Bachelor of Arts
Biblical Studies Major
On Campus
Advisor:
Layton Friesen, PhD
The Biblical Studies program is intended for students desiring to engage more deeply in the Scriptures and to establish a path of following Jesus in all of life. The program equips servant leaders with biblical foundations, an understanding of our world, and ministry focus areas. This program highlights spiritual formation and intercultural ministry experiences in urban, northern, and international communities.
Learning Outcomes
Biblical Studies
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of the Bible and evangelical Anabaptist theology.
- Display competent biblical interpretation and practical application.
- Practice the spiritual disciplines necessary for a lifelong faith commitment.
- Develop critical thinking, researching, writing, and communication skills.
- Implement problem solving skills in interpersonal and intercultural contexts.
- Demonstrate servant leadership skills for ministry and work.
Program Requirements
Year One: Engage
Biblical & Theological Studies (12 credits)
BI105
Biblical Interpretation
After a brief historical overview of the interpretation of the Bible in the Church, the key principles of interpretation are studied through their application to a variety of biblical texts. The course is designed to prepare students for exegesis courses as well as giving them the tools for doing inductive Bible interpretation. (3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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BI111
Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament
An introductory study of the historical and geographical background of the Old Testament and an overview of major themes developed within the various sections of the Old Testament. (3 credits)
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BI121
Introduction to the Bible: New Testament
An introductory study of the historical and cultural background of the New Testament and an overview of major emphases of each book within the New Testament. (3 credits)
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TH231
Christian Theology
An introduction to Christian theology through its disciplines, conversations, and applications to ministry. Reflection on major Christian doctrines including God, creation, sin, Scripture, Jesus Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the Church, and last things. (3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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Arts & Sciences (6 credits)
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Communications Elective
Choose from the following courses:
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EN111
English Literature and Composition I
An introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature in the genres of novel, short story and poetry. This course will focus on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader and a clear, articulate writer. (3 credits)
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EN212
English Literature: Faith and Fiction
This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature selected from the genres of novel, short story, and poetry. This course focuses on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader, and a clear, articulate writer in response to literature written from a Christian faith perspective. (3 credits)
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FA271
Christianity and Imagination
A survey of the arts in the western world and a study of the relationship between Christians and culture. The course will provide students with a perceptual framework for evaluating various artistic traditions such as painting, sculpture, architecture, film, theatre, literature, music and dance. Class work will involve interaction with representative works. (3 credits)
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HU202
Art of Persuasion
This course will provide a space of learning where students will unbox some of the styles and techniques of rhetoric used to convince and persuade people in order that they may understand and interpret the world around them, and in the process, become better at communicating their own ideas and convictions. (3 credits)
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WA222
Drama Production
Students, under the direction of the drama faculty, rehearse and present a major drama. This class is responsible for all aspects of the drama, such as acting, props and set. (3 credits)
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SS223
Interpersonal Processes
This course helps develop the skills to communicate effectively in interpersonal, group, and intercultural contexts, and to learn to approach conflict in transformative ways. (3 credits)
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Professional Studies (14 credits)
CM101
Ministry 1: Introduction to Ministry
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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CM114
Spiritual Formation
This course seeks to help us better understand how spiritual formation takes place, while examining some of the key spiritual disciplines and faith traditions that provide some strong moorings for Christian spirituality today. (3 credits)
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Focus/Minor or Open Elective
Choose any 3 credits. (3 credits)
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Open Electives
Choose any 5 credits. (5 credits)
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Service Learning (2 units)
Complete 2 units of Service Learning - non-academic credit.
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SM100
Service Learning
Service Learning involves a practical field experience, which supplements and applies regular classroom study. In order to gain one non-academic unit, a student must successfully complete the equivalent of ten Service Learning assignments (or 20 hours of ministry) per semester in a ministry mutually agreed upon by the student and their Faculty Advisor. (0 credits)
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Year Two: Establish
Biblical & Theological Studies (9 credits)
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BI221
Life and Teachings of Jesus
A study of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the first three Gospels, with an inductive study of one of the Gospels. Current literary and historical approaches to the gospel narratives will be examined. (3 credits)
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OT Prophets Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI215
OT Prophets: Hosea - Malachi
A study of the prophets from Hosea to Malachi, identifying who the prophets were, where and when they lived, and the nature of their writings. Select passages will be exegeted. (3 credits)
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BI411
OT Prophets: Isaiah
(3 credits)
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BI412
OT Prophets: Jeremiah
(3 credits)
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NT Bible Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI223
NT History: Acts
The book of Acts will be studied to understand the formation and expansion of the early church. Major themes are the work of the Spirit, Christian witness, leadership, and the life and ministry of Paul. (3 credits)
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BI225
NT Letters: Galatians - Philemon
(3 credits)
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Arts & Sciences (12 credits)
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English Literature Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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EN111
English Literature and Composition I
An introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature in the genres of novel, short story and poetry. This course will focus on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader and a clear, articulate writer. (3 credits)
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EN212
English Literature: Faith and Fiction
This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of English Literature selected from the genres of novel, short story, and poetry. This course focuses on two objectives: to develop skills in becoming a thoughtful, analytical reader, and a clear, articulate writer in response to literature written from a Christian faith perspective. (3 credits)
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HU222
Anabaptist History
