All courses, unless otherwise noted, are three credit hours. Undergraduate course numbers range from 100 to 499, with 100's generally designating Freshman courses, 200's Sophomore courses, 300's Junior courses, and 400's Senior courses or upper-level electives.
A general introduction to the Bible focusing on the nature, historical background, linguistics, canonization, transmission, and English translations of the Bible.
As a vital component of a Christ-centered education, Criswell College embraces chapel worship to encourage a community of learning and of faith. Chapel supports the educational curriculum of the campus community through weekly collective meetings as a campus family, exposing students to quality models of expository preaching and sound biblical teaching, an enacted theology of worship, and a model and experience for good corporate worship. This is a required non-credit course.
A practical application of Christian ministry in diverse areas, such as discipleship, Christian counseling, Bible study leadership, chaplaincy, street evangelism, hospital visitation, etc. A position of ministry in a local church will satisfy this requirement if approved by the Encounter Missions Director. This is a required non-credit course.
An introductory study of principles and methods of effective Christian teaching. Emphasis is placed on developing teaching plans. Opportunity to practice teaching will be provided. Approaches include teaching for knowledge, understanding, attitude change, Christian growth, and application.
An introductory course focused on understanding the purposes, processes, and problems involved in organizational administration, including the area of Christian education. Students gain an understanding of management concepts that encourage Christian stewardship of resources. Areas of study include budgeting, scheduling, staff management, committee structure and leadership, and facilities.
An introductory study of the various educational organizations of the local church, seeking to relate the biblical goals of the church to the organizational life of a given local church. Attention will be given to the available curricula for Christian education today.
An introductory analysis of the causes of conflict at both the interpersonal and institutional levels. Particular attention will be given to models of communication and the constructive role conflict can play when carefully managed. In addition to case studies, students will explore their own inclinations in an environment of conflict.
An introduction to the oral presentation of the Gospel to the individual, including personal spiritual preparation for the task. Biblical foundations and demands for evangelism provide the basis of study. (Prerequisite: THS 101)
A study of the biblical basis of evangelism, a brief history of evangelism, and various aspects of a perennial program of evangelism in the local assembly of believers. Particular emphasis will be given to discipleship and church growth. (Prerequisite: EMS 101)
A survey of basic communication principles with cross-cultural applications. Emphasis is placed on developing effective bi-cultural models for evangelistic persuasion using modified receptor-oriented communicative techniques with understanding. (Prerequisite: EMS 101, EMS205).
An introductory survey of major missiological motifs. The biblical foundation for missions, theological ramifications of cross-cultural communication of the Gospel, strategies for applied missiology, and the historical expansion of Christian missions are all of major concern. The historical survey highlights the modern mission era and draws attention to trends that will shape missionary activity in the 21st century. (Prerequisite: EMS 101)
An introductory course analyzing topics related to church planting in North America and cross culturally. Factors which inhibit and enhance successful church planting are identified and applied. Particular attention is given to gathering and using statistical data to identify such factors. (Prerequisite: EMS 205)
A careful formulation of the theological basis and content of evangelism, in light of the New Testament. Special attention will be given to such key New Testament concepts as reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, grace, and mercy to analyze their evangelistic significances. (Prerequisites: EMS 102, THS 301)
An examination of religious belief systems found in the major world religions. The functional goal is to understand such belief systems in order to develop effective evangelistic strategies. (Prerequisite: EMS 205)
A comprehensive study of the backgrounds and theologies of contemporary cultic groups and movements. Attention will be given to developing specific strategies for reaching people entrapped by the cults.
A study of contextualization from theoretical and practical perspectives including an examination of methodologies for contextualization of the Gospel. Emphasis is placed on developing a working model which will enable missionaries to be relevant in cross-cultural settings without compromising biblical essentials. (Prerequisite: EMS 205)
A critical look at the New Age Movement and its underlying pantheistic worldview. Such groups, activities, and philosophies as Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Scientology, Urantia, astrology, psychic phenomena, channeling, reincarnation, tarot reading, magic, telepathy, and ufology, as well as others will be investigated.
