Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

Summer Sessions . . . LANGUAGE(s)

Students wanting to attain their Bachelor, or Master of Divinity begin classes in mid-June. English Majors please plan on attending two summers. All Summer Classes are ten weeks. The suggested order for summer courses is as follows:

Summer of Year 1 – Intensive Greek Grammar & Reading
Summer of Year 2 – Intensive Latin  Grammar & Reading
Summer of Year 3 – Intensive Hebrew Grammar & Reading
Summer of Year 4 – Intensive Aramaic Grammar & Translation

For Intensive 10 Week Classes in Syriac Grammar or Coptic Grammar see the office.

 

Greek grammar and reading are combined in this 10 week course. You will learn the basics of the language while the Professor reads large amounts of Greek in class with you. You will be reading your Greek New Testament by the end of the course.

Greek Grammar I (Make-up Course)

This class is for those not able to take Intensive Greek in Summer Session and requires several students to offer it. This class masters the basics of the Greek language in order to read the New Testament in Greek. Students will master the essential grammar needed to go on to Greek Rapid Reading & Syntax studies. N.T. books of will be read and translated in class by the professor.

Greek Grammar II (Make-up Course)

Pre-requisite: Greek Grammar I. Students will continue to master the basics of the Greek language in order to read the New Testament in Greek.

Greek Syntax I (John 1-12, Gospel of Mark)

Pre-requisite: Greek Grammar. This course will translate chapters 1-12 of the Gospel of John and the Greek Gospel of Mark is read in class. This course studies the relationship of words in Greek to the overall sentence. Vocabulary memorization continues with mastery of all vocabulary appearing 8 times or more in the Greek New Testament. The student can read most of the Greek New Testament without help by the end of this class. Students will begin translation and reading of large portions of the New Testament and be expected to sight read in class without helps.

Greek Syntax II (John 13-21, Romans)

Pre-requisite: Greek Syntax I. This course finishes translating the Gospel of John (13-21) and studies the relationship of words in Greek to the overall sentence. The Greek Epistle of Romas is read in class. Vocabulary memorization continues until the student can read most of the Greek New Testament without help. Students will begin translation of large portions of the New Testament and be expected to sight read in class without help.

Greek New Testament Translation I (Matthew through Acts)

Pre-requisite: Greek Syntax I, II. This class will translate (gloss) Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts. Includes study of manuscript variants and translation philosophy. Students will continue to memorize Vocabulary down to words used only one time in the Greek N.T.

Greek New Testament Translation II (Romans through Revelation)

Pre-requisite: Greek N.T. Translation I. This class continues part I with translation (glossing) of Romans through Revelation. Students finish memorization of Greek New Testament Vocabulary.

Greek New Testament Mastery I, II, III, IV

Pre-requisite: Translation of the Greek New Testament.  These classes are the Reading of the Greek New Testament in 20 sections with mastery of the entire Vocabulary accompanying each section.

Septuagint (LXX) I

Must be fluent in Greek for entrance.  Septuagint studies briefly looks at the unique grammar of the Greek LXX text. Then students proceed to translating (glossing) the LXX. Compares New Testament quotations of the Old Testament through LXX.

Septuagint (LXX) II

Students finish translating (glossing) the LXX.

Early Church Fathers I, II

These classes are in Greek and students must be fluent before entrance.

Eusebius I, II

Read the Greek text of Eusebius Church History.

Greek Additional Studies

N.B. Other Greek Courses are available only with approval through the office: JOSEPHUS I & II, HISTORY OF KOINE’, THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS, etc. Only those pursuing a Master’s Degree or higher will have access to these.

 

The Context of the New Testament is the ancient Hebrew world. Only Reading Hebrew will allow you to see this for yourself.  The New Testament abounds in Hebrew Figures of Speech. Readers typically cannot see this because of their lack of Hebrew fluency.  These classes will Introduce You to this world.

