + ELEMENTARY HEBREW: Introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of classical Hebrew, with reading of selected biblical texts. (Credit is not given for OT 5010 apart from OT 5020)

OT 5130 SECOND TEMPLE JEWISH LITERATURE: A study of the background and contents of the O.T. deuterocanonical/apocryphal books and other Jewish writings, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, from about 200 B.C. to A.D. 100.

OT 5150 + INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT: A study of the basic literary features, historical setting and theological significance of Genesis–Kings, with attention also to the origin of the O.T. canon and the history of the transmission of the O.T. text.

OT 5160 + INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT: Continuation of OT 515, examining Chronicles–Malachi.

OT 6010 INTERMEDIATE HEBREW: Review of elementary grammar, followed by advanced study of verb morphology and syntax. Attention is given to vocabulary acquisition with emphasis upon gaining facility in rapid reading of Hebrew prose.

OT 6020 INTERMEDIATE HEBREW: Continuation of OT 6010, with some reading of poetic texts.

OT 6030 BIBLICAL ARAMAIC: Introduction to the basic grammar and vocabulary of Official (Imperial) Aramaic, with reading of the Aramaic portions of the O.T. Prerequisite: OT 5010–5020 or equivalent.

OT 6050 METHODS AND MODELS OF BIBLICAL EXEGESIS: A working introduction to the principles and techniques of critical biblical study by the application of a variety of methods to selected texts from the Old and New Testaments. The bearing of exegesis on preaching and teaching is emphasized. Prerequisites: OT 5010–5020 and NT 5010–5020 or their equivalents. Also NT 6050.

OT 6070 SEPTUAGINT: Introduction to the ancient Greek translations of the Old Testament, including the history of research and the reading of selected texts. The significance of the Greek translations for textual criticism and biblical exegesis is explored. Prerequisites: OT 5010–5020 and NT 5010–5020 or their equivalents.

OT 6090 THE PENTATEUCH: A study of the major themes of Genesis–Deuteronomy, with special attention to such selected topics as creation, the patriarchal narratives, the exodus, the legal traditions, and worship practices. Close reading (English text) of selected passages is included.

OT 6100 EIGHTH-CENTURY PROPHETS: A study of the rise and development of Hebrew prophetism, and close reading (English text) of Amos, Hosea, Micah, and portions of Isaiah. The contents of these books are studied in terms of their importance in eighth-century Israel and Judah and of their continuing significance in Hebrew religion.

OT 6110 SEVENTH-CENTURY AND EXILIC PROPHETS: A study of selected portions (English text) of Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and portions of other books with attention to their immediate historical background and to their contribution to O.T. theology.

OT 6120 WISDOM LITERATURE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: A study of the wisdom tradition in the O.T., including close reading (English text) of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and selected Psalms. The contribution of the wisdom literature to O.T. theology is explored.

OT 6130 THE PSALMS—HYMNBOOK OF ISRAEL: A study of the hymnic tradition in ancient Israel, with special attention to the question of the origin and use of the Psalms in Israelite and Jewish worship. The Psalter is examined as a compendium of the primary beliefs of the “faith of Israel.” Close reading of selected Psalms (English text) is the centerpiece of the course. Attention is also given to the use of the Psalms in the New Testament and in Christian worship and prayer.

OT 6210 ARCHAEOLOGY AND THE OLD TESTAMENT: A study of the history of Near Eastern archaeology and its importance for reconstructing Israelite history and for interpreting the O.T. Attention is given to basic methods of field archaeology, problems in reporting and interpreting archaeological data, and a survey of recent and current archaeological projects and their reports.

OT 6220 THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS: Study of the archaeology and history of Khirbet Qumran and Ain Feshka and the nearby caves, with special attention to the non-biblical documents found in the caves and their relation to the Old and New Testaments.

OT 6350 BIBLE TRANSLATION: A study of the theory and practice of translation, especially as related to the Bible. Also NT 6350 and CMM 6350.

OT 7000 READINGS IN OLD TESTAMENT

OT 7090 THEOLOGY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT: A study of the major theological concepts of the O.T., with attention to both the unity and the diversity expressed in these writings. Prerequisite: OT 5150–5160.

OT 7800 EXEGESIS IN THE PENTATEUCH: Intensive exegetical study of the Hebrew text of some portion of the Pentateuch. Prerequisite: OT 5150–5160 and OT 5010–5020, or equivalent.

OT 7810 EXEGESIS IN THE PROPHETS: Intensive exegetical study of the Hebrew text of some portion of the Former or Latter Prophets. Prerequisite: OT 5150–5160 and OT 5010–5020, or equivalent. (2 or 3)

OT 7820 EXEGESIS IN THE WRITINGS: Intensive exegetical study of the Hebrew text of some portion of the “Writings” (Kethubim) section of the canon. Prerequisite: OT 5150–5160 and OT 5010–5020, or equivalent.

