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NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course. An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

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PHIL 2100
The Case for God [Course]

The student develops an understanding of what it means to have knowledge and to believe and live rationally. This understanding is applied to belief in God as students explore direct ways of knowing, theistic and Christian arguments, challenges to theistic and Christian belief, and resources for responding to these challenges. Students from every religious and non-religious background are welcome, including those who are seeking, doubting, or even disinterested.

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PHIL 2101
Ministry to the Doubting [Course]

The student learns how to interact effectively with non-believers and with Christians who are experiencing doubts in their faith, through study, discussion and practice (role-play and/or interactions with guests who are experiencing doubts). Students learn how to argue for the reasonability of the Christian faith, and how it is that we can know that Christ is real. The foundation for this involves understanding individuals as whole persons with backgrounds, emotions, desires, and biases. Students work towards developing and expressing in interactions with others the virtues of intellectual and spiritual humility grounded in love. The class covers direct ways of knowing, theistic and Christian arguments, challenges to theistic and Christian belief, and resources for responding to these challenges. It also addresses various approaches to doctrinal issues that parishioners often struggle with.

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PHIL 2202
Philosophical Ethics [Course]

In this course, students study the traditional systems of ethical decision-making, including a number of Christian perspectives, and apply what they learn to the analysis of vexing ethical and social issues in contemporary society such as abortion, affirmative action, capital punishment, cloning, constitutional freedoms, euthanasia, pacifism and just war, and extreme poverty. The goal of this course is for students to develop a familiarity with ethical argumentation, some sophistication in developing and articulating justifiable ethical perspectives, and a well-founded, internalized ethical sensibility to guide them in their lives. Prerequisites for Business Management major: PSYC 4410, SOCS 3410, PSYC 4520, and BUAD 4350.

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PHIL 2413
Bioethics [Course]

This course is designed to help the student understand the traditional systems of ethical decision-making and learn to utilize this knowledge in the analysis of some of the relevant ethical issues which arise in medical and environmental contexts. Prerequisites for Health Administration major: PSYC 4410, SOCS 3410, PSYC 4520, and BUAD 4350.

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(2 - 3)
PHIL 2800
Critical Thinking [Course]

The student develops skills for evaluating arguments through an applied study of the formal and informal components of language and reasoning. The course is preparation for a thoughtful, informed, and attentive life.

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PHIL 3000
Topics in Philosophy [Course]

This is an advanced seminar-style class that explores topics in philosophy not covered in the rest of the curriculum. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered on demand)

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PHIL 3010
Ancient Philosophy and Early Christian Thought [Course]

The intent of this course is to discuss comparatively the following philosophical figures or schools: the Pre-Socratics, the Sophists, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, post-Aristotelian philosophers, and Augustine.

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PHIL 3020
Modern Philosophy [Course]

Consideration is given to Western philosophy from Bacon through the eighteenth century, with special attention to Descartes, Pascal, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, and Kant. (Offered alternate years)

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PHIL 3030
Recent and Contemporary Philosophy [Course]

This course is designed to acquaint the student with philosophical thought since the beginning of the 19th century. Emphasis is on Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, Marx, James Moore, Russell, and Wittgenstein. (Offered alternate years)

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PHIL 3050
Epistemology and Religious Belief [Course]

Students gain an understanding of the concepts, issues, and approaches prevalent in epistemology (the theory of knowledge) since Gettier's ground-breaking work in 1963 and apply this understanding to the particular case of religious knowledge. (Offered alternate years)

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PHIL 3400
Skepticism, Atheism and Religious Faith [Course]

What does it mean to attain depth in life and to become authentically human? What are obstacles to doing so? And is religious faith (a) inimical, (b) irrelevant, or (c) essential to reaching this goal? The aim of this course is to think about these closely related questions through a study of Friedrich Nietzsche and Soren Kierkegaard, two 19th century thinkers whose relevance and importance today is even greater than it was in their own time.

