Master of Theology (Th.M.) Courses

Day: 4 Mondays: 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, 12/7

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Online

Format: live video conference only

Course Description:

This course uses a study of the history, content, milieu, text, structure, and theological meaning of the book of Daniel to illustrate current academic issues in the Old Testament. These include critical issues, how to understand apocalyptic literature, and intertestamental cognate materials. You will also learn how to work with the language of Aramaic.

Professor of Old Testament

Day: 4 Saturdays: 8/29, 9/26, 10/24, 11/14

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Columbia & online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This seminar will focus on the Gospel of Matthew, examining its background, structure, distinctive emphases, and influence in the Church and ministry. Special consideration will be given to its role as a bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament and its presentation of Jesus as the fulfillment of all that the prophets have spoken. Also covered will be Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of heaven, his polemic against the Jewish corruptions of the Law and the Prophets, and his heralding of the gospel for all the nations. Students will produce a substantial research paper on a topic of their choice, with approval from the professor. The paper’s topic may be biblical (exegetical or thematic), theological, or historical in nature, depending on the student’s focus in the program.

The First Presbyterian Church – John R. de Witt Chair of Theology | Associate Dean for Erskine Columbia

Day: 4 Mondays: 8/31, 10/5, 11/2, 11/30

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Due West & Online

Format: live video conference only

In this course students study American religious traditions from Colonial times to the present.  The stress is on the historical development of the general religious motifs and particular denominational expressions of American religious development.

Distinguished Professor of Church History Emeritus

Day: 4 Mondays: 8/24, 9/21, 10/26, 11/23

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Columbia & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

This course will focus on the doctrine of the Church and its sacraments. Special consideration will be given to the place of the Church within the history of redemption and as the goal of redemption. The continuity of the Church with the Old Testament people of God will be critically examined, and the distinctive differences of the New Testament Church and the Old Testament people of God will be identified. Parallels between the covenant signs of the Old Testament and those of the New Testament will be considered. Students may choose a research topic that aligns best with their anticipated thesis topic or their own special interests if a non-thesis option is selected. The paper’s topic may be biblical (exegetical or thematic), theological, or historical in nature, depending on the student’s focus in the program.

The First Presbyterian Church – John R. de Witt Chair of Theology | Associate Dean for Erskine Columbia

Day: Intensive; Tues.–Thurs., Aug. 25–27 and Tues., Nov. 10; Required in 1 of the first 2 semesters

Time: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Location: Due West & Online

Format: in-person and live video conference for distance students

Course Description:

This course provides advanced guidance on the tasks of choosing a research topic, conducting theological research, using technology in research, analyzing and articulating one’s findings, and writing academic-level theological papers or theses. Student research and writing is approached from a Christian perspective. Students are also given an overview of the ThM program. Required in one of the first 2 semesters. Two hours.

Associate Professor of New Testament | Director of the MATS, Th.M., and M.Div. Programs