OT 7910 SEMINAR IN SEMITIC LANGUAGES: Introduction to the basic grammar of one of the following, with reading of selected texts: Ugaritic, Phoenician, Aramaic, Syriac, Akkadian. Prerequisite: OT 5010–5020 or equivalent.

OT 7920 SEMINAR IN SEMITIC LANGUAGES: Same as or continuation of OT 7910.

OT 7930/7940 SEMINAR: Study of a selected topic pertaining to O.T. literature, history, or theology.

OT 7970 SENIOR PROJECT: Preparation of senior project approved by the faculty.

OT 7980 THESIS: Preparation of a thesis on a significant topic approved by the faculty.

Note:
For the M.Div. degree, in addition to Elementary Hebrew, twelve hours in the Old Testament, including OT 5150 and 5160, are required.

For the M.A.R. degree, in addition to Elementary Hebrew, at least one course in the Old Testament is required.

The Area of New Testament

The New Testament area offers advanced study of the writings of the New Testament , their language, social-historical background, literary features, and theology. Courses in this area give attention to the Judaic and Graeco-Roman matrix of these writings, their religious teachings within their original contexts, and their theological unity and variety. Exegesis of the text provides a foundation for the larger task of theological interpretation of the New Testament as Sacred Scripture. Courses in the area emphasize the importance of both understanding and appreciating the use of these documents throughout the history of the church and reading them afresh as Spirit-filled writings that continue to shape the Christian life corporately and individually.

Students completing courses in the Area of New Testament can expect to:

1. Acquire a basic reading knowledge of koine Greek, with a command of grammar and syntax sufficient to enable them to use Greek-based commentaries and other resources, evaluate translations of the New Testament, and do independent exegesis for preaching, teaching, spiritual growth, and pastoral care.
2. Gain an understanding of issues in New Testament study that have engaged generations of scholars in debate and discussion and use this knowledge in dialogue with others within the church local or ecumenical, and for informed reading of scholarly writings.
3. Demonstrate good skills in research, written and oral communication, and argumentation in matters relating to New Testament studies.
4. Construct good models of biblical interpretation and relate them to all the functions of ministry within the local church or a wider setting.
5. Identify in the New Testament models of pastoral practice and moral reasoning that can serve as good paradigms for contemporary ministry.
6. Demonstrate in the classroom that their theological framework has been challenged, enriched, and enlarged for engagement with the realities of life and ministry.

Students wishing to concentrate in New Testament studies are expected to have solid foundational knowledge of the Old Testament.

NEW TESTAMENT FACULTY

ROBERT F. HULL JR., B.A., M.Div., Ph.D., Professor of New Testament and Area Chair ROLLIN A. RAMSARAN, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of New Testament BRUCE E. SHIELDS, B.A., B.D., Dr.Theol., Professor of Preaching and Biblical Hermeneutics

NT 5010/5020 + ELEMENTARY GREEK: A study of the basic elements of koine Greek, including drill on phrases, sentences, and vocabulary. (Credit is not given for NT 5010 apart from NT 5020.)

NT 5120 ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT WORLD: A study of archaeological data bearing on the New Testament, with attention to specific archaeological sites and reporting and interpreting findings.

NT 5150 + NEW TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION: A survey of the Jewish and Graeco-Roman social-historical, cultural, and religious backgrounds of the New Testament, with emphasis on the era from the Persian period until the age of Hadrian. Prerequisite: OT 5150–5160.

NT 5160 + NEW TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION: A study of the social-historical, literary, and theological features of the writings of the New Testament. Attention is given also to the formation of the canon of the New Testament and the history of the transmission of its text.

NT 6010/6020 + INTERMEDIATE GREEK: A review of the forms of koine Greek and a study of grammar and syntax supporting the reading from the Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: NT 5010–5020 or equivalent. (Credit is not given for NT 6010 apart from NT 6020.)

NT 6050 METHODS AND MODELS OF BIBLICAL EXEGESIS: A working introduction to the history, presuppositions, principles, and techniques of critical biblical study by the application of a variety of methods to selected texts from the Old and New Testaments. The relation of exegesis to preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and research is emphasized. Prerequisites: OT 5010/5020 and NT 5010/5020 or their equivalents. Also OT 6050.

NT 6060 THE LIFE OF JESUS: A study of Jesus in the light of early Christian writings, church tradition, and historical research. Critical attention is given to recent and current debate about life-of-Jesus research.

NT 6070 THE LIFE OF PAUL: A survey of the person, work, and thought of the Apostle Paul, gleaned from a study of the letters that bear his name, the Acts of the Apostles, early church tradition, and historical research. The course is designed to help students appreciate, understand, and apply to their ministries the example of the apostle as well as the depth and breadth of his teaching.