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PHIL 4020
Philosophy of Religion [Course]

This course is a philosophical analysis of religious belief. Students will analyze a selection of the following issues: faith and reason, religious language, divine omniscience, divine omnipotence, divine goodness, petitionary prayer, miracles, divine immutability, arguments for and against God's existence, and personal immortality.

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(1 - 3)
PHIL 4950
Independent Study [Course]

Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.

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NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course. An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

(3)
BIBL 1000
Journey through the Bible [Course]

This course empowers students to deeply explore challenging biblical passages within the narrative of the Old and New Testaments. Focus is given to learning to tell and apply the various stories in Scripture in ways that are faithful to their canonical context.

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BIBL 1010
Encountering the Old Testament [Course]

This course explores the literature and thought of the Old Testament in its original historical setting in the ancient Near East and in the context of the entire biblical story. It introduces students to selected passages that represent the major sections of the Old Testament (Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, Prophetic Literature) while articulating the overarching narrative coherence of the Old Testament as part of the larger story of God's purposes for the world that the entire Bible recounts.

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BIBL 1020
Engaging the New Testament [Course]

This is a survey of the New Testament Scriptures. This course provides the student with an overview of the biblical and theological foundation upon which Roberts Wesleyan College has been established. The curriculum overviews each of the New Testament books while researching the authors and the literary, sociological, and theological setting with a view toward contemporary application.

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BIBL 1500
Biblical Studies Workshop [Course]

This hands-on course introduces a variety of skills for biblical interpretation, including basic literary, historical, and linguistic tools.

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BIBL 2000
Intro Biblical Exegesis and Research [Course]

This hands-on course introduces students to the basic skills of biblical exegesis and research they will need to become responsible interpreters of Scripture. Through guided exercises, individual projects, and critical reflection on the interpretive process, students will be given the opportunity to gain a solid grounding in biblical interpretation. The course is meant to be taken alongside any BIB 200-level course in Old or New Testament and includes an introduction to library research for the purposes of writing an accomplished exegesis paper. If the student has already taken a BIBL 2000-level course, this course may be taken concurrently with a BIBL 3000-level course. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020; Must be taken at the concurently with a BIBL 2000- or 3000-level course in either Old or New Testament.

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BIBL 2010
Synoptic Gospels: One Jesus, Three Memories [Course]

This is a study of the life of Jesus based on the three Synoptic Gospels. Specific consideration will be given to the relationship between Jesus' teaching and action and His identity and purpose. Textual issues regarding the similarity and complementarity in the gospel accounts will be explored. The relationship between the Synoptics and the Gospel of John will receive minor consideration. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 2020
Acts: The Birth of the Church [Course]

This study of the unfolding history and thought of the early church is based on the Acts of the Apostles, although other sources will be introduced. A method of inductive Bible Study will be introduced and practiced throughout the course. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 2060
Torah: Creation and Liberation [Course]

This course is a study of the first five books of the Old Testament. By examining selected passages, students explore Israel's view of origins, the national genesis and early history, God's will for Israel and the world, and the regulations for worship. An emphasis is placed on the examination of the various forms of literature that are represented in the Pentateuch, especially in respect to their role in forming and communicating the central themes and concepts in the Pentateuch.

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BIBL 2070
Apocalyptic Literature: Daniel and Revelation [Course]

This course surveys the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, including the developments between the testaments. The impetus for this study is located in the challenging books of Daniel and Revelation. An important part of the study is a consideration of the major historical, religious, and literary developments that arise in the intertestamental period. Apocalyptic literature, the LXX, and the Dead Sea Scrolls play a significant role in this regard. Selected texts will be examined to illustrate the main aspects of this study. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, and 1020 or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 3000
Topics in Old Testament or New Testament Theology [Course]

