BTS minors must take all of the following (21):

BTS 111	Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Historical Books*	3
BTS 112	Old Testament Studies II: Psalms, Wisdom Literature...*	3
BTS 211	New Testament Studies I: Gospel and Acts*	3
BTS 212	New Testament Studies II: Epistles and Revelation*	3
BTS 320	Reformed Doctrine*	3

Two additional courses of upper division BTS courses.

* These courses fulfill 15 credits of core requirements, specifically BTS 111, 112, 211, 212, and 320.

COURSES:

BTS 111 Old Testament Studies I: Pentateuch and Historical Books
This course deals with 1) questions of introduction (authorship, canon, inspiration, integrity of the documents, dating, etc.); 2) beginning hermeneutics; 3) the historical framework of the Old Testament with considerable attention given to Old Testament theology and the nature and history of the Covenant. (3 credits)

BTS 112 Old Testament Studies II: Psalms, Wisdom Literature, and Prophets
This course deals with the poetic, wisdom, and prophetic literature of the Old Testament. It begins with an examination of the themes and poetic forms of the Psalms and wisdom literature. The course continues with a study of the books of prophecy, with special attention given to the nature and task of the prophetic office, the manner of interpreting the prophetic books, and their place in and effect upon the history of the Covenant. (3 credits)

BTS 211 New Testament Studies I: Gospels and Acts
This course deals with 1) questions of introduction (authorship, canon, inspiration, integrity of the documents, dating, etc.); 2) hermeneutics; 3) inter-testament history as background to the gospels; 4) a study of the four Gospels and the book of Acts with special emphasis on the message and ministry of Christ and the fulfillment of the New Covenant in Him, the synoptic concept of the Kingdom, the enlargement of the Covenant to include Gentiles, and the growth of the early church. (3 credits)

BTS 212 New Testament Studies II: Epistles and Revelation
This course deals with the Pauline and general Epistles in the New Testament, and culminates with a study of the book of Revelation. Special attention is devoted to significant developments in the Pauline era and to the structure of Pauline theology. (3 credits)

BTS 305 Hermeneutics
This course is a study of the methods and principles of biblical interpretation. Various exegetical and hermeneutical approaches are examined, particularly those within the historic Reformed tradition. Prerequisite: BTS 320. (3 credits)

BTS 315 History of Christianity I: From the Apostolic Era to the Reformation
This course examines the history of the Christian church from the time of the apostles to the European Reformation of the 16th century. Emphasis will be given to the geographical expansion of the church, the development of orthodoxy, forms of spirituality, and worship. This course is identical to HIS 315 (3 credits)

BTS 316 History of Christianity II: From the Reformation to the Present
This course is a continuation of BTS 315 from the Reformation to the present time. Emphasis will be given to the diversity of Protestantism, the challenges of modern age, and the spread of Christianity worldwide. This course is identical to HIS 316 (3 credits)

BTS 320 Reformed Doctrine
This course deals with doctrines of the Christian faith on General and Special Revelation, God, Christ and mankind, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Church, and the last things. The Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession of Faith, Canons of Dort, and Heidelberg Catechism) and the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms serve as guidelines and resources. (3 credits) (Formerly identified as BTS 220.)

