Biblical Studies and Christian Ministries Courses
The Old Testament core requirement (BCM101) and the New Testament core requirement (BCM103) are generally taken during the first year. Both courses are prerequisite to all offerings in this department.
*BCM101 Old Testament History, Literature and Theology (4)
Examines Old Testament history and teaching against cultural, geographical and literary background of Ancient Near East. Archaeology, comparative history and literature; key theological themes foundational to New Testament and Western culture.
*BCM103 New Testament History, Literature and Theology (4)
Examines history and teachings of New Testament in political, social and religious contexts. Highlights important theological themes such as sin, grace, justification by faith, kingdom of God.
BCM105 Foundations of Youth Ministry (4)
Examines purpose of youth ministry, youth in modern American culture, needs of youth and their parents, history and future of youth ministry profession and elements of programming.
*BCM201 Greek I (4)
Introduces fundamentals of Greek of New Testament era. Emphasizes grammar and reading skills.
*BCM202 Greek II (4)
Continues Greek I; extensive reading in Johannine literature of Greek New Testament. Prerequisite: BCM201 (with a C or better) or equivalent.
BCM203 Synoptic Gospels (4)
Studies the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Attention given to variety of issues related to Gospels themselves as well as to some of more significant event and teachings in Jesus' life and ministry. (Not offered 2010-11.)
BCM205 Corinthian Correspondence (4)
Surveys Paul's correspondence with the Corinthian Church, problems arising in the clash of Christian faith with pagan culture, and relevance for today's Church. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11.)
BCM209 Romans and Galatians (4)
Studies two of Paul's most important letters and their basic Christian teachings against background of current thought concerning problems of sin, guilt, faith and religious experience.
BCM210 Prison Epistles (4)
Focuses on historical background, structure, theology and message of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. Attention also given to issues of authority, literary genre, development of Pauline thought and contemporary relevance of documents studied. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM211 Pentateuch (4)
Examines in detail history, culture and law of early Israel and the role each played in development of Judaism and Christianity. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM215 Foundations for Global Christianity (4)
Comprehensive introduction to world Christian movement as involved in mission. Course provides systematic and critical understanding based on biblical foundations, historical developments, cultural issues and strategic approaches. Analysis of dynamics of growth of Christian movement from Apostolic era to present day.
BCM216 Contemporary Developments for the Global Church (4)
Analysis of recent developments and debates in mission circles. Addresses issues pertaining to traditional missionary service and tent-making through teaching, government service, international business and health care. Special attention given to major leaders in evangelization of new peoples and nations and to diverse structures of mission outreach. Topics include contextualization, demographic shifts, cross-cultural family life, health care overseas, the relationship between justice and evangelization, and liberation theology.
BCM220 Introduction to Biblical Studies (4)
Introduces academic study of the Bible and related topics; addresses historical and geographical backgrounds, literary and socio-anthropological approaches to text, selected theological issues and research methods.
BCM225 Preparation for Missions (2)
Designed to be taken spring prior to students embarking on summer missions trips. Prepares students for cross-cultural summer missions experiences focusing on cultural analysis and sensitivity, and cross-cultural living.
BCM227 Prophetic Literature (4)
Studies history and exegesis of selected writings from prophets of ancient Israel. Views New Testament revelation in relation to and applied to modern thought and contemporary literature. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM232 Biblical Archaeology (4)
Studies archaeological discoveries and documents which shed light on the Bible and its world. Emphasizes Dead Sea Scrolls. Field trips to museums. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11.)
BCM234 Modern Jewish Culture (4)
Studies emergence of contemporary Judaism in comparison with biblical Judaism. Traditions in life of a Jew from birth to death. History of Christian-Jewish relations. Numerous field trips and discussions with rabbis. Not open to freshmen.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of juvenile justice ministry, delinquency, and the juvenile justice system. Lays a theological, theoretical and philosophical methodology for working with juvenile offenders in ways that offer opportunities for transformed character. The content is grounded in Scripture, research-based evidence on resilience and transformational change theory, neuroscience, positive adolescent development theory and best practice models.
BCM236 Juvenile Justice Ministry: The Role of the Youth Worker (3)
Critiques transformational character development against incremental self-improvement for the highest at-risk adolescents in society. Particular attention is given to understanding one’s own issues of pain, anger, unmet needs, and prejudice. Individual assessment tools used to discover levels and areas of prejudice. Explores and critiques twelve-step recovery programs.
BCM237 Juvenile Delinquency and its Contributing Factors (3)
Explores myriad of complex internal and external risk factors that contribute toward delinquency. Focuses on dysfunctional family systems, over-stressed communities, learning and mental health issues, racial tension and disproportional minority confinement, gangs, criminal thinking patterns, and various types of addiction and substance abuse issues. Surveys the social systems that impact troubled teens from a “systems thinking” perspective.