This course introduces advanced students on in-depth study of major theological themes in the Old Testament or New Testament or to intensive study of important recent books in Old Testament theology or New Testament theology. Different topics and/or books will be selected from year to year. Utilizing class lectures and student-led seminars, the course aims to deepen student understanding of important Old Testament scholarship by exposure to a range of secondary literature in the field. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, at least two 2000- or 3000-level Old Testament BIBL courses or permission of instructor. Recommended for seniors. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 3010
Prophets and Politics [Course]

This course examines selected passages from the prophets of Israel. It will display their unique styles and forms of these passages, their theological emphases, and their responses to the historical crises. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 or permission of instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 3040
Pauline Letters: Apostle to the Nations [Course]

A study of the letters of the Apostle to the Gentiles, this course explores Paul's thought in its context. Special attention will be given to recurring issues and theological themes in Paul's writing. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020 and one 2000-level New Testament BIB course or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 3050
The Gospel and Letters of John: The Word Became Flesh [Course]

This study of Johannine literature examines its unique characteristics and theology. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, and one 2000-level New Testament BIB course or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 3060
General Epistles [Course]

This course will focus on the letter to the Hebrews, exploring its descriptions of Christ's identity and work. Attention will be also be given to the letters of James, Peter, and Jude. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, and one 2000-level New Testament BIB course or permission of the instructor. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 3090
Wisdom Literature and Psalms [Course]

The rich tradition of poetry and wisdom literature in the Old Testament is explored in this course. Selected passages are studied in order to introduce the student to the basic literary structures and the central ideas and terms incorporated in these traditions. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020. (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 4050
Seminar in Old Testament Exegesis [Course]

This course introduces advanced students to in-depth study of a particular Old Testament book through class lectures and student-led seminars. Books selected for study vary from year to year and might include 1 & 2 Samuel, Amos, Genesis, Isaiah, Job, Exodus, etc. The course will focus on careful literary analysis of, and theological reflection on, the selected Old Testament book, with the aim of helping students learn to become competent and informed exegetes of Scripture. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010, 1020, and at least two 2000- or 3000-level Old Testament BIBL courses or permission of the instructor. BHEB 1010 and 1020 are recommended but not required. Recommended for seniors. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered alternate years)

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BIBL 4060
Seminar in New Testament Exegesis [Course]

This course introduces advanced students to in-depth study of a particular New Testament book through class lectures and student-led seminars. Books selected for study vary from year to year, and might include Mark, Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, Revelation, etc. The course will focus on careful inductive, social and literary analysis of, and theological reflection on, the selected New Testament book, with the aim of helping students learn to become competent and informed exegetes of Scripture. Prerequisite: BIBL 1010, 1020, and at least two 2000- or 3000-level New Testament BIBL courses or permission of the instructor. BGRK 1010 and 1020 recommended but not required. Recommended for seniors. (May be repeated if topic differs.) (Offered on demand)

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BIBL 4900
The Bible in its World [Course]

This course is offered as part of a tour of the Holy Land and other countries, under the direction of a College faculty member. Students taking this course for credit must do collateral readings and assignments in association with the tour. The specifics of individual course design are to be completed and approved by the faculty member and the division chair prior to the tour. Prerequisites: BIBL 1010 and 1020 and one 2000 level New Testament BIBL course.

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BIBL 4950
Independent Study [Course]

Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.

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Related Majors

Biblical Studies - The Ministry major is designed for that person who is hoping to pursue ministry, while keeping open the possibility of attending seminary later on.
Biblical Studies, A.A. - Prepare for ministry by deepening your understanding of the Bible.
Communication - As a Communication Major, you will complete three main components: Christian Liberal Arts, Communication Coursework, as well as your Concentration coursework, en route to a Communication Degree.
Ministry - The Ministry major is designed for that person who is hoping to pursue ministry, while keeping open the possibility of attending seminary later on.
Religion and Philosophy - 585.594.6328 - helms_kristin@roberts.edu