Course Descriptions: Interdisciplinary Studies

The courses which comprise the River component can be registered under HIS (history), THE (theology) or MHT (missions history and theology) designations. Students who foresee future graduate studies in those fields should register for these courses under those respective designations.

BTH/MHT 501 The Mission of God in Biblical and Contemporary Contexts
This introductory course to the River segment of the AGTS curriculum consists of an in depth study of the mission of God, as it is revealed in both the Old and New Testaments. The course will not only examine the text of scripture, but also consider the mission of God in terms of the history, culture, and philosophy of the people to whom the mission was delivered, the interpretation of Scripture within the Bible, the progressive development of biblical theology as new cultures and peoples were engaged by Israel and the Church, the modes of mission and ministry which are evidenced in the Bible, and the application of biblical missiology to the contemporary world context.

HIS/MHT/THE 502 Ancient Christianity to the Challenge of Islam (3 credits)
A study of how early Christians perceived the mission of God in the world, involving the examination of the expansion and cultural contexts of ancient Christianity to the eighth century, key personalities, theological and missiological developments, development of the biblical canon, schools of biblical interpretation, liturgies, renewal movements, and significant challenges to the integrity of the faith. The latter include Gnosticism; doctrinal disputes; political, social and cultural dynamics; and the rise of Islam and the Muslim conquests. The course ends with a discussion of contemporary relevance and applications.

HIS/MHT/THE 601 Christianity to the Reformation (3 credits)
A study of how Christians from the ninth century to the early modern period perceived the mission of God in the world, involving the expansion and changing cultural contexts of Christianity from Christendom in the West to Africa, Russia, and Asia; the Protestant and Catholic Reformations; and finally to the extension of Christianity in other parts of the world. Key personalities, theological and missiological developments, schools of biblical interpretation, liturgies, and renewal movements receive attention. The course ends with a discussion of contemporary relevance and applications.”

HIS/MHT/THE 701 Christianity in the Modern and Post-Modern Eras (3 credits)
A study of how Christians since the seventeenth century have perceived the mission of God in the world, involving the expansion and changing cultural contexts of Christianity from the emergence of the Enlightenment, modernity, and post modernity in the West to the global shift of Christianity southward. Key personalities; theological and missiological developments; the interaction of theology with history, hermeneutics, science, and philosophy; and renewal movements including evangelicalism and Pentecostalism receive attention. The course ends with a discussion of contemporary relevance and applications.

Updated: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 3:38 PM