Master of Divinity Online Classes

The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is delighted to offer Master of Divinity courses online!

Spring 2010 (Call 563-589-3405 for further information)

• BI503 Hebrew II
  Instructor: Matt Schlimm
• BI550 New Testament Introduction
  Instructor: Lyle Vander Broek
• BI628 Genesis (OT English Exegesis)
  Instructor: Amanda Benckhuysen
• HT502 Reformation and Modern Church History
  Instructor: Gary Hansen
• HT540 Christian Doctrine II
  Instructor: Mark Achtemeier
• IN581 Theology of Mission and Evangelism
  Instructor: Bonnie Sue Lewis
• MN555 Polity and Program of PC(USA)
  Instructor: Scott Nesbitt

Three Master of Divinity credit hours are earned for successful completion of each course. A Bachelor’s Degree is necessary to apply for participation in these courses.

The application and all supporting materials must be submitted to the Seminary Office of Admissions by the deadlines listed below. Early application is highly recommended as enrollment is limited.

Tuition for these courses is $530* per credit hour and is non-refundable. Upon acceptance, one-third of the total tuition is required. The remaining two-thirds is due on the dates indicated below.

For more information about these online courses contact: UDTSOnline@dbq.edu

*tuition subject to change

Spring 2010 Courses

BI503
Hebrew II

Instructor: Matt Schlimm
3 credits, letter grade or pass/fail

Prerequisites: BI 400/500D and BI411/511D
This course is a continuation of BI 400/500D, providing further introduction to the basics of biblical Hebrew. It also involves the application of exegetical methods with the Hebrew text. This course is highly recommended for certain denominational requirements (please check with your governing body) and may be taken as an elective.

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BI 550
New Testament Introduction

Instructor: Dr. Lyle Vander Broek
Prerequisite: BI 404/504D.

It is the goal of this course to give students: 1) an increased knowledge of New Testament texts and themes within the first century environment; and 2) a sharpened ability to determine the meaning of scriptural texts by employing interpretive methods designed to investigate their content, form, and context. NT Greek will be used in lectures and in weekly assignments. 3 Credits.

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BI 621
Genesis (OT English Exegesis)

Instructor: Rev. Amanda Benckhuysen

Prerequisite: BI 411/511D | Letter Grade (Pass/fail optional for those taking the course as an elective)
This course will undertake an in-depth study of the book of Genesis in English translation, with a focus on the themes, structure, literary artistry, and message of this foundational book of the Bible. Attention will also be paid to critical issues and methods, ancient Near Eastern parallels, and the history of scholarship on the book of Genesis.

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HT 502
Reformation and Modern Church History

Instructor: Dr. Gary Hansen

This course is the second half of the required two-semester survey of the history of Christianity. Its objective is to familiarize students with the history and teachings of the Christian Church from the Reformation to the present. 3 Credits.

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HT 556
Christian Doctrine II

Instructor: Mark Achtemeier
3 credits, letter grade

This course is the continuation of HT540D, the goal of which is to survey the faith of the Christian church as it has been believed and confessed from the early Christian community down to the present day, in dialogue with contemporary issues and concerns. Topics for consideration in this half of the course include the person and work of Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church and the means of grace, and eschatology.

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IN 581
Theology of Mission and Evangelism

Instructor: Dr. Bonnie Sue Lewis

This course begins a series of 3 courses on the contextual nature of the Church’s life in mission and evangelism. It seeks to rethink Mission and Evangelism, seeing them both as part of the essence of the Church and of every local congregation. Beginning with the Triune God as a missionary God this course will focus on changing paradigms of mission and its influence on how we do evangelism in today’s post-modern, post-Christendom, pluralistic society. Thus, evangelism and mission are grounded in a missiological ecclesiology. This required course is part I of the Evangelism/Mission/Contextual Theology sequence. 3 Credits.

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MN 555
Polity and Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Scott Alan Nesbitt
3 credits, letter grade

This course provides an overview of Presbyterian Church (USA) polity, both in principle and in practice. There will be an emphasis on the use of The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, in the congregation as well as the governing bodies. Basic parliamentary procedure will also be addressed. Class structure will include lectures, discussion of case studies, and role plays.

Fall 2009 Courses

BI 502
New Testament Greek

Instructor: Annette Huizenga
3 credits, letter grade

This course is the first half of a two-semester survey that introduces the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of New Testament Greek. It introduces the linguistic tools that allow students to enter the world of the New Testament in the original language and hence become better equipped to interpret and proclaim God’s Word.

Full Course Description

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BI 511
Old Testament Introduction

Instructor: Melinda Thompson
3 credits, letter grade

This course provides an introduction to the content, historical background, canon, theological and critical issues of the Old Testament. This course fulfills the M.Div. basic first-year requirement in Old Testament studies, but is open to all UDTS students.

