Course numbering: (AB0000)

The first digit coming after the course name indicates its level:

• A number in the 1000 series is for a first-year level course.
• A number in the 2000 series is for a second-year level course and generally requires the corresponding 1000 series as a prerequisite.
• A number in the 3000 series is for a third-year level course and beyond.

The second and third digits after the course name indicate the series in which the course is included. These digits also provide the sequence in which the courses in a particular series are ordered.

The last digit after the course name indicates the number of credit hours (CH) associated with the course.

Here are some examples:

• NT1013 is a first-year level course, first in its series (New Testament Survey I), and yields 3 CH.
• ST1014 is a first-year level course, first in its series (Systematic Theology I), and yields 4 CH.

Glossary

• Prerequisite: a course that is required prior to taking a particular course.
• Co-requisite: a course that is required to be taken together with a particular course.

Critical Analysis course (CA10120) must be taken as a prerequisite to all other courses (except for Biblical languages and Academic languages). In other words, this course is compulsory for all new students (except for those who choose the Audit program). It is not possible for the student to take any other class as long as he has not passed the Critical Analysis class. 

Biblical Studies

GK1013/1023 – NT Greek Grammar I and II

Introduces the student to the grammar and syntax of the New Testament Greek for exegetical purposes. Translating portions of each literary genre of the New Testament texts from the Greek will constitute the bulk of weekly assignments.

GK2013 – NT Greek III: Syntax & Textual Criticism

This is a intermediate level New Testament Greek grammar course. It consists of a syntactical analysis of the Greek text of the Gospel of John. Students will translate key passages from Greek to Malagasy. They will also learn the principles of textual criticism of the New Testament and put them into practice.

Prerequisites: GK1013 and GK1023

GK2023 – NT Greek IV: Translation & Interpretation

This course focuses on the exegesis of one of the Pauline Epistles. It trains students to acquire the skills of translation. Most importantly, it teaches them to interpret the New Testament Greek by building on knowledge of the grammar and textual criticism and by interacting with exegetical commentaries and articles. Students will be required to write an exegetical paper.

Prerequisites: GK2013

BH1013 – Biblical Hermeneutics

Underlining the Bible as God’s Word, this course studies the principles of biblical interpretation and applies them to selected passages and genres from the biblical texts. Part of the attention will be directed to current issues in biblical hermeneutics: feministic, deconstructionist, structuralist, and reader-response approaches.

Prerequisite: CA1012

HE1013/1023 – Biblical Hebrew Grammar I and II

An introduction for students to the grammar and syntax of the Old Testament Hebrew for exegetical purposes. The bulk of the weekly assignments will consist of translating portions of each literary genre of the Old Testament texts from Hebrew into Malagasy.

HE2013 – OT Hebrew III: Syntax & Textual Criticism

This is an intermediate level Biblical Hebrew grammar course. It consists of a syntactical analysis of the Hebrew text of the Book of Jonah. Students will translate key passages from Hebrew to Malagasy. They will also learn the principles of textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible and put them into practice.

Prerequisites: HE1013 and HE1023

HE2023 – OT Hebrew IV: Translation & Interpretation

This course focuses on the exegesis of one of the historical books. It trains students to acquire the skills of translation. Most importantly, it teaches them to interpret the Biblical Hebrew by building on knowledge of the grammar and textual criticism and by interacting with exegetical commentaries and articles. Students will be required to write and exegetical paper.

Prerequisites: HE2013

NT1013/1023 – New Testament Survey I and II

Part I covers Matthew to Acts whereas part II encompasses Romans to Revelation. Each part consists of a general overview of the NT as God’s inspired Word in its first century Mediterranean contexts and includes introductory issues such as author, genres, major themes, and theology. Attention will also be given to current critical methods including form, canon, and narrative criticisms.

Prerequisite: CA1012

NT2003(A/B) – NT Topic

This is a cross-discipline course that looks at the New Testament theology, Christian ethics, and practical theology angles of relevant topics to the Malagasy context. This enables students to navigate the biblical and Malagasy worlds, or the realms of exegesis and application, by searching the solutions and answers of our contemporary issues from the New Testament.

Prerequisite: CA1012

OT1013/1023 – Old Testament Survey I and II

Part I covers Genesis to Esther whereas part II encompasses Job to Malachi. Each part consists of a general overview of the OT as God’s inspired Word in its ANE contexts, introductory issues (author, genres, major themes, and theology), and gives attention to some current critical methods (form, canon, and narrative criticisms).

