M.A. Theology Course Descriptions

This course will introduce students to the practice of graduate-level research within the field of theological studies and its attending disciplines. Students will learn about various research methodologies and best practices essential to conducting competent study and research within the theological disciplines. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to: formulating a research question, constructing an argument, the role of methodology and procedure in writing, collection and use of primary and secondary sources, and the ethics of research.

This course examines the message of the Old Testament, in whole and in its parts. Particular attention is given to its basic content; literary features (structure, genre, canon); historical and cultural context (ancient Near East); theological emphases, including connections to the New Testament and the Christian tradition; and application to modern Christian life and ministry.

Study of introductory issues of the New Testament including: the Intertestamental period, the formation of the New Testament, the quest for the historical Jesus, the life and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, the work of the Holy Spirit in the church in Acts, the doctrines and application of the Epistles, and the Second Coming of Jesus in Revelation. The historical background and main themes of each New Testament book will also be covered.

This course is an investigation of the major doctrines of the Christian faith. Attention is given to the contextual and missional character of theology in service to the church and the importance of integrating Christian beliefs into personal faith.

This course provides an in-depth study of the major areas of systematic theology (Doctrine of God, Christology, Pneumatology, Ecclesiology) in light of various controversies and confessions which came to shape Christian thought on these issues within the Eastern and Western traditions of the church.

This course provides a study of currents within Biblical scholarship, hermeneutics and interpretation starting in the late 19^th century and continuing through to the present day. Subjects to be covered include, but are not limited to: historical criticism, textual criticism, the revival of Jewish studies, the New Perspective on Paul, biblical theology, and perspectival readings (e.g., feminist criticism, post-colonial interpretation). Students will gain a greater awareness of current discussions shaping Biblical Studies and a better understanding of various confessional/evangelical contributions to those discussions.

This course provides a historical overview of the development of the Christian church in both the East and the West, beginning with the post-New Testament church of the second century and continuing through to the present day. This survey will cover important persons, dates, and events, but also various salient controversies, doctrinal developments, and social reform movements which came to shape much of the history of Christianity.

Study of the history and practices of the interpretation of Scripture with an emphasis on hermeneutics that leads to the teaching of the passage. Topics include language, genre, authorial intent, and the relationship between the Testaments. The course will culminate in a final teaching project to be completed by the student during the session.

This course is an examination of the ethical vision of the Christian faith, grounded in God’s character and revealed will, and aimed toward moral transformation of persons and society. This includes a demonstration of how a Christian ethical vision shapes identity and personal holiness and leads to service to the community and church.

This course focuses on investigating the characteristics of a Christian worldview and studying the various apologetic approaches to providing a defense of the Christian faith and practice.

This course examines trends in the study of theology as relating to contemporary issues in the church and society. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to: post-modern hermeneutics and theology, political theologies, theological controversies within evangelicalism, and global approaches (e.g., liberation theology).

Students will complete a master’s thesis addressing a significant topic in the area of theological studies. The topic and research will be chosen and pursued at the direction of a primary faculty supervisor. The thesis will be 15,000-20,000 words in length and double-spaced (60-80 pages), excluding front matter and bibliography. Upon completion of the research and writing phase, and with the approval of the primary supervisor, the student will complete an oral defense of the thesis to be conducted by a committee consisting of the student’s primary supervisor and another faculty member who will serve as a second reader/examiner. Students may opt to complete the thesis over the course of one or two semesters. BTH 700 is to be taken in lieu of two elective courses in the MA Theology program, may be taken concurrently with no more than one other course left in the student’s program, and must be taken in the last year of the student’s program.

This course will examine the history, beliefs, and practices of the Christian & Ministry Alliance. Focus on the original writings of A. B. Simpson as well as contemporary emphasis on theological distinctives and global engagement will establish its present and future trajectory.

This course explores the role of theology in critiquing, and engaging with, post-Christendom culture in the West. Lessons will be gleaned from different historical models of how Christians from various traditions have engaged with culture, such as the church in the Greco-Roman world, various monastic movements, the Reformation, and responses to modernism and post-modernism (e.g., modernist/liberal, neo-orthodoxy, fundamentalism, and evangelicalism).

Given the continually changing ecclesial contexts, this course applies historical lessons from primary models of church to contemporary contexts. The student will review best administrative practices and apply those to models of distance worship and discipleship.

This course examines the history of the Protestant Reformation. Students will learn about the various controversies within the Roman Catholic Church that precipitated the Reformation, as well as the theological, ecclesial, and social developments which followed it. The Reformation’s short-term and long-term effects on Catholicism will also be explored (e.g., Council of Trent, Vatican II).

This course prepares students to successfully identify a community’s felt needs and then realize an appropriate strategy that brings about shalom or a flourishing to all dimensions of life. Successful ministries take into consideration their own culture’s perspectives along with that of the culture they seek to impact. The course also explores how sustainable ministries consistently produce new leaders through the practices of discipleship, succession plans, and delegation.  These are essential skills for anyone seeking to have lasting and meaningful presence in their vocational setting, whether it be in a cross-cultural setting or the individual’s own culture.

The Toccoa Falls College Orientation designed for students who are new to graduate studies at TFC. The course equips students with knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for a positive experience at TFC. The college does not charge tuition for this course since it is a non-credit course; however, a passing grade in the course is a requirement for graduation. (0 hours, either semester)