Curriculum
C.I.B. Curriculum
Summer Sessions . . . LANGUAGE
Students who wish to attain their Bachelor, or Master, of Divinity begin classes in early to mid-June. English Majors please plan on attending two summers. Summer Classes are ten weeks. The suggested order for summer courses is as follows:
Summer of Year 1 – Intensive Greek Grammar
Summer of Year 2 – Intensive Latin Grammar
Summer of Year 3 – Intensive Hebrew Grammar
Summer of Year 4 – Intensive Aramaic Grammar
Course Descriptions
Language Courses
Greek Series
Intensive Greek (Summer Session)
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)
Pre-requisite: Greek Grammar. This course will translate chapters 1-12 of the Gospel of John. 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 help.
Greek Syntax II (John 13-21)
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. 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
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
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.
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.
Greek Additional Studies
N.B. Other Greek Courses are available only with approval through the office: HISTORY OF KOINE’, GREEK OF THE EARLY CHURCH FATHERS, etc. Only those pursuing a Master’s Degree or higher will have access to these.
Hebrew Series
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.
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) half 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.
Hebrew Translation III
Pre-requisite: Hebrew Translation I & II. Continues Part I and II to complete the Translation (glossing) of the Hebrew O.T. and mastery of all Hebrew words necessary for reading the entire Hebrew Old Testament text.
Hebrew Translation IV
Pre-requisite: Hebrew Translation III. Continues Part I – III.
Torah Scroll Translation I, II
The translation of a Hebrew Torah from the 1600. This is a non-pointed scroll and your primary text-book.
Hebrew Advanced Reading & Vocabulary Mastery I, II
This picks up where your basic Hebrew memory work left off. Fluency is the goal as you master all needed vocabulary for fluent reading of the Hebrew Bible. Plan on reading through the entire Hebrew text again.
Aramaic Series
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.
Peshitta I, II
These courses introduces you to the first Jewish-Christian translation of the Bible. It is compared directly to the Hebrew text; along with the Targumim.
Latin Series
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.
Latin Reading I
Pre-requisite: Intensive Latin Grammar. Continues Latin studies with the reading of authors of the ancient world. Grammar Review, War With Hannibal, Extensive reading of the Vultate.
Latin Reading II
Pre-requisite: Latin Reading I. Continues Latin studies of ancient authors.
Latin Reading III (Select Authors)
Pre-requisite: Latin Reading II. The student begins reading multiple books in Latin.
Latin Reading IV (Select Authors)
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) the first third.
Vulgata II
Continues Part I completing the 2nd third of the Vulgate.
Vulgata III
Continues Part II completing the 3rd part of the Vulgate.
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? 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.
Post Nicene Studies I, II
Continues advanced studies following the Ante-Nicene era.
Eusebius & Bede
These two Major Church Historians cannot be left out of any major Church History Curriculum.
English & Literature Series
Studies in Latin and Greek are considered the substructure for any English Major(s).
Etymology (Greek & Latin)
This course will study the background of the English root system; which are overwhelmingly Greek & Latin. The “etymos” of English
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 some 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.
Also: Bunyon, Milton, and others . . .
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.
Bible As History I
Studies the Bible as a Historical Text.
Bible As History II
Studies the Bible as a Historical Text.
Missions & Ministry
History of Missions
This class will look at the history of missions beginning with Paul & Barnabus and tracing the lives of missionaries through Church History until the present. The History of Missions views the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Missions & Outreach
Students will participate in missions projects. Options include travel with missionaries to participate in ministry and outreach both locally and abroad (China, India, Mexico, etc.).
Ministry & Service I – VI
All students at CIB must participate in ministry from the time they begin. After the first year, students must spend six to ten hours on an approved ministry or service each week. Students must log their hours in their Ministry & Service Log and turn them in to the office monthly.
Biographies of Great Missionaries
This class is designed to familiarize students with great Missionary men and women of the last 2,000 years. Class time will focus upon discussion of their lives, motivations, goals, etc. Students will evaluate the good and the bad in their lives using the Bible as their guide.
Biographies of Great Christians
This class is designed to familiarize students with great Christian men and women of the last 2,000 years. Statesmen, Professors, Actors, Writers, Military Men and others form the curriculum for the class. Class time will focus upon discussion of their lives, motivations, goals, etc. Students will evaluate the good and the bad in their lives using the Bible as their guide.
Bible & Theology
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
Discipleship-Counseling III-VI
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
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 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 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?”
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 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 translated. 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-Christian translation of Hebrew text into Aramaic) with comparisons to Onqelos, Jonathan, Neofiti, the Hebrew Text and Septuagint.
Peshitta New Testament
Read the first translation of the New Testament ever made.
The Rabbinic Commentaries I, II
This course provides an anthology of Rabbinic Commentaries to accompany the Hebrew and Targumic Texts.
Other
From time to time additional courses may be offered on a non-continuous basis. These will be posted for students and may require special permissions for entrance from either the office or professor.