African Orthodox Academics
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Course catalogue

74 courses, 9 departments.

A · 4 courses

Languages & Humanities

  • ENG 101–102EnglishProper command of English is very important for the divine and philosophical work of both theologians and priests, not only as a common language but also as a communication tool. Key aspects of language such as Syntax, Phonology, Morphology, Semantics, Pragmatics, Psycholinguistics, and Sociolinguistics are intertwined with complex areas of writing, reading, speaking, listening, and information or library skills, making graduates competitive for their roles in society.
  • GRK 101Modern Greek IThis course covers the basic elements of Modern Greek. It introduces students to the Greek alphabet, basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. Emphasis is placed on developing reading, writing, and speaking skills. In the second semester, there is extensive oral and written practice related to the covered themes.
  • GRK 203Modern Greek IIThis is an intensive course covering the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Conversational skills are also emphasized, and students are introduced to Greek-composed hymns.
  • GRK 204Modern Greek IIIThis is an intensive course in Modern Greek at an intermediate level. It offers a comprehensive review of Modern Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The course includes oral and written practice, conversation skills, and singing of Greek hymns as key components. B. BIBLICAL STUDIES

B · 8 courses

Biblical Studies

  • OT 101–102Old Testament I&IIThe course aims to introduce students to the history of salvation originally intended for the house of Israel. It provides a general overview of the meaning of the Old Testament, covering the old agreements or covenants between the house of Israel and God, ways of studying the Bible, the role of the Old Testament in our church, and the content of the Old Testament (i.e., the Hebraic Writings). The language of the Old Testament is event-oriented, as opposed to the chronological arrangement of the Bible, focusing on: Jesus Christ, The Pentateuch—foundation for Christ, and the narrative and legal portions. It also explores the three traditions: the patristic; the ‘P,’ the Jehoistic; ‘J,’ and the Elohistic; ‘E,’ emphasizing their different themes and contributions. The course will also survey all the OT books in the Pentateuch, historical, poetic, and prophetic books. How each has laid a foundation for Jesus Christ. Who wrote them? When were they written? Why and for whom were they written?
  • OT 201Old Testament BooksDirected study in the Old Testament books. The exegesis and interpretation of selected books based on their English translation and in conjunction with the Hebrew original and the Septuagint version. The courses will emphasize the religious and theological significance of selected books for the worship of ancient Israel and for the life and piety of the Church.
  • NT 102New TestamentThe course will examine the New Testament books within their historical and religious contexts, focusing on hermeneutics, the patristic exegesis tradition, and modern biblical studies. The goal of this unit is to equip students with the message of salvation for the new people of God. The course will explore the life and worship of early Christians as depicted in the New Testament, including the biblical canon, the gospels, the epistles, and the book of Revelation.
  • NT 203Biblical ArcheologyThis course explores the methods and contributions of archaeology in understanding the social, cultural, legal, and anthropological aspects of the ancient Near East, focusing especially on the ancient Israelites in relation to biblical texts. It will also examine archaeological evidence that supports selected biblical accounts, such as the Patriarchal narratives, the Exodus, the conquest of the Canaanites, the Philistines, the Assyrian wars, and the Babylonian exile.
  • NT 301The GospelsThis course allows students to study and exegete the Four Gospels of the New Testament. The course will explore the theology and issues raised by the authors of the Gospel books, emphasizing their differences and similarities as well as their historical, literary, and theological contexts.
  • NT 302Lukan LiteratureThis course allows students to study the two-volume work Luke-Acts, which includes a gospel and an early Christian theological history. The course will explore all the theology and issues presented by the author across both volumes, concentrating on their unique and shared features.
  • NT 303Johannine LiteratureThis course allows students to explore the five books of the New Testament attributed to Evangelist John: one gospel, three epistles, and the Revelation. It will examine all the theology and issues presented by the author across these five volumes, emphasizing their unique features and commonalities.
  • NT 304Pauline LiteratureThis course explores an exegetical, historical, and spiritual approach to the letters of Saint Paul, as presented by early Christian writers. As a result, this unit examines letter writing, theological and psychagogic debates, and the theological message of St. Paul. C. Historical & African Studies