A study of the origin, development and spread of the Anabaptist movement, with special emphasis on history, doctrine and biography. (3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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Math/Science Elective
Choose from the following courses:
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HU373
Faith and Science
(3 credits)
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SC201
Health and Wellness
This course introduces the student to contemporary topics and issues in health and wellness. Issues are drawn from areas such as mental, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and environmental health. This course prepares students to participate in health promotion in the school or community by developing the knowledge necessary to make responsible health decisions. (3 credits)
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MA201
Business Math
An introduction to mathematical reasoning home and work. Topics include organizational budgeting, project planning, charitable giving, credit management, fundraising, grants, investing, insurance, and financial reporting. (3 credits)
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World Cultures Elective
Choose from the following courses:
HU241
World Religions
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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HU231
Introduction to Philosophy
An examination of deeper human thinking in its endeavour to provide answers to the questions of life, reality, society and God. Historical development and modern trends, as well as methods and systems, will be explored and critically evaluated from the standpoint of the Christian faith. (3 credits)
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SS211
Cultural Anthropology
An introduction to cultural and social anthropology designed to raise awareness of local culture, the dynamics of cultural change, and the contribution anthropology can make to cross-cultural communication. Through the course, the student is introduced to doing basic anthropological research. (3 credits)
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HU212
Greek I
An introductory course in the basic elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on grammar and vocabulary, as well as rudimentary reading and analysis of selected passages from the Greek New Testament. (3 credits)
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HU213
Greek II
A continuation of the study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on grammar and vocabulary, as well as rudimentary reading and analysis of selected passages from the Greek New Testament. (3 credits)
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Professional Studies (11 credits)
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CM201
Ministry 2: Intercultural Ministry
(3 credits)
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MM201
Introduction to Marketplace Ministry
(3 credits)
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Focus/Minor or Open Elective
Choose any 3 credits. (3 credits)
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Open Electives
Choose any 2 credits. (2 credits)
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Service Learning (2 units)
Complete 2 units of Service Learning - non-academic credit.
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SM100
Service Learning
Service Learning involves a practical field experience, which supplements and applies regular classroom study. In order to gain one non-academic unit, a student must successfully complete the equivalent of ten Service Learning assignments (or 20 hours of ministry) per semester in a ministry mutually agreed upon by the student and their Faculty Advisor. (0 credits)
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Year Three: Equip
Biblical & Theological Studies (9 credits)
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OT Bible Elective (Year 3)
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI214
OT Wisdom Literature
A course dealing with the characteristic forms of wisdom literature in the Old Testament. Selections from Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes will be studied. (3 credits)
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BI312
OT Poetry: Psalms
A study of the interpretation & origins of the Psalms as well as their inspiration and application today. (3 credits)
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NT Bible Elective (Year 3)
Choose one of the following courses:
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BI421
NT Gospels: John
(3 credits)
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BI321
NT Letters: Romans
(3 credits)
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TH3-
TH300 Theology Elective
Choose one of the following: (3 credits)
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Arts & Sciences (9 credits)
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Arts & Sciences Elective
Choose from the following course categories:
EN/FA/HU/MA/SC/SS (3 credits)
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HU22-
Christian History Elective
Choose from the following courses:
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HU225
Christian History I: Early-1650
A study of the historical development of catholic Christianity primarily in the Mediterranean and Europe, from the first century to the Reformations. Emphasis on churches, discipleship, theology, institutions, culture, traditions, conflicts, and renewals. (3 credits)
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HU226
Christian History: 1650-present
A study of the historical development of Christianity in Europe, North America, and globally from the Enlightenment to the present. Emphasis on the expansion and adaptation of Christianity through engagement with cultures, renewals, and missions, resulting in the global Church today. (3 credits)
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HU221
Christian History
(3 credits)
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HU228
History of Christian Worship
(3 credits)
This course is scheduled to be available online for the following semesters:
- 2024-2025 Summer (May 6, 2024)
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HU372
Ethics
An introduction to ethical thinking and ethical systems. A study of biblical principles of right and wrong and their applications to current social and personal issues. (3 credits)
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Professional Studies (14 credits)
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International Ministry or Discipleship and Evangelism
Choose one of the following courses:
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CM301
Ministry 3: International Ministry
(3 credits)
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CM214
Discipleship and Evangelism
This course will examine the meaning and practice of biblical evangelism in the process of Christian discipleship. Students will study how evangelism and mentoring work together in and through the people and the ministries of local churches. (3 credits)
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Leadership Elective
Choose one of the following courses:
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CM312
Leadership Principles
This course is focused on providing students with an understanding of what it means to be a leader and an introduction to leadership within church ministries. Each student will develop their own philosophy of leadership based upon research, class notes, biblical studies, and assigned readings. The course will also explore some models of leadership as practiced by the church & society. (3 credits)
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CM202
Experiential Leadership
(3 credits)
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CM304
Servant Leadership Seminar
(1 credits)
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Focus/Minor or Open Electives
Choose any 6 credits. (6 credits)
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Open Electives
Choose any 1 credit. (1 credits)
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Service Learning (1 unit)
Complete 1 unit of Service Learning - non-academic credit.
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SM100
Service Learning
Service Learning involves a practical field experience, which supplements and applies regular classroom study. In order to gain one non-academic unit, a student must successfully complete the equivalent of ten Service Learning assignments (or 20 hours of ministry) per semester in a ministry mutually agreed upon by the student and their Faculty Advisor. (0 credits)
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Total Requirements (96 credits)