A course designed to equip those individuals called into full-time evangelistic vocations. The ministries of both itinerant and local church evangelists are constructively studied. All aspects of the vocational evangelist's personal and public life are analyzed. (Prerequisite: EMS 102)
An in-depth analysis of selected topics related to contemporary evangelism. Such issues as televangelism, cell group evangelism, and power evangelism will be discussed. Topics may vary. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic of study differs.
An in-depth analysis of a selected topic related to contemporary missions. Areas of concern are: effective cross-cultural techniques for ministry, threats to modern missions, and leadership training. Topics may vary. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic of study differs. (Prerequisite: EMS 205)
An approved practical evangelistic project. The course is designed to offer the student extensive supervised experience in some specific field of evangelism. (Prerequisite: EMS 102)
A study of the social, religious, and missiological setting to include involvement in a short-term cross-cultural missionary experience in a designated field/ministry. Each practicum unit will have a distinct international or national/sub-culture focus. Literature, methods, models, and ministries will be examined and evaluated, including specific methods for evangelizing and churching persons within the target region/population/country. Emphasis will also be placed on discipleship training, lay evangelism, and social-service ministry. Students will receive training in evangelistic methods and programs specific to the practicum project. The missions course has three major components: 1) Orientation-training and research related to the field project; 2) Field Project, under faculty supervision; and 3) Reflection to include written evaluation and integrative research. With approval from the Vice President for Academic Affairs, students may repeat Mission Practicum courses for credit, provided that they are exposed to a different setting (i.e., international or domestic). (Prerequisite: EMS 101)
A biographical history of 18th and 19th century evangelism in America. The lives and ministries of America's greatest evangelists during this era will be examined and evaluated. Special attention will be given to our nation's two great awakenings. (Prerequisite: THS 201)
A course of remedial instruction in the basic skills needed for effective college-level work. This is a 16 week, non-credit required course.
A comprehensive review of English and introduction to the fundamentals of composition. A student must receive a grade of "C" or better in order to receive credit. (Prerequisite: ENG 100 or a satisfactory score on the English placement exam)
A study of English style and usage, as utilized in written and oral expression. A student must receive a grade of "C" or better in order to receive credit. (Prerequisite: ENG 101)
An introduction to the basic grammar of New Testament Greek. (Prerequisite: ENG 101)
A continuation of basic grammatical studies, together with beginning readings in Johannine Literature. (Prerequisite: GRK 201)
An introductory continuation of the elements of New Testament Greek with an emphasis on the rapid reading of the Greek New Testament and related Hellenistic texts.
Study of intermediate level Greek grammar with an emphasis on the analysis of grammar and syntax in selected readings from the New Testament, and introduction to textual criticism.
A continuation of the study of Greek grammar and syntax, which introduces a modified stratificational and Case Grammar assessment of the grammatical and semantic subsystems of Hellenistic Greek, emphasizing extensive translation of New Testament passages, with an introduction to the principles and practice of Greek exegesis as well as the more salient features of discourse criticism.
An introductory exegetical book study from the New Testament using Greek language skills.
An introduction to the elements of biblical Hebrew with an emphasis on phonology, grammar, and vocabulary. (Prerequisite: ENG 101)
A continuation of the elements of biblical Hebrew with an emphasis on grammar and syntax with selected readings from the Hebrew Bible. (Prerequisite: HEB 301)
A introductory exegetical book study from the Old Testament using Hebrew language skills.
A continuation 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)
A continuation study of Hebrew grammar and syntax with special attention given to the exegesis and exposition of Old Testament poetic texts. Special topics will include the interpretation of figurative language, parallelism, and meter in the exegesis of poetic texts. (Prerequisite: HEB 403)
An introduction to the cultures of the Ancient Near East and Archaic Europe from the Stone Age through the Iron Age. The history, art, and literature of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Israelite civilizations will be explored.
An overview of the great themes of the Greek civilization. These themes will be explored through Greek philosophy, poetry, architecture, and politics. Emphasis will be given to the ideas that directly impact later developments within Western Civilization.
An exploration of the politics, art, literature, and history of the Roman Republic and Empire. The various influences of earlier Greek culture and the rise of Christianity within Roman life will be illuminated.
An examination of the transition from the Roman Empire to a Christian culture will be studied in light of its result on definitions of reality and humanity and the changes it brings to art, literature, and philosophy.