Intensive Hebrew Grammar (Summer Session)

Hebrew grammar and reading are combined in this 10 week course. You will learn the basics of the language while the Professor reads large amounts of Hebrew in class with you. You will be reading your Hebrew Old Testament by the end of the course.

Hebrew Grammar I (Make-up Course)

This is a basic Hebrew Grammar course for those not taking Hebrew in Summer Session and requires several students to offer it.  Covers the first half of the Hebrew Grammar with large amounts of Hebrew Reading.

Hebrew Grammar II (Make-up Course)

Pre-requisite: Hebrew Grammar I. This class is for those not able to take Intensive Hebrew in Summer Session and requires several students to offer it. This course is a continuation of Hebrew Grammar I.

Hebrew Translation I

Pre-requisite: Hebrew Grammar. This year will translate (gloss) one-third of the Hebrew Old Testament (historical narrative sections) through the year. Students master the Basic Vocabulary of the Hebrew O.T. while studying the background information and context of the books they are translating. Emphasis upon learning to see Christ in the Hebrew Text.

Hebrew Translation II

Continues Part I to complete the Reading of one-third of the Hebrew Old Testament.

Hebrew Translation III

Pre-requisite: Hebrew Translation I & II.  Continues to complete the remaining two-thirds Reading (glossing) of the Hebrew Old Testament and mastery of all Hebrew words necessary for reading the entire Hebrew Old Testament text.

Hebrew Translation IV

Continues to complete the remaining two-thirds Reading (glossing) of the Hebrew Old Testament and mastery of all Hebrew words necessary for reading the entire Hebrew Old Testament text.

Hebrew Old Testament Mastery I, II, III, IV

Pre-requisite: Translation of the Hebrew Old Testament.  These classes are the Reading of the Hebrew Old Testament in 20 sections with mastery of the entire Vocabulary accompanying each section.

Torah Scroll Translation I, II

The translation of a Hebrew Torah from the 1700s. This is a non-pointed text.

Hebrew Vocabulary Mastery I, II

This picks up where your basic Hebrew memory work left off.  Fluency is the goal! You will master Vocabulary in a whole new way.

Hebrew Manuscripts

You will study and translate Hebrew Manuscripts from various places around the world. CIB maintains a small collection of manuscripts for use and display.

 

Many do not know that 7 Chapters, and another handful of words, in the Bible were written in Aramaic. The Aramaic sections and words match their needed context and are important in understanding the passages in which they appear.

Intensive Aramaic Grammar & Translation (Summer Session only)

This class studies Biblical Aramaic and translates (glosses) all seven Aramaic chapters of the Old Testament.  It also looks at the passages which use Aramaic words and studies the WHY of those passages. Hebrew is prerequisite.

Aramaic of Targums and Talmud

This grammar will prepare students to read the Targumim (Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible).

Targum Translation I, II, III

These courses will translate the Targum Onqelos (also Onkelos).

Targum Reading I, II

These courses includes a reading of Onqelos, Pseudo-Jonathan, and Neophiti. They are compared directly to the Hebrew text.

 

Syriac was the first Complete Bible Translation of the Old and New Testament made by Jewish Christians; and may have been begun while the Apostle John was still alive; and for sure within the first 100 years. On the heals of the Syriac, in A.D. 200s, was the Translation of the Bible into Sahidic Coptic, or Egyptian.  Read for yourself how the Earliest Christian Translated, Read and Interpreted the Bible. So also, if you seek higher studies in Textual Criticism, this is your best path.

Syriac Grammar I, II

Pre-requisite: Hebrew.  These courses introduce you to the Syriac Language of the Peshitta Bible; the first Jewish-Christian translation of the entire Bible at, or shortly after the passing of the Apostles. Includes Grammar and Mastery of all words occurring over 50 times in the Syriac New Testament. Its chief value is in seeing the first Jewish Translation made right after the Apostles passed from the scene. Translation always involves Interpretation and here you will see how the first Jewish Christians were Reading and Interpreting the Bible. The second point of value is in Textual Criticism.