C · 11 courses

Historical & African Studies

  • ECH 101Early ChristianityThis course examines the analysis of the Hellenistic and Greco-Roman historical, religious, and socio-political contexts of early Christianity. It covers Jesus‘Nativity, teachings, and solutions as historical phenomena. The early spread of Christianity to the Gentiles is also discussed, along with St. Mark and Alexandria. The course explores the impact of these developments on the early church, including its encounters with Judaism and the Roman state. Topics include the Neronian persecution, apocalyptic thought, and dormition.
  • ECH 102Early ChristianityThis course examines the external and internal crises in the history and development of Christianity during the second, third, and early fourth centuries. The course surveys the roles and missions of the Apostolic Fathers, the Greek Apologists, and the Heresiologists (especially St. Ireneus and Tertullian), and considers the Marcionite, Valentinian, Gnostic, and Montanist crises. It covers the triumph of Orthodoxy, the New Testament canon, the Incarnation, Christology, and Episcopal authority. The course also discusses the early Alexandrians and the catechetical school, the Diocletian persecution, and the triumph of Constantine.
  • HCA 103History of Christianity in East AfricaThis course charts the history of Christian roots in East Africa, starting from the 15th century to the present. The course deals with the classical features of East African Christianity.
  • HCA 104History of Christianity in AfricaThis course explores the history of Christian origins in Africa, beginning with the Old Testament, especially the Solomonic dynasty, and continuing through the times of the apostles. It covers the distinctive features of Christianity in Africa, along with the challenges and dangers faced by missionaries in their efforts to evangelize the continent. The course also aims to teach students that missionary work is not only a modern activity but also has ancient roots.
  • HCA 105The Patriarchate of AlexandriaThis course explores the growth of Christianity in the Patriarchate of Alexandria, from the African Christians mentioned in the Scriptures, to the period covering Saint Mark the Evangelist, the Catechetical School of Alexandria, the heresies founded and/or grown in Alexandria, the Council of Chalcedon, and the split of AD451. The course further explores the Orthodox churches in Africa, including the Greek, Coptic, Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Russian Orthodox churches, and their mission, growth, and expansion.
  • CH 201Introduction Church HistoryThis is an introduction to topics in Church History, including the Chosen People of God, the Fullness of Time, the spread of Christianity among the Jews, the Early Christian Church, and a review of the first three centuries.
  • CH 202Church History IThis course covers the Byzantine Empire and the Ecumenical Councils, the golden age of the Church, Christian literature and art, Divine Liturgy, the rise of Islam, and Iconoclasm.
  • CH 203Church History IIThis course surveys the spread of Christianity among the Slavic Nations, the decline of the Roman Empire, the Great Schism, and its consequences.
  • CH 204Church History IIIThis is an analytical study of Scholasticism in the West, the Renaissance period in the West, the decline of the Papacy, the growth of National Orthodox Churches, and the fall of Constantinople (1453).
  • CH 301Church History IVThis is an analytical study of the Protestant Reformation, the growth of the mainline Protestant churches, the Pentecostal movement, and the Evangelical and Neo-Pentecostal movements in the West.
  • CH 302World ChristianityThis course explores the nature and characteristics of World Christianity today, as well as the challenges and issues faced by Christian communities worldwide. It emphasizes the lives and contributions of churches in the majority (non-Western) world, where Christianity has grown rapidly in the last century and continues to do so, while comparing this growth with the decline of Christianity in the Global North. The course offers an alternative to traditional Eurocentric histories of the Church by examining the historical development of the Christian movement, its rapid growth over the past century, and challenges facing post-Christendom Western churches, highlighting the diversity and global spread of Christianity. D. SYSTEMATICS & Patrology

