MTh.OT 601 – Biblical Hebrew Reading I

                This course is designed to acquire a basic foundation of Biblical Hebrew where the students learn the grammar of the verbal stems and some irregular and weak verbs.  The students will be introduced to the fundamental of basic Biblical Hebrew syntax.  They will further sharpen their Biblical Hebrew skills by doing exercises, by reading and translating portions of selected books from the 3 different divisions of the Hebrew Bible by learning basic vocabulary, and by the use of appropriate Biblical Hebrew language tools and resources.

MTh.OT 604 – Studies on the Pentateuch

MTh.OT 605 – Studies on the Historical Writings

                This course will acquaint students with history, theology, and critical study of the Former Prophets of the Old Testament:  Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.  The focus is the proper interpretation of its message to Israel and its abiding significance for the Church.

MTh.OT 602 -Biblical Hebrew Reading I

                 This course focuses on the art of reading Hebrew narrative, on developing the skills to both read and interpret proficiently.  In addition to the goal of reading Hebrew more fluently, attention will be given to literary techniques and structure, and to the exegetical approach of discourse          analysis.

MTh.OT 606 – Studies on the Major Prophets

                A study of the structure and content of the Major Prophet, with emphasis on the historical setting, message, purpose, genre, structure, dates, theological emphasis and application of these books.  Special attention will be given to the history of Old Testament prophecy, the role of the prophets, divine judgment and salvation, and God’ plan for Israel and the nations.

MTh.OT 607 – Poetical and Wisdom Literature

MTh.OT 608 – Studies on the Minor Prophets

                This course is a study of the Minor Prophets that builds on the methodology of the first Inductive Biblical Studies course by further use of the skills learned there and by emphasizing the study of books as wholes.  Accordingly, there is special focus on the initial survey of books as wholes, the interpretation a) of parts of books in the context of the books as a whole of b) of the books themselves as wholes.  In addition, increased attention is given to thinking, valuing and living biblically by placing individual passages within their larger canonical contexts and by applying Scripture to life and ministry.

MTh.NT 601 – Biblical Greek Reading I

                The course is designed to increase the student’s knowledge of Koiné Greek vocabulary, grammar, and syntax through weekly readings, periodic exams and interpretative analysis.  This course surveys different texts and composition of “biblical Greek” taken from the New Testament and other early Christian writings.  In addition to reading and translating Greek passages, students will also be introduced various critical methods and resources aiding interpretation.

MTh.NT 604 – Synoptic Problem

                This course introduces students to the current “state of the question” in research on the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke as well as examination of these texts, paying special attention to the distinctive portrait of Jesus that each gospel presents.  Some topics of study will include (but are not limited to):  various theories regarding the so-called “Synoptic Problem”; the relationship of the Synoptics to non-canonical texts like the Gospel of Peter and Gospel of Thomas; the literary and theological characteristics of each of the three synoptics; trends in the Christology, soteriology and ecclesiology of the synoptics.  In this course we will look closely at these three documents as story, as theology, and as history and a general introduction to critical methods in Gospel analysis such as literary, redaction, socio-historical, and tradition-critical.  Along the way we will also examine the tradition which preceded these Gospel documents.

MTh.NT 610 – The Johannine Gospel

                The course will introduce the students to current research and interpretation of the Gospel of John.  The major introductory questions to the Gospel of John will be discussed and the course will emphasize on an in-depth-study of key passages.

MTh.NT 602 – Biblical Greek Reading II

                This course studies the syntax of Koiné (i.e. “Common”) Greek by reading Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi.

MTh.NT 605 – General Epistles

                A study of the introductory issues, background analysis, and survey of the contents of the books of the General Epistles.  Exegesis of selected texts will be done which includes the examination of key theological themes and motifs of selected books. A more in depth approach will be taken in contract to a regular survey course. Particular attention will be paid to the application of specific truths within each book.

MTh.NT 606 – Theological Themes in Pauline Theology

                The course is a historical critical survey of Paul’s theological positions expounded in his letters and their significance to the Christian formulations and expressions.