An analysis of the tremendous transformations occurring in art, theology, and philosophy from the Late Middle Ages to the rise of science in the 17th century. Special attention will be paid to the role of the reformers within this age of change.
A survey of Enlightenment and Romanticism and how these opposing forces shaped philosophy, literature, art, and music. Various movements will be examined from revolution to evolution to World War I.
Beginning with the richness of American literature, this course will explore the variegated nature of American art, politics, music, and thought. Emphasis will be placed on the lives of American authors and how they influenced the times in which they lived.
A detailed study of the developments within a specific area of Humanities (philosophy, art, music, literature, or rhetoric). This course may be repeated for credit when the topic of study differs.
A capstone course that will attempt a biblically-based critique of the ongoing integration of theology and modern thought. The various facets of western culture (music, art, literature, theater, etc.) will be examined, evaluating the strengths and deficiencies of each from the perspective of a Judeo-Christian worldview. Throughout this survey of art and ideas, the student will develop the analytical skills necessary to recognize and evaluate the contributions that modern (and postmodern) culture has made to the church as well as our individual lives.
A seminar course exploring the theological content of contemporary cinema, evaluating the impact such appropriations of Christian symbols and theological meta-narratives can have on popular perceptions of God and the local church.
An examination of the various facets of western culture (music, art, literature, theater, etc.) and an evaluation of the cultural contributions and deficiencies of each from the perspective of a Judeo-Christian worldview. (Prerequisites: THS 203 and 301 or 302)
A survey of 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.
This course will include a practical hands-on study and utilization of archaeological 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.
An introduction to the origin and elements of the Latin language with an introduction to basic Latin grammar. (Prerequisite: ENG 101)
A continuation of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. (Prerequisite: LAT 301)
A study of the transmission and translation of the Scriptures and of the principles and procedures of their interpretation and application.
An introduction to the distinctive principles of Christian leadership. The course seeks to evaluate contemporary thought about leadership with a view to assisting each student in achieving the most significant leadership skills possible. Attention is given to developing a biblical philosophy of leadership and ministry.
A study of the unique challenges and opportunities characterizing bi-vocational ministry. Issues such as ministerial and non-ministerial role responsibilities and professional self-image are studied in detail. Practice methodologies for bi-vocational leadership are discussed.
A detailed study, with a significant research component, about a selected topic in Christian leadership. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic studied differs. This course is open to undergraduate Junior and Senior students.
A study of the basic principles of sermon or lesson preparation with attention being given to both the formal and functional elements of the sermon. Emphasis is placed on the expository method of sermon or lesson preparation. It is recommended (but not required) that the student complete two semesters of Hebrew as a prerequisite to this course. This course cannot be taken as an independent study. (Prerequisite: GRK 202. In addition, completion of HEB 302 is recommended.)
A study of basic types of sermon delivery with emphasis placed on preaching without notes. Each student will preach a full-length sermon in class. This course cannot be taken as an independent study. (Prerequisite: MIN 401. In addition, completion of GRK 302 or HEB 302 is recommended.)
A survey of the various responsibilities and duties of pastors and staff members in the ministry of the local church.
A detailed study of a selected topic in preaching, pastoral ministry, leadership, Christian education, or worship leadership. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic studied differs. This capstone course is open to undergraduate students who are completing their final 30 hours of a B.A. degree (see Academic Advising and Curriculum Planning).
