COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HEB 701  HEBREW EXEGETICAL METHOD I

An advanced continuation of the study of Hebrew grammar, emphasizing exegetical method in Hebrew prose literature. Special attention will be given to syntax, textual criticism, literary analysis, and lexical studies. (Prerequisite: HEB 302 or equivalent)

JMS 500   INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY

An advanced introduction to the contributions archaeology has made to the field of biblical interpretation. It will include a study of basic geography of Israel, a review of some of the major archaeological sites in the Middle East, and a review of basic techniques used in doing archaeology.

JMS 502  INTRODUCTION TO JEWISH STUDIES

This course will first establish a biblical rationale for Jewish evangelism.  It will then examine the history, culture, and religious thought of the Jewish people with a view to better understand them, to be able to evaluate past Christian efforts in Jewish evangelism, and to formulate strategies for effectively communicating the Gospel in a Jewish context. (Must be taken during first semester of Jewish studies.)

JMS 505  HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF ISRAEL

This course will provide the student with a thorough understanding of the biblical and modern history of Israel and its surrounding region, and the role geography played in these events. Particular attention is placed on becoming familiar with locations mentioned in the biblical stories. Students will survey the vast literature on this subject, and then travel throughout Israel for the purpose of enhancing their understanding gained in the classroom.

JMS 510  HISTORY OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE

This course traces the history of Jewish believers in Jesus from the first century to the present, against the background of Jewish history, in general. Attention will be given to the most significant individuals and events that have shaped Jewish history, as well as methods that have been used in missions to the Jews.

JMS 521  JEWISH INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

This course is designed for students interested in evangelistic ministry focusing on the cross-cultural encounter with Jewish people. Acquiring a better understanding of American Jewry and Jewish evangelism is the object of this course. An anthropological approach will be used to identify features of Jewish ethnic identity and culture. Students will become familiar with religious practices and traditions in Judaism along with the ideological beliefs of contemporary Jewry in the United States. These broad foundations will be applied to strategic thinking about practice and theory in Jewish evangelism.

JMS 550  THEOLOGY OF ISRAEL

This is a biblical-theological study of the subject of Israel and its practical application to ecclesiology (doctrine of the church) and missiology (doctrine of missions). This course will critically evaluate Replacement Theology and Dual Covenant Theology in light of relevant biblical texts concerning Israel's past, present, and future with a special focus on a Pauline Theology of Israel and its application for the church today.

JMS 560  MESSIANIC PROPHECY

An advanced course tracing the development of Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament as it relates to Israel and the nations and also shows its fulfillment in the Jesus the Messiah. Gives attention to Jewish interpretation of prophetic passages as expressed in Jewish literature.

JMS 600  FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY

This advanced course will include a practical hands-on study and utilization of aracheological excavation techniques and procedures under the guidance of trained professionals. Excavation sites will be chosen with reference to their relevance and importance to the field of biblical studies.

JMS 610  RABBINIC LITERATURE

This course is an examination of both the phenomenon and the essential texts of rabbinic literature. Attention will also be given to the relevance of this literature to the New Testament and to the use of the Old Testament in the New. Finally, the student will be exposed to Rashi, Rambam, and the mysticism of the Zohar.

JMS 620  JEWISH LIFE AND CULTURE

A study of Jewish religious thought, sense of time, holidays, music, film, and modern literature. The course emphasizes the historical, social, and cultural dynamics of the Jewish people. Students will analyze and interact with Jewish music, film, and literature through listening, reading, writing, viewing, and class discussion.

JMS 670  TOPICS IN JEWISH STUDIES

An in-depth analysis of a selected topic related to Jewish studies.  Areas of concern are: apologetics, Middle East conflict, and Holocaust. Topics may vary. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic of study differs.

RES 602  RESEARCH SEMINAR

A study of strategies and resources for research and technical writing in the field of theology and biblical studies. The course includes advanced instruction in the use of a theological library and the preparation of thesis proposal according to the standards of the latest edition of the Criswell College Manual of Style.

RES 603  M.A. THESIS

With the permission of the Academic Cabinet and an appointed thesis committee, Master of Arts students may submit a thesis of 60 to 80 typewritten pages. Three semester hours credit will be given upon the approval of the completed thesis. Suitable topics must be approved by the thesis committee and the Academic Cabinet. A prospectus of the proposed research project should be submitted to the Academic Cabinet for approval by the completion of RES 602. Guidelines for prospectus and thesis writing may be secured from the Vice President of Academic Affairs Office or are presented in RES 602. (Students must register for this course in the semester following the approval of the prospectus.) (Prerequisite: RES 602)