Course descriptions

 

Course of Study

Master of Christian Education (MCE), Concentration: Christian School Education

Component I: EDUCATION*

EDU 600. Introduction to PS78 Teacher Education Program (PS78-TEP) (1 Credit Hour)
An introduction to the goals, requirements, and foundational beliefs of the PS78 Teacher Education Program. Students complete the Faith-Curriculum Integration Survey (Pre-Test). Required before registering for other courses.

EDU 610. Foundations for Curriculum Development (3 Credit Hours)
A study of the implications of a biblical worldview and of the various foundational principles that guide in the selection of goals, content, and materials in the curriculum. Students evaluate these principles from a Christian perspective, and choose those appropriate for evaluating and changing classroom practice in day or home schools. (Prerequisite: EDU 600)

EDU 620. Introduction to Educational Research (3 Credit Hours)
An introduction to research methods and designs and their application to educational settings. Emphasis is given to developing sufficient knowledge and skills to critique and apply research articles in the home or school classroom. (Prerequisite: EDU 610)

EDU 630. Shaping Home and School Curriculum K-12 (3 Credit Hours)
An application of a biblical worldview to the processes and products of curriculum development and assessment for the K-12 day or home school or school system. Students examine the steps in developing a course of study from a school's mission statement through the assessment process. The issue of local or national standards is addressed. Criteria for the evaluation of textbooks and other curriculum materials is developed. (Prerequisite: EDU 610, 620)

EDU 640. Learning Theory Applied to Teaching (3 Credit Hours)
A comprehensive survey of current research on learning and its implications for classroom practice. Learning theories are related to a Christian view of the learner, the role of the teacher, and the learning process in order to develop effective and appropriate instructional and assessment models, which are then applied in a school-based project. (Prerequisite: EDU 610).

EDU 710. Implementing Instructional Strategies (3 Credit Hours)
A study of strategies for planning instruction to create a better learning environment for all students. Instructional strategies, including the use of technology, are examined in the light of learning principles and other research findings. A biblical view of learners, teachers, curriculum, and the global community guides student inquiry. (Prerequisite: EDU 640)

EDU 720. Integrative Approaches to Curriculum (3 Credit Hours)
A study of the process of designing curricula that are integrated and conceptually focused. Students will learn to design units of instruction that focus on major enduring understandings and principles, and reflect a biblical worldview, resulting in instruction that enables teachers to engage their students and help them remember and apply the concepts they learn. (Prerequisite: EDU 610, 710)

EDU 730. Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics for Teachers (3 Credit Hours)
This course is a basic introduction to the science of biblical hermeneutics. Hermeneutics concerns the rules or guidelines to properly interpret Scripture. Teachers are taught to accurately read Scripture following time-tested, sound practices for exegesis, which is the deep study of a passage of scripture in order to extract the original meaning or principles intended by the human author AND the divine author, God.

EDU 740. Research and Practices in Teaching Content Fields (3 Credit Hours)
An in-depth study of the research literature related to the teaching of the various content fields. Emphasis is given to research that has implications for instruction, and to current trends in the design of curricula and teaching practice. (Prerequisite: EDU 620, 640).

EDU 750. Project in Integrated Curriculum and Instruction (3 Credit Hours)
A capstone, culminating project for PS78-TEP that incorporates content and integrates insights from all course work throughout the program. The project typically builds on plans for integrated curriculum and instruction developed in EDU 720 Integrative Approaches to Curriculum. In EDU 750, those plans are implemented in the classroom using an action research framework. (Prerequisites: EDU 620, 720).

EDU 760. Program Synthesis: Plan for Change (2 Credit Hours)
A course to guide students through the process of creating an individualized Reformational Action Plan (RAP) to meet the need for change within their particular local. Adult learning theory will be reviewed to prepare students to be agents of change and teachers or teachers within their community.

* Adapted with permission from the Master of Education program at Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, GA., USA.

 

 

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Component II: BIBLICAL STUDIES** 

OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY

Kingdom, Covenants, and Canon of the Old Testament (2 Credit Hours)
This course gives a brief survey of the Old Testament, examining the themes of 'Kingdom, Covenants and Canon.' It shows that the Old Testament is not a random amalgam of episodes, genealogies and prophetic tidbits. Instead, it is unified around the central theme of the kingdom of God, which was administered through covenants and applied to life through the Old Testament as a "canon" (guideline) for our lives.