Syriac Reading I, II  (The Peshitta)

The Reading of Large Sections of the Syriac Bible, known as the Peshitta. Sections to be determined by Professor.  You will need to obtain the Accordance Bible Software before classes begin.    Made in the A.D. 100s while Koine’ was still being spoken.

Peshitta New Testament Translation I, II

Read the first Jewish Translation of the New Testament ever made.

Coptic Grammar (Sahidic Language)

Pre-requisite: Greek.  This One Semester Course is an Introduction to the Egyptian language and Bible. Introduces the Coptic Grammar, the Vocabulary of the New Testament occurring over 50 times, and Translation of the Gospel. Here you will find how the Egyptians were Reading and Interpreting the Bible.  Made in the A.D. 200s while Koine’ was still being spoken.

 

Latin is the Language of Education and of the Roman World. You will need it to read the writings of the Early Church and the many of the more technical and scholarly works of the Church even today, in Latin.  So also, the Latin Vulgate (means Common) was made in the late A.D. 300s while Koine’ was still being spoken.

Intensive Latin Grammar (Summer Session Only)

The Latin grammar is covered and additional Latin reading in class. Latin will raise you vocabulary very quickly as well as improve your spelling and understanding of grammar. No man is truly educated without Latin!

Latin Reading I

Pre-requisite: Latin Grammar. Continues Latin studies with the reading of authors of the ancient world. Text(s) are determined by the professor.

Latin Reading II

Pre-requisite: Latin Reading I. Continues Latin studies of ancient authors.

Latin Reading III

Pre-requisite: Latin Reading II. The student begins reading multiple books in Latin.

Latin Reading IV

Pre-requisite: Latin Reading III. The student begins reading multiple books in Latin.

Vulgata I

Must be fluent in Latin for entrance. Studies the Latin Vulgate translating (glossing) Part 1 of 3 Parts.

Vulgata II

Continues Part I completing the 2nd third of the Vulgate; Part 2 of 3 Parts..

Vulgata III

Continues Part II completing the 3rd part of the Vulgate.  Part 3 of 3 Parts.

 

Church History Series

Introduction to Church History

This class begins with the Apostles and brings students up to the present in understanding the major movements of the Church in history. Provides the background needed to understand much of the WHY of Today or our present era.

Early Church Fathers I

Studies the entire body of the works of Early Church Fathers up to a.d. 325 in VI Parts. Works of the early Church (including early commentaries) are read to discover views that they held and did not hold to. This is a great course for understanding what the Church did and did not believe for the first several hundred years. Studies their views of Justification, Salvation, Church Leadership, Discipline of Sin in the Church, etc.

Early Church Fathers II

Continues Part I.

Early Church Fathers III

Continues Part II.

Early Church Fathers IV

Continues Part III.

Early Church Fathers V

Continues Part IV.

Early Church Fathers VI

Continues Part V.

Reformation I

This class involves large amounts of reading of Reformation era. Students learn for themselves the works, ideas, culture, background, theology, etc. of the Reformation era. Authors include Erasmus, Luther, Melanchthon, Bucer, Calvin, etc. An amazing journey through the Reformation world.

Reformation II

Continues Part I

Biography Research Project

Student researches and publishes a biography on a selected person from Church History.

Twelve Biographies

You will read the lives of 12 People who have had a great impact on Christianity through the years.

Eusebius Church History I, II

This course is in Greek. Eusebius is considered the first Church Historian.

Additional: Other courses exist in Post-Nicene studies.

 

English & Literature Series

Studies in Latin and Greek are considered the substructure for any English Major(s) and are required courses. While not listed here, any Degree in English will require studies in Latin and Greek.

Etymology (Greek & Latin)

This course will study the background of the English root system; which are overwhelmingly Greek & Latin.