D · 16 courses

Systematics & Patrology

  • PAT 101Patrology IAn introduction to Patrology: studies, methodology, and bibliography. It covers the lives, writings, and thoughts of the Greek and Latin Church Fathers of the first four centuries. Includes the Apostolic Fathers, the post-Nicene era, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement, Origen and Origenism, Tertullian, and Cyprian.
  • PAT 102Patrology IIThis is a reading and lecture on extant literature produced by the church in the patristic period (ca. AD 50-750). Its goal is to provide a working knowledge of early Christian thought in its unity and diversity, continuity and development.
  • PAT 201The Cappadocian FathersThis is a reading and research seminar in extant literature produced by the church in the patristic period (Ca. A.D 50- 570). Its goal is a working knowledge of early Christianity thought in its unity and diversity, continuity and development. The course will cover some important works of the Cappadocia Fathers, Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa.
  • SP 101Orthodox SpiritualityThis course explores the thought and methods of spirituality during the Early Christian, Byzantine, and modern Orthodox periods. It also examines major trends in Orthodox Christian spirituality. The course helps students understand the prominent role of the modern Orthodox Church and its expression of faith and spirituality. It includes modern perspectives on Orthodox spirituality, using texts from church fathers and mothers to explain each concept.
  • SP 201Spiritual HagiographyThis is an introduction to the tradition of patristic understanding of the spiritual life to both the practical and theoretical aspects of the Christian life “in the community” and “in the desert”. It is a study of the lives of the saints throughout Christian history, focusing on key aspects of their struggles to attain holiness
  • SP 202Prayer in Orthodox SpiritualityThis course investigates the major trends in Orthodox Christian spirituality and engages the thought and methodology of prayer in the Early Christian, Byzantine period, and the contemporary Orthodox church. It will assist the students to appreciate the preeminent position of the contemporary Orthodox Church and its articulation of spirituality and prayer.
  • CTH 101Comparative TheologyThis unit acknowledges that religious pluralism is a reality in the modern world and that this diversity can allow one tradition to better understand others. The topics of Faith, Sacraments, Trinity, Grace, Salvation, and liturgy are of primary concern. Comparing several religious traditions from the perspective of one requires self-awareness and confidence in one's own faith and doctrines. This is not an attempt to create a single religion from all traditions but to promote greater understanding and tolerance among different religions.
  • ECU 203EcumenismThe divisions of the church are a scandal that impedes the message of the gospel in the world. With this challenge at hand, there is a need to address this tragedy by understanding the reasons behind the historical differences between Christian churches and traditions, with the aim of restoring the unity of the ecclesia. This unit, therefore, seeks to appropriately address the present-day question of a vision of ecumenism by drawing on an extensive process of reflection on ecumenical dialogues toward a common understanding and communion. The student is called to reflect, analyze, and systematically survey the historical ecumenical efforts of the church Fathers and churches today. For the thought and action of the church are ecumenical, insofar as they attempt to realize the UNNA SANCTA, the fellowship of Christians to acknowledge one Lord.
  • ECU 204Diakonia & DevelopmentThis course introduces the student to the fundamentals of diakonia (holistic mission theology) and Development studies. By exploring basic approaches to Development Studies and Philanthropic-Diakonia, the students will be formed into conscious missiologists and ecumenists who can foster sustainable development among their faithful and the surrounding communities through diaconal science. This course is designed to give the student an introductory overview of the fields of Diakonia, Philanthropy, Holistic Missions, and Development Studies, and discuss Ecumenical issues. We will study biblical, historical, strategic, theological, and cultural perspectives relative to these fields of Diakonia and Development.
  • DTH 101Introduction to DogmaticsThis course will explore the Orthodox doctrine of knowing God and the teachings on the Trinity, cosmology, and anthropology. Emphasis will be on the early Fathers and modern Orthodox dogmatists.
  • DTH 102Dogmatics I (sacramentology)This course will examine the theology and development of the Holy Sacraments of the Orthodox Church through biblical and liturgical texts, patristic writings, and contemporary works.
  • DTH 103Dogmatics II (Ecclesiology)Orthodox Dogmatic Theology is an explanation of what the Church has preserved, guarded, and confessed unchanged. This is demonstrated in the life of the church on Earth: through the confession of faith, moral conduct, and divine services. This is an introductory course on some essential concepts of Orthodox Theology, Christ’s teachings, and a theological understanding of the nature, goal, and purpose of the church.
  • DTH 104–306Dogmatics III (Pneumatology)This course explores biblical, patristic, and contemporary theological perspectives on the nature and work of the Holy Spirit in God’s creative, redeeming, and sanctifying actions within the Church and the world. Special focus will be given to how the Holy Spirit operates outside the church to sustain creation and promote unity among humankind.
  • DTH 105–306Dogmatics IV (Suffering & Evil)This course will entail a systematic examination of biblical and patristic views of suffering and evil within God’s good creation, and how these views affect human understanding of God. The course will also explore different pastoral approaches to communicating God’s healing grace to those who are innocent and suffer unjustifiably in the present world.
  • DTH 106–306Dogmatics V (Wealth & Poverty)This will explore the various and complex understandings of wealth and poverty in the Christian tradition, considering their socio-economic and cultural contexts. Specifically, students will examine the unity of the human race as depicted in biblical and patristic traditions, the ethical and redemptive aspects of almsgiving, and how wealth and poverty relate to God’s providential love for the world.
  • CAT 101CatechismAfter three years of intensive theology, the prospective graduate will face the challenge of satisfying the ever-growing thirst for Faith, especially from their congregation. This course ensures that the graduate is well equipped with the necessary skills to teach theological knowledge to the faithful. E. Practical Theology,