MTh.NT 607 – New Testament and Christian Origins

                A study of the nature and techniques of Old Testament poetry. Careful attention will be given to matters of metrics, line and strophic structure, historic-grammatical exegesis and text criticism. The course includes special introduction to the various poetical books of the Old Testament and samples of exegesis, with the emphasis on the Psalms.

MTh.PS 601 – Spiritual Formation and Theology

                This course is designed to provide an integrated study of the Christian life and the development of personal character shaped by the values and virtues of God’s kingdom. It includes the examination of conceptual frameworks and major categories in spiritual theology, as well as understanding and practicing the classical spiritual disciplines. It involves one to two-day spiritual retreat.

MTh.PS 602 – The Journey of Development:  Psychological and Religious

                This is a foundation course that explores the relationship of developmental psychology to human and faith development. Learners will study some major development theorists and their impact upon human development, learning and faith development. A major aim of this course is to reflect upon a fundamental question, “How are intellect, personality, morality and belief systems shaped and how are these related to faith formation and learning?” Learners will critique various psychological concepts within a theological framework, and where possible, integrated them into a more fully informed approached in the Christian ministries of education and counseling.

MTh.PS 603 – Women and Other Contemporary Issues

                The course seeks to critically examine how development processes affect women and men and gender relations. Most development projects and policies have actually had a negative impact on women’s lives. The course has two sections: the first provides a theoretical and conceptual grounding by reviewing debates around women/gender and development, while the second part explores the gendered impact of development policies and process by examining substantive issues such as globalization, masculinity, HIV/AIDS, female circumcision and food. The course also explores the diversity of women’s resistance, struggles and activism at the local, national and transnational levels. 

MTh.PS 604 – Elements of Effective Communication

MTh.PS 605 – Psychology of Religion

MTh.PS 606 – Introduction to Sociology of Religion

                This course focuses on social patterns within religious groups, the relation of religious groups to society, and the methodological problems in studying such groups. It seeks to introduce students to the nature and function of religious beliefs, practices and institutions, with special emphasis on the socially constructed nature of religion and its impact on society. This perspective can better help us understand the presence of certain religious phenomena in our society.

MTh.PS 607 – Church Strategic Management

                The participants will review management and leadership theory in relation to the effective functioning of a local congregation. By the end of the course they should be able to do an assessment of their own behavior as leaders and managers in their congregations as well as that of the congregation’s key lay leaders. They should also be able to assess the needs of the congregation to development in leading and managing a church. Major topics include: Influence skills, long and short-range planning, recruiting, training and motivating volunteers, organizational evaluation, and decision-making in large and small groups.

MTh.CE 601 – Philosophy of Christian Education

                This course seeks to examine philosophies of education and their influence in Christian educational theory and practice. The major goal of the study is to develop a personal philosophy of education that will serve as a framework for teaching and educational work of the church.

MTh.CE 602 – Theology of Christian Education 

                An in depth study of the building blocks of Christian Education toward a theology of Christian Education.

MTh.CE 603 – Emerging Issues and Challenges in Christian Education

                This course seeks to identify emerging issues and challenges in Christian Education affecting individuals, families, churches and society. The course will also capacitate students to be reflective and responsive to these issues.

MTh.CE 604 – Survey on Liturgical Development

 MTh.CE 608 – Contemporary Approaches to Christian Education

                This course seeks to examine different contemporary approaches to Christian Education in the twenty first century. Students are expected to analyze and learn from the given five approaches, and will develop theory and practice appropriate and applicable to Christian Education today.

MTh.CE 606 – Principles of Educational Management

 MTh.CE 607 – Christian Education and Liturgy

                This course introduces Christian Education and Liturgy as interrelated and plays an important role in the faith formation of the church as a whole. The students will be exposed to different churches to see and experience how these two are integrated and practiced. The result of the exposure including their learning from the class will be the basis for contextual innovations in CE and liturgy.

MTh.CT 700 – Thesis                 This course is intended to assist Master of Theology students in the preparation of a thesis proposal and to facilitate the transition from course work to thesis. This course will include the project phase steps, namely: looking for challenges, needs, and opportunities, reviewing of proposal components, with particular emphasis on research design and developing the literature review, and focusing on key issues such as dissertation format standards, psychological and time management demands, committee formation, and project management.