EXEGETICAL STUDIES

The following courses require some ability to work with the Greek text, although the depth of engagement with technical issues of translation will vary from course to course. Each course gives attention to the social-historical, literary, and theological features of the text. Although the courses are not uniform in format and style, all of them should assist the student in achieving the following objectives: (1) to become a competent exegete of the writing under discussion; (2) to become acquainted with a variety of scholarly perspectives on the writing; (3) to be able to discern the major concerns and issues in the ancient church that the writing addresses; (4) to know how to relate the text to the contemporary church in a variety of personal and pastoral dimensions. Prerequisite: NT 5010/5020 or equivalent.

NT 6080 EXEGESIS OF THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS: A study of one (or more) of the first three gospels.

NT 6090 EXEGESIS OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

NT 6100 EXEGESIS OF THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

NT 6110 EXEGESIS OF ROMANS

NT 6120 EXEGESIS OF GALATIANS

NT 6130 EXEGESIS OF 1 CORINTHIANS

NT 6140 EXEGESIS OF 2 CORINTHIANS

NT 6150 EXEGESIS OF PHILIPPIANS, PHILEMON, COLOSSIANS, AND EPHESIANS: A study of one or more of these letters.

NT 6160 EXEGESIS OF 1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS. A study of either or both of these letters.

NT 6170 EXEGESIS OF 1 AND 2 TIMOTHY AND TITUS. A study of one or more of these letters.

NT 6180 EXEGESIS OF HEBREWS

NT 6190 EXEGESIS OF JAMES AND THE JOHANNINE LETTERS. A study of one or more of these letters.

NT 6200 EXEGESIS OF 1 PETER, 2 PETER, AND JUDE. A study of one or more of these letters.

NT 6210 EXEGESIS OF THE REVELATION

NT 6350 BIBLE TRANSLATION: A study of the theory and practice of translation, especially related to the Bible. Also OT 6350 and CMM 6350. Prerequisite: NT 5010/5020 or equivalent.

NT 7000 READINGS IN NEW TESTAMENT. A reading course in an area selected by the student in consultation with the professor, and approved by the faculty. Hours to be determined.

NT 7010 ADVANCED GREEK: Advanced study of koine Greek grammar, using texts from the New Testament, Septuagint, papyri, and other Hellenistic Greek sources.

NT 7020 ADVANCED GREEK: Continuation of NT 7010.

NT 7100 + NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY: A study of the writings of the New Testament, with attention to their theological unity and diversity and the role of New Testament Scripture in personal and congregational spiritual, moral, and social life. Prerequisite: NT 5010–5020; NT 5150–5160.

NT 7910 SEMINAR: A study of some issue or concern related to the New Testament text or the life and world of the earliest Christians. Examples of recently offered seminars includeMen and Women in Christ: Gospel, Gender, and Church and Worship Issues in 1 Corinthians 11–15.

NT 7970 SENIOR PROJECT: Preparation of senior project approved by the faculty.

NT 7980 THESIS: Preparation of a thesis on a significant topic approved by the faculty.

Notes:

• For the M.Div. degree, in addition to Elementary and Intermediate Greek, 12 hours in the New Testament area, including NT 5150–5160 and NT 7100 are required.
• For the M.A.R. degree, in addition to the Elementary Greek, at least one course is required.

The Area of Church History and Historical Theology

Church history is the study of the formation of Christian identity and ecclesial life in the light of the apostolic witness of the New Testament and the shaping influences of twenty centuries of history. It embraces both the story of the Christian faith as it has taken root in diverse historical and cultural settings and the actual development of the corporate life of the Church in both its particular and global manifestations. Thus church history is by nature a contextual and ecumenical theological discipline, with the constructive task of evaluating critically the Church’s ongoing quest to embody Jesus Christ in the world through its community, its ministry, its theology, its worship and sacraments, and its spirituality and ethics.

As projected goals, students in church history should:

1. Deepen their understanding of the Church’s identity as rooted in the witness of the apostolic churches, tested by the historic consensus fidelium, and constantly shaped by the eschatological mission to which the Church is called.
2. Deepen their passion for Christian unity and their understanding of the dynamics of unity-in-diversity, and of authority and freedom, as historic challenges in the life of the Church.
3. Expand their horizons by viewing the historical mission of the Church in its panoramic and global proportions.
4. Achieve a more mature understanding of the rich and diverse traditions of ecclesial, ministerial, liturgical, confessional, and devotional life in the history of the Church.
5. Strengthen their familiarity with the lives and letters of great Christian saints and thinkers through the centuries, such as may enrich their perspectives on the character of the Christian faith.

CHURCH HISTORY FACULTY

PAUL M. BLOWERS, B.A., M.Div., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Church History, and Area Chair FREDERICK W. NORRIS, B.A., B.D., M.Th., M.Phil., Ph.D., Dean E. Walker Professor of Church History and Professor of World Mission/Evangelism ROBERT O. FIFE, B.A., B.D., Ph.D., Adjunct Professor of Church History WILLIAM J. RICHARDSON, B.Th., B.D., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Church History, Emeritus