An introductory preaching course that seeks to discover the authentic kerygma preached by the Apostles. The student will critically read and examine the apostolic sermons in the book of Act to determine their content and how the apostles effectively delivered their sermons and called people to Christ. Each student will prepare a sermon based on the apostolic model. (Prerequisite: MIN 401)
Charles Haddon Spurgeon and W. A. Criswell were the premiere Baptist preachers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, respectively. What made these two men rise above their peers? The undergraduate level course will trace the preaching ministries of these two men from their youths to the height of their popularity, comparing and contrasting their preaching styles, sermonic content, passion, use of illustrations, and delivery, among other factors to discover transferable principles which can be adopted by the contemporary pulpiteer. (Prerequisite: MIN 401)
The use of Hebrew exegetical tools and the application of the elementary principles of Hebrew exegesis to a selected book of the Old Testament. This course will integrate the student's previous studies in hermeneutics, language, theology, and homiletics in preparing a biblical book for exposition. (Prerequisite: HEB 302)
The use of Greek exegetical tools and the application of the elementary principles of Greek exegesis to a selected book of the New Testament. This course will integrate the student's previous studies in hermeneutics, language, and theology in preparing a biblical book for exposition. (Prerequisite: GRK 202)
A study of oratory and rhetoric as they relate to evangelistic preaching. Each student will learn to prepare expository, textual, and topical evangelistic sermons. Particular emphasis will be placed on delivering an effective evangelistic invitation. (Prerequisites: EMS 102, MIN 401, MIN 402)
A brief survey of inter-testamental history, an introduction to the canon and text of the New Testament, and an introduction to the historical background and content of the Gospels and Acts.
An introduction to the historical background and content of all the Epistles of the New Testament. (It is recommended that this course be taken after NTS 101.)
An intensive study of selected books in the English Bible. Course offerings will be scheduled each semester. This course may be repeated for credit when the book differs.
A study of selected subjects that are related to the history, background, ethics, or theology of the New Testament. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic of study differs.
A study of the books of Genesis through Esther with an emphasis on the interpretive problems of the Pentateuch and the tracing of God's providential dealings with Israel from the time of the patriarchs to Israel's return after the Babylonian exile.
A study of the books of Job through Malachi, focusing on the nature and formation of the poetic and wisdom literature of ancient Israel, as well as the oracles of the Hebrew prophets and their message and contribution to Israel's history and faith. (It is recommended that this course be taken after OTS 101.)
An intensive study of selected books in the English Bible. Course offerings will be scheduled each semester. This course may be repeated for credit when the book differs.
A concentrated study of selected topics and exegesis of selected passages relevant to Old Testament studies. Methodologically, the courses offered in this series will be exegetical and will also integrate other related disciplines such as exposition, hermeneutics, theology, ethics, discipleship, leadership, etc.
Includes a brief survey of the history of philosophy and defends the validity of the logical and epistemological foundations of Christian theology and ethics against critical systems.
A general introduction to logic covering both deductive and inductive inference and the analysis of arguments in ordinary language.
The history of philosophy in the West from the pre-Socratics through the neo-Platonists. This course is designed for students who have already taken at least one course in philosophy and are expected to achieve at a higher level of learning.
The history of philosophy in the West from Augustine to William of Occam, with special emphasis upon Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. This course is designed for students who have already taken at least one course in philosophy and are expected to achieve at a higher level of learning.
The history of philosophy in the West from the Renaissance through contemporary modern philosophy. This course is designed for students who have already taken at least one course in philosophy and are expected to excel at a higher level of learning.
An introduction to the basic elements of modern symbolic logic, including propositional logic and predicate logic. This course is designed for students who have already taken Introduction to Logic.
A study of the principal ethical theories and thinkers, basic ethical problems, and related biblical teaching.
An historical and critical examination of selected metaphysical problems, topics, and systems.
An historical and critical examination of the philosophical study of the nature, scope, and validity of human knowledge.
An historical and topical survey of Western philosophy's attempts to know and define God. Emphasis is given to major historical time periods (including the contemporary), and to topics such as divine attributes, faith and reason, arguments for God's existence, the problem of evil, and how to relate religion and science.
Reading, discussion, and research in selected topics or periods from the history of philosophy.
Studies in a single division of philosophy, such as Aesthetics, the Philosophy of Religion, the Philosophy of Science, and the Philosophy of History.
Reading, discussion and research in selected topics in philosophy with special attention paid to contemporary developments in philosophical literature.
An introduction to psychology as a science with special emphasis on the integration of psychology with biblical truth. The origins, assumptions, techniques, instruments, and methods of psychology will be studied and related to Scripture.
