Part 1- Core Courses (15 credits)
Advanced Bible Study Method 3 Credit Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Bible—both Hebrew and New Testament—is a complex and fascinating text, written by multiple authors and communities, in different languages, over a vast period of time, yet it nonetheless displays an overarching—or underlying—unity, which some attribute to divine inspiration and others to the human imagination. Our purpose in this course is to consider the Bible as both a collection of disparate books and as a unified whole, with special attention given to the inspiration, formation, and function of the canon and to the development of interpretation consistent with the nature of scripture. The importance of the Bible as a witness to the life and faith of ancient Israel and earliest Christianity will be emphasized.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be able to articulate Roman Catholicism’s professed understanding of Revelation: Scripture, Tradition, and the theologies that undergird them. To identify and explain structural features of both the OT and NT. To analyze ancient biblical texts (exegesis) using the Historical-Critical method. To recount in chronological order, the biblical metanarrative, identifying major historical figures and events. To explain various factors that that influence Biblical interpretation. To investigate Biblical texts and discover what each periscope has to say about God, one’s self, and what it means to be a human person.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha by Michael Coogan and Marc Brettler
THE THREE FORMS OF UNITY, The Heidelberg Catechism the Belgic Confession the Canons of the Council of Dordrecht.
Beyond Bible Study: Finding Jesus Christ in Scripture by Frank Viola
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Hermeneutics 3 Credit Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An advanced course in hermeneutics including a study of the history of interpretation, both biblical and extra-biblical, and an examination of the current status of various interpretive approaches to the Scriptures.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will have the ability to interpret God’s Word correctly. Pastors, associate pastors, and teachers will be able to develop expository sermons and lessons. Students fields, such as counseling, business, and education, will be able to integrate biblical truths with the principles and hypotheses of people in their fields.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Kaiser, Walter. Toward an Exegetical Theology.
Kaiser, Walter and Silva, Moises. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics.
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Advanced New Testament Survey 3 Credit Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is aimed to help students read and doing research on the books of Ephesians and Colossians as Christian Scripture.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will learn more about the craft of exegesis; Learn more about the theological visions in Ephesians and Colossians and how to faithfully appropriate these visions for life and leadership in the real-world context of today’s Church;Deepen their understanding of the importance of, role of, and problems with the “history” underlying the biblical text;Become more effective at critically engaging with commentaries as resources for exegesis;Develop their own preaching resources on a text from Colossians or Ephesians.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Introduction to the New Testament by Louis Berkhof
Analysis of the Message of the New Testament by Dr. Richard T. Vann, Jr.
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Advanced Old Testament Survey 3 Credit Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Old Testament literature and history, with emphasis on application within the church.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: will be familiar with the content of the books of Psalms to Malachi; will be familiar with the various ways Old Testament texts have been interpreted.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
A Journey Through the Old Testament by Elmer Towns
The World and Literature of the Old Testament by John T. Willis
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Introduction to Systematic Theology 3 Credit Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: An investigative research on of the themes that comprise Christian systematic theology; focusing on Revelation, God, Man, Sin, Christ, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Church, Last Things, and Angelology.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, Students will be able to explain the relevance and the practical implications of theology. Articulate the meaning of key theological terms and concepts. Communicate sound theology in a variety of mediums. Critically evaluate past and present theological systems/beliefs. Know and love God with greater intelligence. Analyze one’s own spiritual life in light of biblical doctrine and determine areas in which one needs to grow. And help others to see the relevance of theology to the needs of today.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine by Thomas Paul Simmons
Study Guide: Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Part II – Major Courses 14 hours
Apologetics I 4 Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Rod O’Neil
Dr. Elliud Esseko
Dr. Troy Pearsall
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will discuss the development of Christian apologetics from the first century through the present. It will focus on the way in which Christian thinkers responded to challenges ranging from the persecutions of the early centuries to the rise of rationalism during the Enlightenment to the rise of materialism during the 20th century.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be able to explain the biblical basis for the apologetic task. Demonstrate reasons to be confident in the truth of Scripture and the Christian faith. Identify and critique frequently-encountered objections and challenges, both historical and contemporary, that have been brought against to the Christian faith.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
PRESUPPOSITIONAL CONFRONTATIONS Vincent Cheung
APOLOGETICS IN CONVERSATION Vincent Cheung
CAPTIVE TO REASON Vincent Cheung
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Apologetics II 4 hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Patrick Gabriel
Dr. Rod O’Neil
Dr. Elliud Esseko
Dr. Troy Pearsall
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will discuss the development of Christian apologetics from the first century through the present. It will focus on the way in which Christian thinkers responded to challenges ranging from the persecutions of the early centuries to the rise of rationalism during the Enlightenment to the rise of materialism during the 20th century.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be able to explain the biblical basis for the apologetic task. Demonstrate reasons to be confident in the truth of Scripture and the Christian faith. Identify and critique frequently-encountered objections and challenges, both historical and contemporary, that have been brought against to the Christian faith.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: 25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
PRESUPPOSITIONAL CONFRONTATIONS Vincent Cheung
APOLOGETICS IN CONVERSATION Vincent Cheung
CAPTIVE TO REASON Vincent Cheung
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Advance Apologetics: Philosophical & Moral Theology 4 Hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Philip Jegede
Dr. Franklyn Canada
Dr. Ogum Nsaka
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course offers a more comprehensive consideration of the defense of Christian faith against intellectual unbelief. Further instruction is given in the nature of apologetics and the formation and implementation of a consistently biblical apologetic methodology. Troubling issues such as the relationship of faith and reason, the nature of biblical inspiration, and the problem of evil, are confronted and resolved.
