Courses By Year

Freshman Courses

1101F - Old Testament Hebrew

A study of the Hebrew language in order to master the basic principles of its grammar (orthography, morphology and syntax). Selected passages of the Old Testament are read. Fall Semester. This course is the prerequisite for 1101W.

1101W - Old Testament Hebrew

A study of the Hebrew language in order to master the basic principles of its grammar (orthography, morphology and syntax). Selected passages of the Old Testament are read. Winter Semester. Prerequisite 1101F.

1104 - Textual Criticism of the Bible

This course teaches students how to make use of the text-critical apparatus of the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament and equips them to make judgments on the best readings. The student learns about the way the texts of the Bible were written, transmitted, and subsequently became available to us. The course also teaches the students about translation methodology, and thus equips them to assess both today’s versions of the Bible as well as translations of specific texts. Attention is paid to the history of Bible translation and translation philosophies. Fall Semester.

1204F - New Testament Greek

This course reviews New Testament Greek grammar and translation. Besides completing translation exercises in a workbook dealing with the basics of biblical Greek, students will translate selections of the New Testament. Fall Semester. This course is the prerequisite for 1204W.

1204W - New Testament Greek

The grammar and syntax of New Testament Greek is studied. Passages from the gospels, the Septuagint and the Apostolic Fathers are read. Winter Semester. Prerequisite 1204F.

1207 - Introduction to Hermeneutics and Exegesis

This course introduces students to the wide field of hermeneutics so that the student becomes more aware of all aspects of the reading and interpretive process. It also instructs the students in the principles and practice of interpreting the Scriptures in order to help equip the student for the task of exegesis. Winter Semester.

1407 - Philosophy

After introducing philosophy and logic, this course surveys some key Western philosophical ideas and debates with a view to how they have affected theology and vice versa. The historic Christian paradigm of “faith seeking understanding” receives close attention, as do responses to the Enlightenment, including Reformational Philosophy (Dooyeweerdian) and Reformed Epistemology. Winter Semester.

1408 - Theological Foundations

This course explores the introductory and underlying questions, or prolegomena, of doctrinal studies. Topics include the nature, source, and method of dogmatics, with a view to promoting sound doctrine within the church today. We also study how God reveals himself, particularly in his inspired Word, which is the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith. Fall Semester.

1409 - Ecumenical Creeds

The study of the church’s creeds and confessions is also called symbolics. This course aims at a thorough knowledge of the Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds, including both their history and content. Fall Semester.

1410 - Three Forms of Unity

The study of the church’s creeds and confessions is also called symbolics. This course focusses on a thorough knowledge of the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort, the Reformed confessions which have become known as the Three Forms of Unity. Attention will be paid to both their history and content. Winter Semester.

1510 - Introduction to Ministry & Mission

Attention is given to Biblical Principles regarding the church and its ministries and offices, with special reference to the ministry of the Word. The students receive a brief introduction to the various subdisciplines such as Homiletics (study preaching), Liturgics (study of worship), etc. Fall Semester.

1511 - Homiletics I

This is an introductory course in the principles, history and practice of preaching, with special attention to important themes in Reformed homiletics such as Catechism preaching and redemptive-historical preaching. The students are introduced to the sermon preparation process. By the end of the course each student is expected to prepare and present a sermon proposal on an assigned passage. Winter Semester.

1512 - Catechetics I

This course is an introduction to the study of Catechism teaching. The course consists of two modules. Module 1: Theological foundations for Catechism teaching (Dr. R. Bredenhof). Module 2: Pedagogical principles for Catechism teaching (Dr. C. van Halen-Faber, J. Huizenga).