BCM241 Family and Adolescent Counseling (4)
Examines needs and problems of normal and troubled adolescent experience. Attention given to developing strategy of ministry through counseling.
BCM253 Leadership Theories and Practice (4)
Surveys variety of philosophies, styles, issues and current challenges for developing leadership in youth ministry. Students challenged to grow as leaders and develop personal philosophy of Christian leadership.
*BCM260 Christian Formation in Cultural Contexts (4)
Examines dynamics of Christian formation in adolescence within sociocultural environments of ancient and contemporary worlds. Emphasizes interrelated and distinct stages of faith formation, theological interplay between Christ and culture, and ways culture influences our understanding of God, ourselves and the Church.
BCM275 Philosophy and Practice of Leadership for Short-Term Missions (2)
Provides overview of leadership principles, philosophy and practice related to short-term missions. Explores biblical theologies of missions, anthropological implications, and various legal and ethical issues related to short-term missions.
BCM277 Future of Youth Ministries (2)
Focuses on broadest possible understanding of youth ministries across cultures and traditions. Students engage in analysis and critique of variety of emerging movements in youth ministries. Course fee and participation at one of national youth ministry conventions required. (Offered fall of odd-numbered years.)
BCM301 Christian Doctrine (4)
Examines great doctrines of Christian faith. Emphasizes biblical bases of doctrines and application to life of the Church and Christian. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM302 Old Testament Theology (4)
Jewish roots of Christian faith as developed throughout Old Testament Scriptures. Emphasizes humanity, covenant, Kingdom of God, Messianic teaching, sin, salvation, worship and Old Testament authority. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM303 Greek III (4)
Requires translation of New Testament Greek materials; emphasizes vocabulary building and mastery of grammar. Prerequisite: BCM202 or equivalent.
BCM304 Seminar: Greek Exegesis (4)
Introduces exegesis; includes readings from extra-biblical materials. Exegesis papers written and discussed. Exegesis paper required if taking for senior seminar credit. Prerequisite: BCM303 or equivalent.
BCM305 Development of Christian Thought (4)
Studies historical development of selected doctrines from end of New Testament to Protestant Reformation. Reformation studied through life and teachings of Martin Luther. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM306 Christianity from the Reformation to the Present (4)
Traces historical development of Christian theology since Reformation; begins with study of John Calvin; concludes with 21st-century theological issues. No prerequisite. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11.)
*BCM308 Christian Theology (4)
Introduces key ideas, traditions and people who have shaped the development of Christian theology from antiquity to the present. Considers importance of theology as foundation for Christian thought, as guide to the Church, and as a primary resource for living reflective lives and engaging broader world with the gospel.
BCM310 New Testament Theology (4)
Studies major biblical-theological themes of New Testament: creation/new creation, covenant, salvation, Kingdom of God, Messiah, people of God, life in Christ, etc. Main focus on Old Testament antecedents of these themes and climactic fulfillment in Christ and New Testament. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
*BCM311 Hebrew I (4)
Introduces fundamentals of biblical Hebrew; emphasizes grammar, vocabulary and syntax. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
*BCM312 Hebrew II (4)
Continues Hebrew I; readings and exegesis of selected prose and poetic portions of Hebrew Bible. Exegesis paper required if taking course for senior seminar credit. Prerequisite: BCM311. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
BCM314 Survey of World Religions (4)
Surveys major non-Christian religions of the world. Focuses on history, belief structure and relationship to culture; key issues in presenting gospel message to adherents of each religion.
BCM315 Educational Theories and Methods (4)
Investigates historical and contemporary philosophies of education, educational theory, components of curriculum theory; evaluates and critiques published curricular materials, and designs teaching-learning experiences appropriate for Christian ministries.
BCM317 Gospel of John (4)
Studies Gospel of John from number of perspectives, emphasizing literary analysis, historical and exegetical issues as well as theological distinctives. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11.)
Emphasizes critical study of Scripture that moves beyond experiential arguments concerning gender issues in the Church through historic overview, examining relevant Scripture passages alongside interpretations from various perspectives, outlining possibilities for feminist theology, and exploring contemporary gender issues in the Church.
BCM320 Expository Communication (2)
Explores communication strategy and elements of homiletical theory in effective presentation of gospel message to youth. Opportunities to design and deliver youth talks.
BCM321 Evangelism and Discipleship (4)
Analyzes spiritual decision-making process, communication theory and strategy for contemporary culture, and art of persuasion; spiritual formation and nurture. Incorporates individual experiences in personal evangelism and small-group discipleship.