Biographical Literature

Studies Biographies ancient and modern.

The Bible As Literature I, II

Studies the Bible in a Literary Context.

English Literature I (American)

Studies great writers of America.

English Literature II (British)

Studies great writers of the British World.

Classical Literature I, II

Studies the Classics Works from history which have stood the test of time. Works from around the world and over thousands of years comprise these courses.

Classical Christian Literature

Studies the Classic Works of Christians which have stood the test of time. Bunyan, Lewis, and many others.

Introduction to Poetry

The title says it all.

Shakespeare

Shakespeare is a world of literature all on its own. Considered by many to be the greatest literature of the English world.

Children’s Literature

From Aesop’s Fables to the world of Narnia and others.

Writing

Learning to write is not a lost cause. The rules of writing a proper document and writing stories is needed for any one in this field.

 

History

World History I

Traces the history of man from Creation to the Reformation Era.

World History II

Traces the history of man from the Reformation Era to the Modern World.

Bible As History I, II

Studies the Bible as a Historical Text. The movements of men and nations.

World History Documents I, II

Tackles the original History Documents. Read History for yourself directly from those who wrote it.

 

Missions & Ministry

Attributes, Character & Eternal Plan of God

Pre-requisite: O.T. & N.T. Survey. This class will focus upon the Attributes of God, then expand to include the Character of God, and all in a context of the Eternal Plan which God is carrying out. What God’s character Is and Is Not is studied. Modern thoughts and statements about God will be discussed in the light of the conclusions reached.

Christian Life & Growth

This is a complete discipleship course which begins with one’s conversion and continues with the steps which lead to maturity. Designed to cover all the major areas of the Christian Life from salvation to maturity.

Discipleship I

Discipleship II

Foundations of Biblical Counseling Introduction

Pre-requisite: O.T. & N.T. Survey & Intro to Biblical Tools & Research. Biblical Counseling is not Biblical unless it comes directly from the Bible. Everything else is non-Biblical counseling. Students will learn to use the Bible to address many of the problems men and women face today.

Introduction to Nouthetic Counseling

Introduces students to Nouthetic Counseling and Technique.

Advanced Counseling I-IV

See the office. Includes travel and teaching.

Introduction to Biblical Tools & Research (Inductive Hermeneutics)

This class requires an Apple laptop computer with wireless Internet capabilities. Using Bible software and the Internet, along with other scholarly tools normally available to scholars only), we will learn to study the Bible. Students first learn the Greek and Hebrew alphabets, then put those to use with Greek and Hebrew concordances, dictionaries, lexicons, etc. This course is required for Inductive New Testament Survey, O.T. Survey, and most classes in the 2nd Semester.

Advanced Hermeneutics & Textual Criticism

Prerequisite: Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin. This class includes all the various branches of Hermeneutics: research, textual variant studies, and in-depth background materials. All Biblical studies will be done in the original languages; readings in the Greek, Hebrew, Vulgate and Septuagint (LXX) will be required. Students will study Textual Criticism and work directly with ancient scrolls.

Life & Times of Jesus the Christ

Studies the Life and Times of Jesus Christ from a detailed study of the Gospels and their background. Includes studies in Politics, Culture, Religious Movements, etc.

New Testament Introduction

Emphasis upon Hebrew background in reading the New Testament.  Books of the Bible are taught only by Professors who have translated them. This includes the entire New Testament. Students master the context and background of each book of the New Testament.

New Testament Devotional Survey

This class requires that the student read through the New Testament several times and begin inductive studies. Students will be assigned specific passages to study, which will develop several major themes in the New Testament. Class time will focus on discussion of each passage of the New Testament. A knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew alphabet is required. A Professor who has translated the Greek New Testament will be guiding the class.

Old Testament Introduction & Christology

This class requires the reading of the entire Old Testament with an emphasis upon seeing Christ in each and every book. Several major themes are studied. Class time will focus on discussion of the Christology of each book of the Old Testament with an emphasis upon the interpretation of symbols such as the sacrificial system, tabernacle, etc. This class will be taught by a Professor who has translated the entire Hebrew Old Testament.

