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235 │COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2018-2019│ COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
BIB 9041
Preaching Missions from Matthew
This cross-disciplinary course will engage you in a study of Matthew's portrayal of the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus as well as
introducing you to methods to follow when preparing a series of sermons on the first gospel. Attention will be given to such issues as
introductory matters, gospel study methods, Jesus' teaching on mission, Matthew's "universal blessing" theme, preaching resources,
and preaching approaches. You will prepare a series of messages on the book and will gain experience by preaching in class. (3)
BIB 9042
Preaching Joshua, Judges, and Ruth
In this course you will construct and preach sermons from the Old Testament books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth, also known as the
"Commonwealth Books." You will give attention to the place of these books in the total flow of Old Testament redemptive history, to
principles for interpreting and applying narrative Scripture, and to strategies that will enable you to preach sermons that have a
transformational impact on listeners of all ages. You will balance aspects of sermon construction, homiletical theory, use of illustrations
and story-telling, effective application of truth, audience analysis, and the philosophy and theology of preaching with the importance of
being an authentic servant of God. (3)
BIB 9440
Preaching Parables
In this course you will study the parables of the synoptic Gospels, with special attention to their interpretation in light of their biblical
context and Middle Eastern background, and to the preaching of them in public worship. (3)
BIB 9613
Acts: A Multi-perspective Approach
In this study of Luke's account of the birth and growth of the early church, you will be provided with a foundational framework of the
sequence of events in their historical and cultural context and will begin to build on it through a study of Luke's theological teaching
concerning key concepts related to the church's advance. From these historical and theological reference points, you will learn to
legitimately extrapolate biblical principles and apply them in the fashioning of a contemporary missions strategy. (3)
BIB 9070
Preaching from Acts
In this cross-disciplinary course you will study both the content of the Acts of the Apostles as well as give attention to the vast array of
preaching possibilities in the book. You will give attention to various introductory matters such as authorship, historicity, dating,
designation and purpose and will discuss major and minor themes in the book as well as major and secondary persons. You will
consider preaching methods suitable to the book and will gain experience by preparing a series of sermons on the book and
preaching a sermon in class. (3)
Biology
BIO 2113
Principles of Biology
In this course you will explore the concepts of biology, emphasizing the structure, function, and cellular organization of living organisms.
Following an introduction to the general nature of science, the scientific method, and the nature of biology, you will focus on cellular
biology, botany, zoology, and human biology. (3)
Advanced Biblical and Theological Studies
BTS 4200
Bible Backgrounds
This course will introduce you to the resources and methodological principles for studying and applying the finds of Bible backgrounds
as an integral part of the hermeneutical process. Attention will be given to both Old Testament (ancient Near Eastern) and the New
Testament (Jewish and Greco-Roman) backgrounds. As you compare the history, cultures, and literature of the biblical world, you will
discover both similarities and differences and will evaluate their impact and role in the exegesis of the biblical text. (3)
BTS 4401
Practical Skill Development in Bible and Theology
This course is designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain competency and confidence in applying and communicating biblical-
theological truth. Experiential learning requirements are defined and assessed by the program faculty. A minimum of 75 clock hours of
direct experience is required for each course. Advisor approval is required. (1.5)
Repeatable
BTS 4510
Old Testament Texts in Historical, Cultural and Literary Contexts
In this course you will read documents of the Ancient Near East that provide the historical, cultural, and literary context for understanding
the writings of the Hebrew Old Testament. You will give attention to documentation that illumine both Old Testament history and the
Old Testament canon. (3)
Prerequisite: HEB 4112
BTS 4610
New Testament Texts in Historical, Cultural and Literary Contexts
In this course you will read documents of Second temple Judaism and the Greco-Roman world that provide the historical, cultural, and
literary context for understanding the writings of the Greek New Testament. You will give attention to documents that illumine key forms
and themes of the New Testament canon. (3)
Prerequisite: GRE 4112
BTS 4710
Bible and Theology Senior Seminar
This course is designed to give you the opportunity to integrate knowledge acquired in your previous study of biblical and theological
subjects. Special emphasis will be placed on producing a summative paper on a focused topic chosen in consultation with the course
instructor. (3)