Prerequisite: CA1012

OT2003(A/B) – OT Topic

This is a cross-discipline course that looks at the Old Testament theology, Christian ethics, and practical theology angles of relevant topics to the Malagasy context. This enables students to navigate the biblical and Malagasy worlds, or the realms of exegesis and application, by searching the solutions and answers of our contemporary issues from the Old Testament.

Prerequisite: CA1012

Theological/Historical Studies

,BT1013 – Biblical Theology of Manhood & Womanhood

A survey of the biblical material (OT and NT) regarding God’s design for man and woman. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to a strong and biblically grounded complementarian understanding of gender roles. Such purpose will be carried out in a manner respectful of the egalitarian position(s), as well as of other variations of the complementarian position, yet subjecting every position to rigorous biblical investigation. This course combines men and women students (preferably husbands and wives) in a first part then breaks into separate men and women groups in a second part. This is to allow for in-depth discussions of issues that are specific to each gender.

Prerequisite: CA1012

BS3103/ST3103 – History of the Bible

In this course students seek to answer the question, “How did we get our Bible?” by tracing its beginnings and the process of its writing and transmission. Special attention will be given to the issue of development of both the OT and NT canon. Lastly, the course will also investigate the different translation theories and the issues related thereto.

Prerequisites: CA1012, ST1014, HE1023, GK1023, and BH1013

BS3203/CH3103 – History of the Second Temple Period

This course traces the history of the Jewish people from the period of the return from exile under Persian rule until the destruction of Herod’s Temple in 70 CE. Political, social, economic, and cultural context will be given attention in the process. The intention of this course is to bridge the contextual and textual gaps between the Old and New Testaments on one hand and between the times of Jesus and the times of the NT writings (first century CE) on another.

Prerequisites: CA1012, OT1013, OT1023, NT1013, and NT1023

CH1013/10123 – Church History I and II

A basic survey of the history of Christianity, its life setting during the various eras of history as well as the theology of key Christian thinkers. Church History I surveys the period from the New Testament times to the end of the Fifteenth Century (dawn of the Reformation). Church History II surveys the period from the Sixteenth Century to modern times.

Prerequisite: CA1012

HT2013 – Historical Theology: Studies in Early Christianity

This course dives into an in-depth study of patristic theology by looking at the writings of select Church fathers and the theological issues they were addressing.

Prerequisites: CA1012, CH1013

HT2023 – Historical Theology: Theology of the Reformers

This course examines key theological developments during the reformation and surveys the major contributions of the Reformers and their direct successors.

Prerequisites: CA1012, CH1023

HT2033 – Historical Theology: History of Medieval Thought

A hands-on study of the theological developments during the Middle Ages and the writings of key figures up to the dawn of the reformation.

Prerequisites: CA1012, CH1013, and CH1023

ST1014/1023 – Systematic Theology I and II

An Introduction to Christian Doctrine, surveying the principal themes that make up the core of Christian Theology. This course will help students to get acquainted in a broad fashion with Christian Theology. As an outcome, students should be able to point out and/or evaluate their own theological commitments relating to the different loci within Christian Theology such as Scripture, theology proper, the person and work of Christ, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Biblical anthropology, sin, salvation, the church, and the end times.

Prerequisite: CA1012

ST3003 (A/B) – Systematic Theology: Advanced Topic

This is an in-depth study pertaining to a particular locus of theology. The student will be introduced to the different views and approaches to the topic and will reflect upon formulating his/her own conclusions regarding the different positions. This course will also lead the student into investigating the ways in which his/her own views about the topic change the way he/she practices his/her faith and relates to other Christians and denominations.

Prerequisites: CA1012, ST1014, and ST1023

Practical Theology

AM2003 – Applied Ministry (Discipleship & Mentoring)

This is a practicum course that involves the student in a two-level covenant relationship of discipleship and mentoring. The student will study and practice biblical disciple-making by committing to a covenant relationship with a young believer (disciple) to lead him/her to spiritual growth through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Concomitantly, the student will also commit to a covenant relationship with a more mature believer (mentor) to help him/her grow in faith as well as develop his/her leadership skills.

Prerequisites: CA1012, SF1011, SF1021, and EV1013

BC1013 – Introduction to Biblical Counseling

An introduction to the foundations of Biblical Counseling with an emphasis on the role of Scripture in Counseling.

Prerequisite: CA1012

BE1013 – Introduction to Biblical Exposition

This is an introduction to the basics of faithful biblical exposition. The course will combine all students who are envisioning any type of ministry in the church which involves some level of biblical teaching/exposition in addition to pastoral leadership. This includes women’s ministry, youth and children ministries, missions/evangelism, etc. This course also includes separate preaching/exposition practicums for men and women.