COURSE OBJECTIVES - RESEARCH I: Students will demonstrate appropriate competency related to the following knowledge and skills: The student will be able to understand different points of view of Apologetics that are taken by many in the sciences. The student will be able to understand the history of evidences for the origin of life in the sciences and investigate some of the evidences for intelligence and a Creator in creation. The student will be able to gain some understanding of the science of archeology and the evidences and conclusions presented for confirming or rejecting the Scriptures. The student will also become aware of the thinking and attitude of younger generations and discuss ways to present evidences to these generations. All of the above is to be accomplished by reading and summarizing books, journal articles and videos of presentations that I have given at various churches.
COURSE OBJECTIVES - RESEARCH II: This course surveys the basic issues in apologetics such as apologetic method, the biblical basis for apologetics, and the relationship between faith and reason. Then it turns to consideration of various apologetic issues, including the inerrancy of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the existence of God. Finally, the student will be exposed to major worldviews extant today and will consider responses to modern apologetic challenges to Christianity, such as postmodernism, and religious pluralism.
COURSE OBJECTIVES - RESEARCH III: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: A. Relate the issues of the inerrancy and trustworthiness of Scripture to apologetics. B. Defend the deity and resurrection of Jesus Christ against the claims of skeptics. C. Defend the concept of absolute truth against the claims of epistemic relativists, including postmodernists. D. Articulate the distinction between different apologetic methods. E. Defend the exclusivity of Jesus Christ against pluralism and inclusivism. F. Discuss the nature of the apologetic task and the biblical basis for apologetics. G. Appraise the arguments for the existence of God through a critical response to challenges to Christian theism.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: A minimum 12-page research essay assignment
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Research I: Religion, Reason, and Revelation (Gordon H. Clark)
Apologetics to the Glory of God: An Introduction (Frame)
God, Freedom, and Evil (Plantinga)
Research II: Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics (2011). Bush,
The Advancement (2003). Groothuis, Christian Apologetics (2011).
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Part III – Dissertation Requirements
Dissertation Proposal 5 hours
Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Dr. Philip Jegede
Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research course will examine the lives and thought of the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Christian Church. Attention will be given to the development and substance of Christian doctrine during the Patristic Period. Primary sources will be utilized in our investigation. Lectures, reading, and discussion will constitute the main substance of the course.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the stages of the church’s doctrinal formation during the Patristic Period. Recognize the doctrinal contributions made by prominent church fathers. Review the church’s past from a Christological and biblical norm. Possess historical perspective on the theological and practical problems of the present.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.
EXAMS: Twelve Page Research Essay paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.
COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Research Proposals: A Guide to Success 3rd Edition by Thomas E. Ogden
Grading Method:
100 – 90 4.00 A
89 – 80 3.00 B
79 – 70 2.00 C
69 – 60 1.00 D
59 – 0 F
Dissertation 20 hours
Dissertation Review Committee:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Philip Jegede
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Course Duration: Six months to one year
COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students are to begin their research on their thesis. Student work independently, and may use North Central Theological Seminary online library, or other public libraries and resources. Students may also accomplish their research through surveys or interviews.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: After completing their writing student must submit a minimum 80 page them to the Thesis committer for review.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Read required course material relevant to their Thesis proposal, do their research and submit their thesis.
Minimum 80-page Dissertation
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Writing the Doctoral Dissertation: A Systematic Approach Third Edition by Gordon B. Davis
Grading Method:
Dissertation Acceptance or Rejection