A detailed study of the family as a biblical and social institution. Relevant insights from the social sciences and from history will be used to illuminate the biblical model of family life. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
An introduction to the application of psychology to the counseling ministry. A special emphasis will be placed on the formulation of a model for counseling, based on a biblical anthropology, and utilizing relevant data from the psychological disciplines. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
A detailed evaluation of contemporary theories of human personality in light of the biblical view of man. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
A survey of human development from conception to death, emphasizing biological, cognitive, personal and spiritual growth, and maturation. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
A survey of practical issues faced in Christian and pastoral counseling. This survey will include responding appropriately to common ethical and legal issues, developing a referral list and making referrals, intervening in crises, dealing with difficult people and families, beginning and ending counseling relationships, and appropriately using the Scriptures in counseling. (Prerequisites: PSY 101, 201)
An introductory examination of standardized testing used in psychology, counseling, and education, including personality, aptitude, achievement, and interest tests. A basic introduction to methods used in experimental research in psychology is also examined. Focus will be given especially to questionnaire research and how to write empirical research reports. (Prerequisite: PSY 101, 306)
A study of the possibilities for a counseling ministry at the local church level. A special emphasis will be placed on the utilization of lay people in a church's counseling ministry and on the use of group counseling techniques in church settings. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
A survey of the basic concepts and methods of the integration of psychology with theology. It is highly recommended that this course be taken after at least 9 hours of psychology and 6 hours of systematic theology. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
An introduction to the study of abnormal behavior including origin, classification, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of the various psychopathological classification entities. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)
An independent research project supervised by a faculty member. Three semester hours will be given upon the writing and approval of an original paper of publishable quality built around a thesis related to the major core curriculum in the degree program. The thesis is written using the standards of the latest edition of the Criswell College Manual of Style.
A survey of the structure and history of the universe through the sciences of astronomy (space science), geology (earth science), and biology (life science). Scientific vocabulary and basic math skills will be reviewed and utilized within the course. Forums will also be conducted in the areas of the interface between science and Scripture.
As an introduction to Computer Science, this course is designed to give each student confidence using computer hardware and software. The course uses basic computer vocabulary and various technical concepts of connectivity and communication. Students develop skills important for ministry and academic work using currently available computer and network technologies. Students should have basic typing skills before enrolling in the class.
An introduction to Criswell College and its expectations, this course is designed to give the incoming student a foundation for a successful college experience. This is a required seminar for all entering students who have completed less than 30 hours of post-secondary education at a similar institution, or with a transfer GPA below 2.0
This course provides an opportunity for senior level students to integrate prior academic studies into a comprehensive biblical, theological, and philosophical framework. This course further prepares students to enter a ministry position, or the work force, with clear statements of belief, philosophy of life, self-understanding, and confidence that they have critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assist them in life after college.
An introduction to basic grammar and communication skills for students seeking a working knowledge of Spanish.
A continuation of the elements of Spanish with an emphasis on grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, along with a blend of history and readings that will enable students to effectively converse in Spanish. (Prerequisite: SPN 301)
An introduction to the basic convictions and disciplines of the life of the Christian with particular relevance to those who serve in positions of leadership among believers.
An examination of the history of the Christian church from the first century to the present with emphasis on the roots of American Christianity.
A study of the Anabaptists and their origins is followed by an examination of the emergence of the English Baptists and their subsequent history. A discussion of the history of Baptists in the U.S. pays particular attention to Southern Baptists. Stress is placed on the distinctive beliefs of Baptists within the context of the broader reformation heritage.
An introductory discussion of Prologomena, Bibliology, Theology Proper, Creation, and Angelology, defining the scriptural views and showing the arguments for them, refuting other views, and showing the relevance of this theology to Christian life and witness. (Prerequisites: LIT 101; NTS 101, 201; OTS 101, 201)
An introductory discussion of Anthropology, Hamartiology, Christology, and Pneumatology, defining the scriptural views and showing the arguments for them, refuting other views, and showing the relevance of this theology to Christian life and witness. (Prerequisite: THS 203)
An introductory discussion of Soteriology, Ecclesiology, and Eschatology, defining the scriptural views and showing the arguments for them, refuting other views, and showing the relevance of this theology to Christian life and witness. This course stresses the Baptist view of the church and of the ordinances, as well as broader Baptist polity, and the various eschatological perspectives. (Prerequisite: THS 301)
An intensive study of a selected doctrine of systematic theology or a selected period of historical theology. This course may be repeated for credit when the specific doctrine or historical period differs.
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