BTS 321 Pentateuch
This course is a biblical-theological analysis of God’s covenantal administration of His kingdom during the period covered by the first five books of the Bible. It is both a study of the emergence and formation of the Old Testament canon and a survey of the higher criticism of the books of the Pentateuch. Prerequisite: BTS 112 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 322 Historical Books
This course is a study of the historical books of the Old Testament and the historical, literary, and theological character of Hebrew narrative. It includes the development of a biblical-theological approach and the exegesis of selected passages. Prerequisite: BTS 112 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 323 Psalms and Wisdom Literature
This course is a study of the poetical books of the Old Testament and the nature of Hebrew poetry. It includes the development of a biblical-theological approach, a study of genre and contextual analysis of the Psalms, and the exegesis of selected passages. Prerequisite: BTS 112 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 324 Prophetic Books
This course is a study of the nature and history of the prophetic institution in Israel. Special attention is given to the messianic theme and eschatological patterns. The exegesis of selected passages is included. Prerequisite: BTS 112 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 331 Synoptic Gospels and Acts
This course is a study of Matthew, Mark, and Luke through Acts. Attention is given to the literary structure of the synoptic Gospels as the key to understanding the life and ministry of Jesus as well as each Gospel’s particular theological perspective. The origin and expansion of the New Testament church and the theology of Luke through Acts are addressed. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 332 Gospel and Letters of John
This course is a study of the fourth Gospel and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John. It considers matters of introduction, historical context, interpretation of major themes, and distinctive theological contributions. Attention is given to the special Father-Son relationship described in the Gospel of John. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 333 Paul’s Letters
This course is a study of Paul’s letters that focuses on their theological and ethical themes, with an emphasis on how these themes are expressed in the diverse contexts of early Christian communities. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 334 General Letters and Revelation
This course is a study of the general letters and Revelation. It deals with questions of special introduction and the exegesis of selected passages with a view to establishing the structure and distinctive themes of these books. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. Prerequisite: BTS 212 or permission of the instructor. (3 credits)

BTS 340 Christian Ethics
This course outlines a biblical framework for approaching ethical questions and issues. It examines how the Church has addressed ethical questions at different times in history and how contemporary Christians can develop a biblically relevant approach to the issues of our day. Prerequisite: BTS 320. (3 credits)

BTS 345 Major World Religions
This course is a study of the major non-Christian religions of the world including animism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Shintoism. Of special concern is the worldview advanced by each religion and its manifestation in society and culture. (3 credits)

BTS 348 World Missions
This course begins with a study of the biblical bases for mission activity around the world. It then examines the history of mission efforts in other countries, especially those within the Presbyterian and Reformed traditions. A further examination is made of the current status of missions and the special needs and approaches called for in the 21st century. (3 credits)

BTS 350 Biblical and Theological Studies Tutorial
Tutorials are research-intensive courses in which students work in pairs with an individual professor, meeting weekly to present their research. Tutorials may involve attendance at lectures (on or off campus). Topics will vary; more than one tutorial may be taken if the subject matter is different. Normally tutorials will be taken by BTS majors in their junior or senior year, though BTS minors, sophomore BTS majors, and non-majors may take BTS tutorials with permission of the tutor. (3 Credits)

BTS 355 Religion in America
This course is a historical survey of the varieties of religious faith and practice in the United States from the colonial era to the present. Prerequisite: History 211 and 212 (3 credits) (Cross-listed as HIS 355)

BTS 360-70 Systematic Theological Studies
These courses offer in-depth examination of major doctrines of the Christian faith [such as the Trinity, Christ (Christology), salvation (soteriology), or the church (ecclesiology)]. Focusing on the biblical data, the Reformed formulations will be studied in relation to critical historical developments as well as current discussions. The instructor will determine which doctrinal course will be offered. Prerequisite: BTS 320 (3 credits per course)

BTS 360 Trinity
BTS 362 Christology
BTS 364 Soteriology
BTS 370 Ecclesiology

BTS 385- Special Topics in Biblical and Theological Studies
395 These courses will cover a variety of topics that are not studied in depth in other departmental courses. Topics will be chosen according to student interest and instructor expertise. (1-3 credits)

BTS 400 Capstone Course in Biblical and Theological Studies
As a capstone for Biblical and Theological majors, students will work closely with the BTS faculty on an in-depth research project. The topic will reflect the student’s interests and emphasis within the major, but the student’s work will demonstrate the key BTS departmental learning outcomes, especially responsible biblical interpretation, theological thinking within the Reformed tradition, and relevant application to church and world. (3 credits)

BTS 450 Field Experience
The student will undertake an internship with direct connection to his or her Biblical and Theological Studies major. Prerequisite: Senior standing as a BTS major. (3-6 credits)