Old Testament Devotional Survey

This class approaches the Old Testament more devotionally. Reading, interpreting and applying are the emphasis. Christ as central to all passages applied.

Pastoral Ministry

Introduction to Pastoring. Covers the history of Shepherding, and the essentials of “What does a Pastor do?” If Interning at White Stone, you are expected to be in all Elder (Pastoral) Board Meetings beginning your 2nd Year.

Principles of Ministry

This course focuses upon principles used by Jesus and His Disciples to carry out their ministries. Students develop their own philosophy of ministry from the Biblical text.

Science & Worldview

This class shows that there is no conflict between the Bible and science. In fact, modern science was born out of those men of science who virtually all possessed a Biblical world view. Students learn to view all of life & creation in relation to the Creator. To our knowledge, there is no class like this being taught anywhere else.

Thesis I

Students begin researching a subject or topic using all the principles learned while at CIB.

Thesis II

Pre-requisite: Thesis I. Students finish researching a subject or topic using all the principles learned while at CIB. A public defense is required the last week of classes. Please schedule with the office for a time. Your defense will be in the evening, and it will be open to the public. Staff and select guests (including pastors) will conduct the inquiry.

 

Targum(s)

The Targumim studies require prerequisites of Aramaic, Greek Fluency and Hebrew Fluency. Those with only an Introduction to Biblical Aramaic background will be required to take an additional Brief Aramaic Grammar course based around Targumic and Talmudic Texts, and add additional Aramaic Vocabulary to prepare them for translation.

Onqelos (also Onkelos) I, II

This study of the primary Aramaic Translation of the Hebrew Torah is Studied and Read. Long considered the primary and official interpretation of the Torah; and the text from which Jonathan and Neofiti are drawn.

Jonathan (also Pseudo-Janathan or Targum-Yerushalmi) I, II

Studies and compares Jonathan with Onqelos, Neofiti, Peshitta, the Hebrew Text, and the Septuagint.

Neofiti I, II

Studies and compares Neofiti with Onqelos, Jonathan, Peshitta, the Hebrew Text, and Septuagint.

Peshitta (Old Testament) I, II

Studies the Peshitta (Jewish Translation of Hebrew text into Syriac) with comparisons to Onqelos, Jonathan, Neofiti, the Hebrew Text and Septuagint. The first Translation made just after the Apostles passed from the scene.

The Rabbinic Commentaries I, II

This course provides an anthology of Rabbinic Commentaries to accompany the Hebrew and Targumic Texts.

 

Other(s)

There are many Developing Items at CIB that create opportunities for a Window-Of-Time. Qualified Students may participate in a New Bible Translation, work with Wycliffe Associates on a Mission Field Project, and/or much more. When these arrive they will be posted in the CIB News Letter.

The Mishna – Literally:  Repeatables; thus Traditions. The Mishna appears around a.d. 200-300 in the form we have it now. It is considered Oral Law, in contradistinction to the Written Law by Moses. Supposedly Moses received the Oral Law at the same time he received the written Law; though no account of this is recorded in the Written Law. It contains hundreds of views on hundreds of items not found in the Torah. Many of these teachings are in fact on how to commit crime, get out of paying taxes and tithes, etc. Contradicting views abound within the Text.  These seem to be the Traditions that Jesus said “transgressed the Torah.” Reading the Mishna reveals that, Indeed They Do!

Tosefta – Literally:  Additions. It is commentary on the Mishna.

Gemera – Literally:  The Completion. These are the final thoughts on the Mishna and together (the Mishna and Gemera) form the TALMUD or Teachings.

 

Other

From time to time additional courses may be offered on a non-continuous basis. These will be posted for students and staff, and may require special permissions for entrance from either the office or professor.