The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biblical Studies provides an in-depth education from a Wesleyan-Arminian perspective in Bible for persons who desire to understand the Christian faith and its foundational issues. This degree meets some of the requirements for licensing and ordination in many churches. Particularly, nearly two-thirds of the academic requirements for ordination in The Wesleyan Church are met upon completion of both the Associate of Science in Christian Ministries and the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies.
Biblical Studies graduates should:
The same courses offered in the classroom setting are also offered via the Internet. Details are available at http://www.IWUOnline.com.
All students wishing to major in Biblical Studies must complete the courses below or transfer equivalent work in the following before taking coursework designated for the Biblical Studies major:
* Note: For students lacking the prerequisites required for entrance into the Biblical Studies major, a Certificate in Religious Studies can provide the required courses. See under Certificate Programs, Religious Studies.
Students desiring to prepare for the Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies may elect to complete fifteen hours earning the Certificate in Religious Studies. The following courses are offered in the program. Each course earns three hours of credit.
BIL-101 Old Testament Survey*
BIL-102 New Testament Survey*
BIL-120 Themes in Biblical Literature
BIL-201 Methods in Bible Study*
BIL-202 Inductive Bible Study*
BIL-231 Biblical Archaeology
REL-232 Basic Christian Doctrine*
PHL-282 Ethics
PHL-283 Philosophy and Christian Thought
REL-225 American Religious Issues
REL-225 Defending the Christian Faith
* Prerequisites for the Biblical Studies major
UNV-181 Leading Change in the World 3
This course is designed to assist students with the development of a basic plan to change their world. Students will be briefly introduced to key elements of select leadership models, change theory, and strategic planning, and will use this theory to build a model to become change agents. Students will be introduced to a Christian worldview of change by experiencing select readings of prominent change agents in Biblical history.
BIL-203 Advanced Inductive Bible Study 3
This course is an advanced course to further develop Biblical study skills initially discovered in BIL-201 Methods in Bible Study or BIL-202 Inductive Bible Study. It will further broaden the assumptions, procedures, and guidelines in the interpretation of the Bible. Emphasis is placed upon the refinement of the student's skills in observation, interpretation, and application. The course is designed to develop the student's ability to study the Scriptures accurately, systematically, and independently as a basis for both personal and professional use of the Bible in the future. Prerequisite: BIL-201 or BIL-202
BIL 303 Synoptic Gospels 3
An intensive study of the Gospel of Mark, with attention given to the parallel accounts in Matthew and/or Luke. Examination of unique material in the first and third gospels. Special note will also be made of various solutions to the synoptic problem and to such concepts as the Messiah and the Kingdom of God. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of instructor
BIL 301 Pentateuch 3
The first five books of the Bible are studied as organized wholes. The origin of the world, the creation of man, the calling of Israel, and her place in the plan of redemption are noted throughout. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of instructor
BIL-302 Historical Books 3
A study of each of the historical books from Joshua to Esther, tracing the history of Israel from the entrance into Canaan through the exile and return. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of instructor
BIL 304 Johannine Literature 3
A study of the Gospel of John and the three Epistles. Such concepts as Logos, truth, life, light, and love will be given special attention. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of instructor
REL-442 Christian Theology II 3
A comprehensive study of the fundamental doctrines of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures from an evangelical Arminian viewpoint with other interpretations considered. This course will embrace a study of soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology.
BIL-410 Wisdom Literature 3
A detailed and analytical study of the wisdom books in the Old Testament, specifically, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of department
BIL-404 Acts of the Apostles 3
Primarily a study of the Book of Acts. Attention will be given to the development of the concept of the church, as well as its historical setting in the first two centuries of the Christian era. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of instructor
BIL-402 Major Prophets 3
The office and function of Hebrew prophecy is noted and the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel are studied in the light of their own times. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of instructor
REL-241 Survey of Church History 3
A survey of the major events, persons, and ideas of the Christian community from the Apostolic age to the present. Special attention will be given to the Reformation era and the history of American Christianity.
BIL-412 Romans and Galatians 3
A detailed and analytical study of Paul's letters to the Romans and the Galatians. Prerequisite: BIL-202 or permission of department
REL-410 World Faith Systems 3
A study of the major faith systems of the world and their impact, with an emphasis on their influence on North American culture. Prerequisite: BIL-102
REL-483 Biblical Studies Colloquium 3
A reading and writing intensive course in the study of Biblically-oriented topics that serves as a capstone experience for Biblical Studies students. Topics may reflect contemporary issues or research in the wider discipline. Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Biblical Studies Program or permission of the Department