Note: Most upper division textual Bible courses are offered for variable credit. All versions meet the equivalent of three hours per week. Students concentrating in the Bible Division must take the three-credit versions. Other students may enroll for two credits and generally do a less extensive project. BIB 312/313. Wisdom and Poetry of the Old Testament. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, fall An introductory study of the Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Job in the light of their ancient Near Eastern setting and their continuing significance today. BIB 332/333. The Synoptic Gospels. 2 or 3 hours credit, odd years, fall A study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the light of the similarities and differences in their presentations of the life and teachings of Jesus. BIB 362/363. Hebrews. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, spring A study of the book of Hebrews along with its historical background and its continuing importance for individuals today. BIB 372/373. The Prophets of Israel. 2 or 3 hours credit, odd years, spring A study and comparison of the messages of the prophets of Israel. Attention will be given to their historical settings and their message for today. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible. BIB 392/393. The Life and Letters of Paul. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, fall A study of the life and letters of the apostle Paul. The course will focus on important developments in Paul's life and his work with several New Testament churches. We will study his letters to those churches and the continuing influence of his message for today. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible. BIB 423. Introduction to the Old Testament. 3 hours credit, even years, spring An advanced analysis of significant issues in the study of the Old Testament. Focus will be upon questions of background, chronology, canon and text. A holistic approach will also include the development of major theological concepts throughout the Old Testament. For Bible majors; others by permission of the Division Chair. BIB 432/433. The Gospel of John. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, fall A detailed study of the book in the light of its first century setting. Special attention will be given to its interpretation of Jesus’ life and ministry. The focus will be on its value for the first century Christians and its continuing value for today. BIB 444/445. Archaeology and the Bible. 2 or 3 hours credit, even years, spring A study of the insights archaeology provides for understanding the social, cultural, political, and religious context within which ancient Israel and early Christianity developed. Prerequisite: Freshman/Sophomore Bible courses. BIB 452/453. The Pentateuch. 2 or 3 hours credit, odd years, fall An introduction to the historical background and religious teachings of the first five books of the Old Testament. BIB 462/463. The Book of Revelation. 2 or 3 hours credit, odd years, spring A study of the book of Revelation and its historical background of the first century as well as its similarities to ancient Jewish apocalyptic literature. BIB 472A/473A. Studies in Paul: Corinthians. 2 or 3 hours credit, spring An advanced study of Paul's letters to the Corinthian church. The historical background and Paul's message to the churches will be studied as well as the value of these letters for today. Prerequisite: General Education courses for Bible. BIB 473. Biblical Hermeneutics. 3 hours credit, even years, fall An examination of the history and principles of biblical interpretation. For Bible majors; others by permission of the Division Chair. BIB 483. Introduction to the New Testament. 3 hours credit, odd years, spring An advanced analysis of significant issues in the study of the New Testament. Focus will be upon questions of background, chronology, canon and text. A holistic approach will also include the development of major theological concepts throughout the New Testament. For Bible majors; others by permission of the Division Chair.
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