BCM322 American Christianity (4)
Studies development of Christianity in America from 17th century to today; people (e.g., Edwards, Rauschenbusch) and movements (e.g., Revivalism, Social Gospel Movement, Fundamentalism) which gave it form. Field trips to Boston. (Alternate years. Offered 2010-11.)
Studies New Testament documents known as Pastoral Epistles, I and II Timothy and Titus, focusing attention on background and occasion of each book, and, more importantly, structure and theology. Considers issues of authority and contemporary relevance to life of Church. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11.)
BCM325 Wisdom Literature (4)
Examines wisdom writings of biblical period in historical and literary contexts to find meaning and practical application to today; Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Egyptian parallels; selected intertestamental writings and New Testament illustrations. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11)
BCM335 Biblical Hermeneutics (4)
Studies selected critical problems relating to origin, transmission and interpretation of biblical books. Prerequisites: BCM101, 103, 220. Non-majors require permission of instructor.
BCM337 Historical Geography of the Lands of the Bible (4)
Studies geographical features of lands of Bible stressing factors that affected settlement patterns, communication and power struggles. Relevant biblical, historical and archaeological materials correlated with geographical features, major sites and routes in antiquity. (Alternate years. Not offered 2010-11)
BCM345 Effective Juvenile Justice Aftercare Models (3)
Examines literature on resiliency and asset building while building theoretical aftercare models. Analyzes effective case management and evaluation models useful for data collection, funding proposals, and enhancing ministry effectiveness. Critiques models of residential aftercare, discipleship homes, community-based aftercare, mentoring, youth aftercare churches, community service, and community collaboration.
BCM347 Contexts for Effective Institutional Juvenile Justice Ministry (3)
Examines program development within juvenile facilities. Innovative models will be examined and experienced within a local juvenile facility, including recovery groups, character and spiritual development. Students will develop a strategic plan that incorporates: a compelling vision and mission, staffing, volunteer recruitment, ongoing training, developing resources, and measuring outcomes as an integrative process.
Introduction to Christian apologetics through critical analysis of theology pertaining to articulation of Christian faith. Challenges students to broaden understanding of what they believe to be true and why they believe it, in order to develop a personal statement of faith and verbally explain and defend their faith in an atmosphere of doubt.
BCM371 Selected Topics (2-4)
Upper-level seminar course focuses on select topics not regularly taught. Repeatable with a different topic.
BCM377 Future of the Church (2)
Focuses on broadest possible understanding of contemporary church. Students engage in analysis and critique of a variety of emerging movements in North American and global churches. Course fee and participation at church leadership conference required. (Alternate fall semester of even calendar years.)
BCM380 Theology and Models of Urban Ministry (4)
Orientation for inner-city ministry stressing strengths and resources of inner-city people and communities while dealing with dynamics of poverty, oppression, racism, gangs, drugs and crime. Discusses prevention and treatment responses of church and state. Students gain understanding of cross-cultural communication, community research, analysis of research, community development, change of suburban attitudes and development of youth programs. Offered in Boston through Center for Urban Ministerial Education. (Alternate years.)
BCM425, 426 Practicum In Christian Ministries I, II (2-6; 2-6)
Involves 400 hours of ministry experience in a church or parachurch setting under supervision of on-site minister. Placements made in summer following junior year or during senior year. Practicum students attend on-campus meetings throughout academic year or are visited by instructor on-site in summer. Repeatable for elective credit if completed in a dissimilar context. Pre- and/or concurrent requisites: BCM105, 241, 253, 260, 320, and 321 or by permission of instructor.
BCM427 Missions Practicum (0-8)
Provides students with eight-week cross-cultural experience overseas. Practicum emphasizes completion of particular missions project under direction of field missionary or missions agency. Must be prearranged and approved by instructor. Prerequisites: BCM215, 216, 225 and 314.
Provides students opportunity to serve within Jewish community, gaining firsthand experience on community projects and learning about Jews and Judaism with purpose of further fostering positive relationships between Jewish and Christian communities. Prerequisites: advance approval by supervising faculty member and registrar, and minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
BCM471, 472 Research I, II (2, 4)
Individual research for senior honors thesis. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of supervising faculty member.
BCM491 Senior Seminar in Christian Ministries (4)
Reading and research in selected area of ministry. Integrative experience brings to culmination various facets of ministry; for senior majors or minors. Pre- and/or concurrent requisites: BCM425, 426 or permission of instructor.
BCM492 Senior Seminar in Biblical Studies (4)
Reading and research in selected areas of Old Testament, New Testament or theology. Topics 2009-10: The Writings of Abraham Joshua Heschel Comparative Christianity: Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox A Study of Ephesians.Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
*Fulfills Core Curriculum requirement