E · 11 courses

Practical Theology

  • LIT 101Byzantine Divine ServicesThis is a general introduction to the Orthodox Divine Service. It provides an overview of the Liturgical cycle of Orthodox Christian worship, examining the Liturgical books of the Orthodox Church, the structure of the Hours, and the layouts of Daily Vespers, Festal Vespers, and the Vespers on Sunday. It also covers the daily Matins as part of the vigil on Saturday night, major feast days, and the specific theological expressions in these services. Additionally, a discussion is included on various hierarchical elements of the Divine Liturgy, focusing on how these services are both read and served.
  • LIT 102Byzantine EucharistsThis course discusses the structure, history, and theology of the Byzantine Divine Liturgies of Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, and the Presanctified Gifts, while examining how the priest and deacon serve during them. It covers the common and proper elements of these Liturgies and the liturgical theologies expressed through them. Additionally, there is discussion on various hierarchical elements, including the vesting of the hierarch and the roles of the sub-deacon, deacon, and other clergy.
  • LIT 201Liturgical YearThis study covers the Lenten cycle, Holy Week, and Pasha. It provides an overview of Great Lent and its theology as expressed through the season, examining the Lenten Triodion and Lenten services—Matins, Vespers, Compline with the Great Canon, the Akathist Hymn, and the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. It also takes a closer look at the services of Holy Week and Pasha, including the Bridegroom Matins, Great and Holy Friday, the Liturgy of Great and Holy Saturday, and the Presentation, along with details of their structure. The course discusses how these services are both read and served.
  • LIT 202Orthodox MysteriesThis course will seek to understand the issues surrounding the Eastern Orthodox Mysteries and the theology within each framework. To achieve this, the class will seek to identify the origin and evolution of each sacrament covered in the course, as well as the meaning behind each theological issue, action, or word. This course will further examine how the various Orthodox mysteries/sacraments in the Euchologion, or Book of Needs, are served: Baptism, Marriage, Unction, Confession, Ordination, and Tonsure. In addition, the course discusses the various prayers and blessings found in the Euchologion.
  • LIT 204IconologyThis course carries a broad study of the origins, development, writing, theology, and the arrangement of icons in the Orthodox Church and worship.
  • HOM 101Preaching ApproachesThis course provides an introduction to the skills and craft of preaching by exploring basic approaches to preaching and sermon preparation, attentive listening to a variety of church fathers, contemporary preachers, and practical assignments. This practical approach will be framed by a theological understanding which will take into account the elements that the preacher must be aware of in preaching, including: appropriate handling of the biblical text, the life and ministry of the local church, the values and suppositions of the prevailing culture, and finally the preacher’s own worldview.
  • HOM 203HomileticsThe aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamentals of preaching in the liturgical context. By exploring basic approaches to sermon preparation and preaching, students will learn the skills and craft involved in the practice, including how to read a text closely, exegete a passage, interpret it through hermeneutics, and develop oral communication.
  • HOM 204Homiletics PracticumThe Homiletics Practicum provides students with an opportunity to refine their homiletic skills by focusing on preaching from unspecified biblical texts, the Orthodox lectionary, sacramental readings, and challenging preaching situations. It also gives them the chance to express their understanding of preaching and its role in their ministry. This practical approach will be rooted in a theological framework that emphasizes key elements a preacher must understand, such as proper handling of the biblical text, the life and ministry of the local church, the values and assumptions of the dominant culture, and ultimately, the preacher’s own worldview.
  • MUS 101Introduction to Byzantine MusicLiturgical music begins with an introduction to theoretical music. Here, the system of notation, time value, music alphabet, key signatures, signs, and tempo, along with other basic layouts, are studied. At the same time, liturgical music involves introducing the eight tones (Octoechos), which form the basis of our liturgical hymnology, following the Byzantine liturgical style of chanting in the Orthodox Church.
  • MUS 203 & 204Byzantine Music I & IIThis section covers an introduction to pitch, names and notations, musical rhythms, rests, styles, dots, scales, and accidentals. There will be a discussion of time signature, performance, and dynamics. Tactically, the Troparia of various Feasts and Saints, Theotokia, and anavasimia are analyzed in relation to the Octoechos. At this point, students are expected to read and write or compose music on various scales.
  • MUS 203HymnologyThis course provides a broad study of the origins, development, writing, theology, and arrangement of hymns in the Orthodox Church and in Orthodox worship. E. PHILOSOPHY AND ETHICS

