Dr. John Vonder Bruegge Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies; Dean of Arts and Humanities; Co-director of the Honors Program

BTS150 - Christian Story I: Biblical Tradition

(4 credits) This course presents an overview of and orientation to the Bible, focusing on its content, character, role in the Christian faith, and covenant themes of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation. This course begins the development of theological thinking for academic study in the liberal arts and equips students for the task of integrating faith and learning in their academic work. Students should complete this course by the end of their second term. Note: Does not count toward a religion major or minor.

BTS322 - Topics in New Testament Studies

(2 credits) A study of a single book or larger section of the New Testament or a current area of critical inquiry concerning the New Testament. Possible topics include the Synoptic Gospels, the Book of Acts, the Johannine Literature, the Epistolary Literature, and the Apocalypse. Prerequisite: BTS150 and sophomore class standing. Note: May be taken more than once provided a different topic is studied.

GRE101 - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) This course will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world. Note: The Greek program is offered at Northwestern College primarily as preparation for those students who plan to continue their education through seminary training. The ancient Greek taught here prepares students for biblical study in that language.

GRE102LA - Elementary Biblical Greek and Culture

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (NWCore option under Language and Culture) This course (a continuation of Greek 101) will focus on learning the basics of koine Greek grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural backgrounds of the New Testament writings. Readings and translation will focus on the Gospel and Letters of John. The New Testament writings will be examined in light of their social-historical and literary settings within Hellenistic Judaism and the broader Greco-Roman world. Prerequisite: GRE101. Note: The Greek program is offered at Northwestern College primarily as preparation for those students who plan to continue their education through seminary training. The ancient Greek taught here prepares students for biblical study in that language.

GRE201 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture

(1 credit; alternate years, consult department) This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition and retention of Greek grammatical, exegetical, and interpretive skills through the reading of ancient Greek texts. Primary focus will be on the Gospel of Mark and its context. Prerequisite: GRE102LA.

GRE202 - Intermediate Biblical Greek and Culture

(1 credit; alternate years, consult department) This course is designed to facilitate the acquisition and retention of Greek grammatical, exegetical, and interpretive skills through the reading of ancient Greek texts. Primary focus will be on the Letters of Paul and selections from other Greco-Roman authors. Students will also be introduced to the sub-discipline of Textual Criticism. Prerequisite: GRE201

HON240AE - The Greek Legacy

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Aesthetic Experience) Virtually every academic discipline - from art to politics, theater to athletics, science to philosophy - can trace its roots, in some fashion, back to the ancient Greeks. In this honors course, students will explore their own discipline's historic and aesthetic expression, particularly through Greece's extensive archaeological remains, and reflect upon Greece's legacy as one of the most significant and enduring cradles of western civilization. Prerequisite: Membership in the Honors Program.

HON240HP - The Greek Legacy

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Historical Perspectives) Virtually every academic discipline - from art to politics, theater to athletics, science to philosophy - can trace its roots, in some fashion, back to the ancient Greeks. In this honors course, students will explore their own discipline's historic and aesthetic expression, particularly through Greece's extensive archaeological remains, and reflect upon Greece's legacy as one of the most significant and enduring cradles of western civilization. Prerequisite: Membership in the Honors Program.

HON498 - Honors Scholarship Methods

(1 credit) Scholarship takes many forms. Research is often associated with the sciences and humanities. Creative activities are often associated with the arts. But scholarship is a unifying standard underlying all forms of academic inquiry. This course is designed so students can explore what qualifies as scholarship in several disciplines, including their own. At the end of this course, students will have synthesized a proposal for their Honors Scholarship. Prerequisites: Students must be members of the Honors Program and have a minimum of junior standing at the time of course completion.