Courses

This course examines an anthropological approach to religion and magic, and its relationship to symbolism, myths, sacred spaces, and rituals. This course investigates anthropological theories of religion providing a multicultural analysis of numerous forms of religious expression. Additionally, this course will examine the subject of “religion” as it intersects with economics, politics, gender, secularism, and post-colonialism. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This course examines the basic models of integrating the Christian faith and modern behavioral sciences, including the development of Biblical examples of worldview and epistemology. Emphasis is placed upon the student's development of a personal theory of integration. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

A historical and theoretical consideration of interpretative methodology as illustrated by and applied to selected texts from various portions of the biblical materials. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. Prerequisite: Previous Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

An exploration of the biblical truths of Scripture, God, humanity, sin, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Christian life, the church, and the life to come. Students will examine each major doctrine and understand its place in the biblical story. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course is a survey of theories of personality emphasizing various viewpoints, unique theoretical perspectives, functions, and development of basic attitudes and belief systems that influence behavior throughout the life span. The course equips students to actively integrate faith (i.e., biblical principles) with the theories discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course focuses on the interaction between personal patterns of behavior and social influences, paying particular attention to media influence and a history of social and psychological perspectives. Students will consider the dynamic between environment and heredity (nature/nurture) as they explore several facets of human behavior. Prerequisite: ANT 225 or BEH 100. (3 units; Fall)

A comparison of Marriage and Family systems in Biblical and American cultural perspectives. The course will contrast and compare the foundations of marriage in Western Culture and the Judeo-Christian worldview. Family roles and relational development will also be addressed. Marital adjustment including finances, marital sexuality, communication and parenting will be presented from a Biblical approach. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course examines the relationship between human development as it is understood within the Behavioral Sciences and Discipleship as formation, transformation, and reformation within the Judeo-Christian theologies. The content draws on comparisons between Behavioral Science theories of lifespan in comparison with Theological perspectives on learning and maturity in relationship to mental and spiritual health. It further examines development as a biological, cognitive, relational, and spiritual process that moves toward maturity and wisdom in the context of life and life-to-life family, congregation and peer relationships. (3 units; Spring)

An in-depth seminar on a selected topic within the Christian Behavioral Science. The course will introduce students to the historical and contemporary literature and issues related to the selected topic as well as encourage critical thinking. Specifically, consideration will be given to the differences between a secular and biblical view of the selected topic. Course is repeatable for credit with a change in topic. (1-3 units; Fall/Spring)

An overview of Christian congregation and community from theological and behavioral science perspectives. Subjects include the function and purpose of Christian Institutions including the household and congregation as a place of discipleship, worship, fellowship and relational reconciliation. Secondary institutions will include Christian media, economics, law and education. The impact of the shift from Christian nationalism to post-Christian America will be addressed. (3 units; Fall)

A comprehensive examination of the principles for living found in the Biblical Wisdom literature. The principles will be applied to several areas of human behavior including personality development, abnormality and mental health, cognition, emotions, marriage and family life, authority, work, financial management, and citizenship. The implications for personal choices, parenting, counseling, teaching and ministry will be thoroughly considered. (3 units; Fall)

Examination of the behavioral, cognitive, and affective implications of specific doctrinal beliefs. Systematic theology is interpreted as a basis for understanding human behavior. Subjects include bibliology (Bible), theology (God), soteriology (salvation), hamartiology (sin), ecclesiology (church), and anthropology (man), with particular attention to application in Christian education and counseling. (3 units; Spring)

An examination of current Christian-oriented counseling approaches toward the development of a personal integrated model of counseling that is distinctly Christian. The models will be considered in light of the essentials of a biblical theology of counseling. Further attention will be given to understanding the differences between clinical and congregational approaches to counseling. Prerequisite: BEH 333. (3 units; Spring)

This course explores the nature of globalization from multiple perspectives, but especially as evidenced in increasingly dynamic national and ethnic identities, (im)migration, economic disparity, and social systems. Students consider how various cultural elements (including gender ideologies, family systems, religious practices, and economic and political traditions) have been affected as a result of globalization. Using comparative methods alongside anthropological and historical theories, students engage in an interdisciplinary approach to understanding globalization. (3 units; Spring, even years)

A survey of the development of the Christian church from the close of the New Testament period to the present time, with special attention to the origin of various denominations. Core requirement for Christian Studies majors and minors. (3 units; Fall, Spring, & Online)

This course will explore perennial social ethics issues as they relate to Christian faith and life. Topics include key social problems, the Church's historical responses to those issues, and the biblical teachings with regard to core Christian doctrines (e.g., creation, fall, redemption, image of God, neighbor love). Standard models of Christian engagement in society with respect to the individual believer, the local church, and the global Christian Church will also be considered. Prerequisite: 3 units of Biblical Studies coursework. (3 units; Fall & Online)