 

HERMENEUTICS

He Gave Us Prophets (1.5 Credit Hours)
Thiscourse gives an introductory perspective for the study of the prophets of the Old Testament. It dispels common misunderstandings about the prophets, provides guidelines for interpreting prophecy, and gives the student confidence to begin studying prophetic literature.

 

PENTATEUCH

The Primeval History (1 Credit Hour)
This course provides an analysis of Genesis 1-11, looking at the background, the literary structure, the original meaning, the theological purpose, and modern applications. Why did Moses choose to tell the history of the Creation, the Fall, the Great Flood, and the Tower of Babel in the way that he did?

Father Abraham (1 Credit Hour)
This course provides an analysis of Genesis 11:10 - 25:18, the life of Abraham, from a Christian perspective. It analyzes the literary structure, the meaning of the original audience, and the modern application to us today. (Prerequisite: The Primeval History).

 

GOSPEL AND ACTS

The Gospels (2 Credit Hours)
This course presents the four gospels as the key books of the Bible, since they narrate the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Each gospel has a unique perspective and unique purpose. The background, the structure, the main contents, and the major themes of each gospel will be explained.

The Book of Acts (1 Credit Hour)
This course tells us about an exciting period in the expansion of the Church. The course answers many difficult questions about the work of the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the Church. We will look at the background, structure, and contents of the Book of Acts, including a study of the major themes and guidelines for applying the lessons of Acts today. (Prerequisite: The Gospels).

 

PAULINE EPISTLES

The Heart of Paul's Theology (1.5 Credit Hours)
The course will help us deal with our struggles with individualism, legalism, and confusion regarding Christ's second coming. We will study the central message of Paul and review the teachings of Galatians, I and II Corinthians and I and II Thessalonians. We will gain a better understanding of the kingdom of God and rejoice in Jesus and the amazing plan he has for His people and His world.

Paul's Prison Epistles (2 Credit Hours)
This course offers an analysis of the epistles that Paul wrote from prison (Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon, and Philippians). As Christians we face many challenges to our faith. False teachings and worldviews assault our loyalty to Christ. Suffering tempts us to think that God is not in control, or that he does have our best interests at heart. And our relationships with other believers are often strained to the point that we doubt the value of the church. But Paul responded to these types of difficulties in his letters from prison. (Prerequisite: The Heart of Paul's Theology)

 

INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES

Building Your Theology (1 Credit Hour)
This course will help you learn to build your theology on the certain foundation of the Scriptures, but also with pathos and practical application. As an introduction to theology, this course teaches the purpose and importance of doing theology, the different sources of revelation, the meaning of inspiration, the proper interpretation of Scripture, and the key distinctive emphases of reformed theology.

Building Systematic Theology (2 Credit Hours)
This course analyzes the steps of building systematic theology, especially the formation of technical terms, theological propositions, and doctrinal statements. It examines the legitimacy of systematic theology, the place of human logic in the process, and the dangers and benefits of this tool. (Prerequisite: Building Your Theology).

Building Biblical Theology (2 Credit Hours)
This course on Biblical Theology focuses on the redemptive-historical development of theology as it progresses throughout scripture. This course explains the meaning of Biblical Theology, examines the way it is studied, defends its legitimacy, and gives examples from both the Old Testament and the New Testament, to show how it can be beneficial. (Prerequisite: Building Systematic Theology).

 

BASIC BIBLICAL DOCTRINE

The Apostles' Creed (3 Credit Hours)
There are many denominations, divisions and theological disputes in the modern church. But despite these types of disunity, there is a common core of belief that all faithful Christians have affirmed throughout history. And for almost two millennia, this core of belief has been summarized in the Apostles' Creed. This course explains the history and use of the Apostles' Creed, as well as the details and significance of each of its articles of faith.

We Believe in Jesus (2.5 Credit Hours)
Jesus Christ is the most important human being that has ever lived. He is God in the flesh, the center of all history, and the only hope for the salvation of humanity and creation. This course clarifies the biblical teachings about His person and His redemptive work. (Prerequisite: The Apostles' Creed).

 

BIBLICAL ETHICS

Making Biblical Decisions (4 Credit Hours)
This course provides a biblical orientation to Christian ethics. Many believers today have lost their moral footing. Moreover, believers who want to live ethically are frequently confused by the complexities of ethical decisions. Even so, with proper study of the Bible's system of ethics, Christians can learn how to evaluate problems in ways that lead to biblical solutions.

** Adapted with permission from Birmingham Theological Seminary and Third Millennium Ministries