Full Course Description

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BI 657
New Testament Exegesis I

Instructor: Lyle Vander Broek
3 credits, letter grade
Prerequisite: BI502/504 or equivalent

This course is a seminar in which we will participate together in the Greek exegesis of the Gospel of Mark. It will focus strongly on soteriological and ecclesiastical aspects of the Gospel, both in terms of what the original audience might have heard and how we might apply the gospel writer’s words to the modern church.

Full Course Description

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HT 500
Early & Medieval Church History

Instructor: Gary Hansen
3 credits, letter grade

This course is the first half of the required two-semester survey of the history of Christianity. Its objective is to familiarize students with the history and teachings of the Christian Church from early in the second century to the beginning of the sixteenth century.

Full Course Description

Summer 2009 Courses

MN 555
Polity and Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Scott Alan Nesbitt
3 credits, letter grade

This course provides an overview of Presbyterian Church (USA) polity, both in principle and in practice. There will be an emphasis on the use of The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, in the congregation as well as the governing bodies. Basic parliamentary procedure will also be addressed. Class structure will include lectures, discussion of case studies, and role plays.

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MN 709
Worship in the Reformed Tradition

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Richard Shaffer
3 credits; letter grade or Cr/NCr

This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practices of congregational worship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in order to equip students for sound and effective liturgical planning and worship leadership.

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HT 615
History and Confessions of the Presbyterian Church

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Carlton M. Badger
3 credits, letter grade

This seminar seeks to foster an engagement with the theology and ethos of the Reformed tradition. Our work will center on a study of the formative history of the Reformed movement, along with a survey of The Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This course is strongly recommended for Presbyterian students preparing to take the standard ordination exams in theology.

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BI 621
The Prophets (Old Testament English Exegesis)

Instructor: The Rev. Matthew Schlimm
3 credits

Prerequisite: BI 411/511D | Letter Grade (Pass/fail optional for those taking the course as an elective)
This course will study key passages from the Latter Prophets. Particular attention will be given to exegetical method, literary artistry, and theological content. This course with a letter grade meets the requirements for the Old Testament English exegesis of the M.Div. curriculum. It can also be taken as an elective for a letter grade or pass/fail. Biblical languages are welcome but not required.

BI 511
Introduction to Old Testament
Instructor: Dr. Melinda Thompson
3 credits; letter grade

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the content, historical background, canon, theological and critical issues of the Old Testament. This course fulfills the M.Div. basic first-year requirement in Old Testament studies.

Syllabus

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BI 502
New Testament Greek
Instructor: Lyle Vander Broek
3 credits; letter grade

Course Description
This course presents the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of New Testament Greek. It introduces the linguistic tools that allow students to enter the world of the New Testament in the original language and hence become better equipped to interpret and proclaim God’s Word.

Syllabus (Coming Soon)

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BI 657
New Testament Exegesis 1: Matthew
Instructor: Annette Huizenga
3 credits; letter grade

Course Description

Students are introduced to the Greek text of one of the Gospel of Matthew and to the specific methods of exegesis designed to illumine the Gospel’s literary form and its role in the church’s faith and witness. Format and organization of the course are based on the theory that the best way to learn exegesis is to apply the principles and metnods through the discipline of weekly translation and discussion of the major interpretive issures. Textual criticism will also be introduced.

Prerequisites: BI502, 504, (Greek I and II) and BI550 (New Testament Introduction)

Syllabus

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HT 500
Early and Medieval Church History
Instructor: Carl Badger
3 credits; letter grade

Course Description
This course is the first half of the required two-semester survey of the history of Christianity. Through readings, online discussions, lectures and research, this course will consider the history of the Early and Medieval Church.

Syllabus

Spring 2008 Courses

HT 500
Early and Medieval Church History
Instructor: Dr. Carl Badger

Course Description
This course is the first half of the required two-semester survey of the history of Christianity. Its objective is to familiarize students with the history and teachings of the Christian Church from early in the second century to the beginning of the sixteenth century. 3 Credits.

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BI 550
New Testament Introduction
Instructor: Dr. Lyle Vander Broek

Prerequisite: BI 404/504D.
It is the goal of this course to give students: 1) an increased knowledge of New Testament texts and themes within the first century environment; and 2) a sharpened ability to determine the meaning of scriptural texts by employing interpretive methods designed to investigate their content, form, and context. NT Greek will be used in lectures and in weekly assignments. 3 Credits.

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IN 581
Theology of Mission and Evangelism
Instructor: Dr. Bonnie Sue Lewis & Dr. Les Longden

This course begins a series of 3 courses on the contextual nature of the Church’s life in mission and evangelism. It seeks to rethink Mission and Evangelism, seeing them both as part of the essence of the Church and of every local congregation. Beginning with the Triune God as a missionary God this course will focus on changing paradigms of mission and its influence on how we do evangelism in today’s post-modern, post-Christendom, pluralistic society. Thus, evangelism and mission are grounded in a missiological ecclesiology. This required course is part I of the Evangelism/Mission/Contextual Theology sequence. 3 Credits.