F · 8 courses

Philosophy & Ethics

  • PHI 101Introduction to Philosophy of ReligionThis course covers ancient or classical philosophy, with a particular focus on Socrates (469-399 B.C.) and Plato (427-347 B.C.). Socrates is characterized as a pre-Christian philosopher in these teachings. (He is emphasized in a broader scientific context and in deeper ethical and religious experiences).
  • PHI 102Philosophy of Religion IThe study of Plato focuses on his biography before and after meeting the great master of philosophy, as well as his ethical doctrines concerning the highest good, the real and unreal, the definition of virtues, the cosmos of ideas, and more.
  • PHI 203–204Philosophy of Religion IIThis course will focus on Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), Renaissance philosophy, and modern philosophy or the so-called religious philosophy. Aristotle’s doctrines on metaphysics, the existence of God, the origin of the world, nature, the universe, the soul, logic, and more will be explored.
  • ETH 203Introduction to Christian EthicsChristian moral theology focuses on virtue not as an end in itself, but as a vital, challenging, and rewarding aspect of the Good Life, the Life in Christ. Therefore, a proper goal of Christian ethics is happiness or, more precisely, blessedness; this reflects St. Seraphim of Sarov’s well-known saying. The aim of the Christian life is to acquire the Holy Spirit. By taking Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Panaghia as our primary ethical models, the class explores the meaning and nature of ‘right action’ within the context of Uncreated Grace.
  • ETH 204Christian MoralityThe objective of this course is to equip students with the knowledge of how to address contemporary moral issues in everyday Christian life. Certain issues arise due to human development, and Christians should be prepared to face them. The course explores what Christian ethics or Christian morals entail. Specific topics, such as divorce, marriage, baptism, and others, are discussed. Each student selects a research topic and examines the issue.
  • ETH 205Social EthicsThis is a study of social ethics from an Orthodox Christian perspective. The course will focus on developing skills, through a study of methods and sources, necessary to analyze contemporary social problems and to make ethical judgments on issues such as church and politics, poverty, war, culture, the environment, and other current topics.
  • ETH 206Christian EthicsThis course explores the history, theology, and practice of Orthodox Christian social action, starting with the Apostolic Fathers and continuing to the present day. In addition to weekly reflections on the readings, each student will be responsible for developing, designing, and launching a small service project for the local community. Some weeks, during the scheduled class time, we will observe Boston-area social entrepreneurs in action, which means class will be held off campus. Additionally, students will be required to participate in a weekend overnight visit to a Christian monastic community to learn about its impact on the local area.
  • ETH 207Christian Medical EthicsThis course will examine end-of-life, origin-of-life, and medical ethical issues from an Orthodox perspective. Specifically, students will be encouraged to consider how an Orthodox Christian anthropology might influence treatment approaches in these areas. PASTORAL CARE