Prerequisites: CA1012, GK1013, and GK1023

BE2013 – Advanced Biblical Exposition

This course is an in-depth exploration of the different biblical genres (Gospels, didactic passages, parables, OT and NT narratives, poetry and wisdom literature, etc.) for the purpose of faithful biblical exposition.

Prerequisite: CA1012

CM2003 – Christian Ministry

An introduction to the biblical foundations for Christian ministry. This course primarily focuses on pastoral leadership but also gives attention to the various other types of ministries in the local church with an aim to help students orient themselves regarding their perceived callings.

Prerequisites: CA1012, SF1011, and SF1021

SF1011/1021 – Spiritual Formation I and II

These courses lead freshly enrolled students through the process of implementing spiritual disciplines (scripture mediation and memorization, prayer, corporate worship, Christian fellowship, and evangelism) to enhance spiritual growth right from the start of their rigorous academic lives. The aim is to cultivate a culture of Christian fellowship and accountability among students.

Prerequisites: CA1012

Ethics & Philosophy

CT1012/1022 – Critical Thinking & Logic I & II

An introduction to the basic principles and skills involved in correct reasoning, with emphasis on detecting and avoiding formal and informal logical fallacies. Part II will dive deeper in symbolic logic and in analysis of philosophical arguments.

Prerequisite: CA1012

ET1013 – The Christian Home

The study of the biblical and theological foundations of the Christian home. Students will be led to think through the different issues relating to the life of a Christian family and the place and roles of each of its members.

Prerequisite: CA1012

ET1023 – Christian Ethics

A study of the biblical, historical, and theological foundations of Christian ethics. Students will be equipped to apply these foundational elements in their decision making on current issues such as drugs, alcohol, family, race, biomedical ethics, economics, and politics.

Prerequisite: CA1012

ET2003 – Bible and Moral Issues

Study of how the Bible addresses significant moral concerns. Students will have the opportunity to learn moral teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, evaluate significant hermeneutical models for addressing contemporary moral issues from a biblical perspective, and investigate biblical materials that pertain to several key contemporary moral issues including marriage and divorce, abortion, and homosexuality.

Prerequisite: CA1012

PH1003 – Introduction to Christian Philosophy

An introductory course to the main areas of philosophy (Metaphysics, Epistemology, axiology, and logic) and how they relate to a Christian worldview. The student will learn how to do philosophy as a Christian.

Prerequisites: CA1012, ST1014

PH2003 – Philosophy of Religion

A study of selected philosophical issues related to religious commitment, such as the relation between faith and reason, the existence of God, and non-theistic challenges to Christian belief.

Prerequisites: CA1012, ST1014

Evangelism & Missions

EV1013 – Evangelism

An introduction to evangelism touching on the biblical, theological, and practical applications within the context of the local church. Special emphasis will be given to church growth and personal witnessing.

Prerequisite: CA1012

EV1011 – Evangelism in Context

This is a practicum that goes with EV1013. This course involves students in active participation in Evangelism as a direct application of the theoretical aspects studied in EV1013.

Corequisite: EV1013

MI1013 – Introduction to Missiology

An introductory study of the theory and practice of Christian missions including biblical, theological, historical, philosophical and strategic principles and practices.

Prerequisite: CA1012

MI2003 – Missions Practicum

This course takes the form of a field trip (mission trip). The student will enter a hands-on experience of cross-cultural evangelism (missions) under the supervision of a mentor/professor.

MI1023 – Introduction to World Christianity

The course is a survey of the development of Protestant missions endeavors, found both in the present day as well as in the past. This offers an intensive engagement with essential themes and theories in the historical and contemporary study of World Christianity.

Prerequisite: CA1012

Inter-Disciplinary

CA1012 – Critical Analysis

This course introduces the student to the practice of academic critical analysis. It seeks to develop the skills of accurately identifying, summarizing, analyzing, and evaluating the argument of an author or a text. This course is required for any first semester student (part-time or full-time).

LA1x10 – Academic English / French / Malagasy

This course trains students to read and write academic and theological works. It is not primarily designed to teach spoken languages, although students will be familiar with native speakers (American or French) speaking their languages during the lecture sessions. The workload value of this course is equivalent to 1 CH. This value, however, does not accumulate into the student’s earned credits. Students who fail the course will have to re-take it again until a passing grade is reached.