Fall 2007 Courses

MN 555
Presbyterian Polity
Instructor: Rev. Alistair Drummond

Course Description
This is a course in the principles and practices of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The class will study the ecclesiology reflected in the government of the church and will deal specifically with the powers, rights and responsibilities of the local congregation, the session, the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly, as well as General Assembly agencies and the minister. The foundation of the course will be the Book of Order of the PC (U.S.A.), with particular emphasis on the Form of Government and the Rules of Discipline. The class will also study the mission program and administrative process of the governing bodies. This class is highly recommended for Presbyterian students. 3 credits

Syllabus

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MN 709
Worship in the Reformed Tradition
Instructor: Dr. Sheldon Sorge

Course Description
This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practices of congregational worship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in order to equip students for sound and effective liturgical planning and worship leadership.

Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world. (Book of Order, W-1.1001)

This class will focus on understanding worship:

1. historically: how has the church worshipped over the centuries?
2. theologically: what do we believe about worship? How does our worship tell us what we actually do believe?
3. practically: how do we plan/lead liturgy that enables God’s people to worship with passion and integrity?

This course will nurture students’ facility with designing and leading worship that is authentic and appropriate (Book of Order, W-1.2002):

1. by analyzing and writing liturgical texts.
2. by discussing appropriate movements, gestures, and practices in worship services
3. by discussing the role of music in worship, including instrumental, congregational, and choral music.

Syllabus

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BI 511
Introduction to Old Testament

Instructor: Dr. Melinda Thompson
3 credits; letter grade

Course Description
This course is an introduction to the content, historical background, canon, theological and critical issues of the Old Testament. This course fulfills the M.Div. basic first-year requirement in Old Testament studies.

Syllabus

Summer 2007 Courses

MN 555
Polity and Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Scott Alan Nesbitt
3 credits, letter grade

Course Description
This course provides an overview of Presbyterian Church (USA) polity, both in principle and in practice. There will be an emphasis on the use of The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, in the congregation as well as the governing bodies. Basic parliamentary procedure will also be addressed. Class structure will include lectures, discussion of case studies, and role plays.

Syllabus

---

MN 709
Worship in the Reformed Tradition

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Richard Shaffer
3 credits; letter grade or Cr/NCr

Course Description
This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practices of congregational worship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in order to equip students for sound and effective liturgical planning and worship leadership.

Syllabus

---

HT 615
History and Confessions of the Presbyterian Church

Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Carlton M. Badger
3 credits, letter grade

Course Description
This seminar seeks to foster an engagement with the theology and ethos of the Reformed tradition. Our work will center on a study of the formative history of the Reformed movement, along with a survey of The Book of Confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This course is strongly recommended for Presbyterian students preparing to take the standard ordination exams in theology.

Syllabus

Spring 2007 Courses

MN 472/572
Foundations of Pastoral Care
Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Philip Jamieson

An introduction to the caring aspects of pastoral ministry, including biblical and theological foundations of care, the development of pastoral identity, various models of care, and varieties of essential pastoral communication skills necessary for entering diverse situations of crisis and need.

Objectives:

• to offer an introduction to the caring aspects of pastoral ministry
• to articulate biblical, historical and theological foundations of care
• to encourage the development of a healthy and faithful pastoral identity
• to examine the primary contexts of pastoral care
• to strengthen essential pastoral communication skills
• to become acquainted with various models of pastoral care

Syllabus

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BI 502
Introduction to New Testament Greek I
Instructor: Dr. Melinda Thompson

Course Description
This course presents the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of New Testament Greek. It introduces the linguistic tools that allow students to enter the world of the New Testament in the original language and hence become better equipped to interpret and proclaim God’s Word.

Syllabus

Fall 2006 Courses

MN 555
Presbyterian Polity
Instructor: Rev. Alistair Drummond

Course Description
This is a course in the principles and practices of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The class will study the ecclesiology reflected in the government of the church and will deal specifically with the powers, rights and responsibilities of the local congregation, the session, the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly, as well as General Assembly agencies and the minister. The foundation of the course will be the Book of Order of the PC (U.S.A.), with particular emphasis on the Form of Government and the Rules of Discipline. The class will also study the mission program and administrative process of the governing bodies. This class is highly recommended for Presbyterian students. 3 credits

Syllabus

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MN709
Worship in the Reformed Tradition
Instructor: Dr. Sheldon Sorge

Course Description
This course introduces students to the history, theology, and practices of congregational worship in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in order to equip students for sound and effective liturgical planning and worship leadership.

Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honor, glory and power to the triune God. In worship the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world. (Book of Order, W-1.1001)

This class will focus on understanding worship:

1. historically: how has the church worshipped over the centuries?
2. theologically: what do we believe about worship? How does our worship tell us what we actually do believe?
3. practically: how do we plan/lead liturgy that enables God’s people to worship with passion and integrity?

This course will nurture students’ facility with designing and leading worship that is authentic and appropriate (Book of Order, W-1.2002):

1. by analyzing and writing liturgical texts.
2. by discussing appropriate movements, gestures, and practices in worship services
3. by discussing the role of music in worship, including instrumental, congregational, and choral music.

Syllabus