G · 7 courses

Pastoral Care

  • PAS 101Introduction to Pastoral CareAn introduction to pastoral theology, care, and counseling presented in an integrated manner. Historical and patristic foundations are examined through the lens of current pastoral theories that seek innovative ways of providing care within the parish setting. The emphasis is on the person of the pastoral caregiver, including their vocation, role, identity, and preparation in offering empathy and support to the Christian community.
  • PAS 102Pastoral ProblemsThis course explores contemporary problems and crises facing candidates for the Orthodox priesthood and lay ministers within the parish setting. Topical areas include family systems, aging, physical sickness and suffering, mental health and illness, death, dying and bereavement, sexuality, substance abuse and addiction, and human aggression.
  • PAS 103Marriage & FamilyThe course will explore the Orthodox theological perspective on marriage and family. It will focus on the qualities of both healthy and unhealthy relationships. Issues that negatively impact marital and family bonds, such as addictions and psychological, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, will be addressed. Special attention will be given to clergy marriages and the topic of clerical ‘burnout.’ The role of the pastoral caregiver in supporting marriages and families will also be highlighted.
  • PAS 201Grief & DeathThis course will explore the Orthodox view of death and life after death, the human process of grief, and ministering to the bereaved. It will focus on the theological, psychological, and pastoral issues related to death and dying. Topics covered include thanatology, the remembrance of death, theories of grief, end-of-life issues, hospice and palliative care, bereavement support, living wills, advanced directives, and the pastor's role in end-of-life matters.
  • PAS 202Pastoral Counseling: Theory and PracticeListening is at the heart of pastoral counseling. Yet what the pastor/minister hears is shaped by his/her theoretical orientation, belief system, and worldview, and lived experience. This course seeks to give students the opportunity to study different pastoral counseling theories as they go beyond the limits of their own stories in the context of practicing foundational counseling skills.
  • PAS 202Christian CounselingThis course studies the concepts and methods of biblical counselling. The student will use a biblical worldview to understand the benefits and appropriate uses of counselling, as well as the potential resources available in the community. The content is designed to deliver essential knowledge and skills to equip students to become helping lay counsellors within the Christian community. The course discusses the resources and knowledge that apply to a broad spectrum of counselling issues.
  • PAS 203Addiction & GraceThis course will examine addiction with a broader understanding of the term. Students will learn that the addictive process is a manifestation of a progressive spiritual disease. This has deep and interconnected effects on the psychological, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects. The addictive process also has serious consequences for relationships at home, within society, at work, and in the Church. Resources from Orthodox theology, spirituality, psychology, and the field of addiction (especially the 12 Step Self-Help Movement) will be studied. Opportunities for personal reflection and pastoral response will also be explored.

H · 4 courses

Canon Law, Administration & Mission

  • LAW 201Introduction to Church CanonsAn introduction to the Orthodox Church’s Holy Canons: the administrative structure, intercommunion of the Orthodox with the Non- Orthodox, canonical impediments to the holy orders, the issue of marriage and divorce from a canonical point of view.
  • LAW 301Canonical InterpretationsThis unit provides a comprehensive overview of the canons, along with a detailed analysis of the canonical requirements for entering the clergy. It includes a study of the holy canons related to current topics of interest, the interpretation and commentary of Nikodemus the Hagiorite, and selected readings and research in canon law.
  • CHA 101 & 102Church Administration I&IIThis is a comprehensive explanation of acquiring church membership through the Sacrament of Baptism and Chrismation, comparing the three major branches of Christianity: Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism. It provides an overview of the difference between clergy and laity through ordination. It also examines the role of the priest in parish ministry, the foundation and structure of parish administration, and how the laity can participate in parish governance.
  • MS 201–203Orthodox Missiology I, II, IIIA historical survey of the entire mission of Christ, as conducted by the Apostles, St. Paul, and from the Early Church Fathers to the fifth century. The units will be complemented by leadership in mission sessions held every week of the year. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of early Christian missiological trends, key figures, theological influences, and significant events. This introductory course is successfully followed by Missiology II (covering the sixth to the ninth century) and Missiology III (covering the tenth to the fifteenth century, including the Ottoman Empire era to the present). This program has been offered since 2001. RESEARCH

I · 5 courses

Research

  • RES 101Academic WritingThe principal aim of this course is to develop academic writing skills in English, with a special focus on writing within Theology and Religious Studies. This research and writing course will instruct students in using academic ethics, various referencing styles, and library resources efficiently and effectively (including the local book collection, e-books, and article databases). It will introduce students to the habit of taking notes while reading and to creating a reference tool for future sermons, Bible studies, articles, or books. The students will also learn essetial skills of communication (written and oral) in academia.
  • RES 3000Thesis WritingThis advanced seminar in research and writing is intended to help prepare students for graduate and postgraduate work and future publication in theologically related fields (e.g., theology, philosophy, church history, biblical studies). In this course, every student will prepare a final, summative writing assignment in their degree concentration.
  • RES 4000Doctoral ResearchThis course serves as an introductory course in the dissertation methodology writing process. The focus of the course is the further development of the student’s dissertation proposal of the first three chapters of the traditional doctoral dissertation and completion of their proposal. The core objective of this course is to provide guidance and motivation to the doctoral student so that Chapter 3, the methodology, is completed and the entire prospectus is approved by doctoral school committee.
  • RES 4001Article WritingThe purpose of this course is to inform and persuade the writer about what matters to their audience and editor as they craft an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. By covering understanding the audience, topic, argument, and organization, the course guides the writer in putting ideas into a clear and impactful paper.
  • RES 6000Postdoctoral ResearchThis will involve postdoctoral research areas proposed by the AOA, either independently or externally sponsored. The end product will be publishable materials in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, edited books, and/or single academic books.