Providing a solid foundation for the asian church

The Master of Divinity is the basic professional degree that provides the most comprehensive graduate education for those preparing for ministry. It is designed for those who are specifically intending to enter full-time ministry in the church.

The Master of Arts is a two-year professional program for those who are not able to pursue a three-year program. It provides a foundation in the classical disciplines and significant training in pastoral skills.

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	Diploma (30 units)	M.A. (64 units)	M.Div. (96 units)
Core Curriculum
Research Seminars	2 sems	2 sems	2 sems
Growth Groups	2 sems	4 sems	4 sems
Bible	12 units Bible Elective 3 units	12 units Bible Elective 3 units	12 units Bible Elective 3 units
Biblical Languages		12 units	24 units
Theology	9 units	9 units	9 units
Christian History	6 units	6 units	6 units History Elective 3 units
Leadership & Spiritual Formation		6 units	6 units
Professional Electives		6 units	12 units
LIFE		4 units	4 units
Education Electives			6 units
Open Electives		6 or 0 w/thesis	5 units
Thesis		6 (optional)	6 units

Professional Electives	Open Electives
Doing Theology in Asia Theology in Practice Roman Catholic Theology Theological Methods and SystemsOld Testament Theology New Testament TheologyHermeneuticsPhilosophy of ReligionEducation CoursesTeaching-learning process Effective Teaching College Teaching	Other courses from other programs in consultation with the Program Director.

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

Biblical Hermeneutics

This course involves a study of the methods used in the interpretation of Scripture. Students will gain skill in applying various methods of interpretation to biblical texts exhibiting diverse genres.

 

Biblical Languages

Biblical Languages at AGS are designed to lead the student to a much deeper understanding of the Bible by learning to read and interpret the biblical witness in the original languages. All of the Master of Divinity programs required the completion of courses in one or both languages.

Biblical Studies

The Biblical Studies courses are designed to lead the student to greater understanding of the content, background and theology of the Bible. An emphasis is placed on developing skills for interpretation and the use of the Bible in personal spiritual formation and ministry application.

Biblical Studies LIFE

Please consult the program director for the requirements.

Biblical Theology of Wealth and Poverty

In this course focus is placed on the study of biblical teaching concerning economic justice, possessions, finance, stewardship, generosity, deprivation, prosperity, debt, revenue, and taxation. Focus upon the biblical text is accompanied by reflection concerning implications for contemporary church and society.

Exegetical Book Studies

These courses are devoted to a study of individual biblical texts. They deal with introductory questions and a study of each text’s distinctive character and content. Students are equipped to deal exegetically, homiletically, and devotionally with the material.

Greek 1

This Greek course introduces the student to the study of the Greek language. At the end of the course the student will know basic vocabulary and have an understanding of the noun system and a good portion of the verb system. The student also learns to use computer tools which aid in learning and using the Greek language.

 

Greek 2

A continuation of Greek 1, this course finishes the Greek verbal system and introduces the student to the use and translation of the Greek New Testament through translating 1 John. The student will master a large vocabulary and develop a basic understanding of New Testament Greek syntax.

Greek Exegesis

The final course in the Greek curriculum normally focuses on an individual NT book, typically a letter of Paul. The student gains facility in analyzing large portions of the letter with regard to context, lexical, syntactical and discourse features.

Greek Syntax

This course develops the student’s skills in NT Greek to a much greater degree. Through translating a variety of passages throughout the Greek New Testament, the student gains facility in understanding the way phrases and sentences are constructed, and the different Greek styles in the New Testament.

Hebrew 1

This course is an introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew. The student begins to learn Hebrew by working through biblically based examples and exercises which become progressively more difficult as the student’s skill level develops.

 

Hebrew 2

An intensive consideration of the Hebrew verbal system and syntax is the focus of this course. Students continue to gain skill in translating the Hebrew Old Testament.

 

Hebrew 3

This course involves exegesis of the Hebrew text of selected Old Testament passages. This is supplemented by a discussion of exegetical methodology.

 

Hebrew 4

Hebrew 4 focuses on rapid reading of selected passages from the Hebrew Old Testament. This is supplemented by the review and acquisition of Hebrew vocabulary.

 

Historical Books

Students will focus on a study of Joshua to Esther, concentrating on the theological teaching and literary development of these books. Focus upon the biblical text is supplemented by a consideration of the historical and cultural backgrounds which lie behind the text.

Introducing New Testament Study: The Synoptic Gospels

In this course the student is guided to learn principles of New Testament interpretation through an analysis of the synoptic gospels. The student gains practical experience in comparing the gospels, in understanding the various small and large features of the gospels, and parable interpretation.

Introducing Old Testament Study: The Pentateuch

This course involves a study of Genesis to Deuteronomy, concentrating on the theological teaching and literary development of these books. Focus upon the biblical text is supplemented by a consideration of the historical and cultural backgrounds which lie behind the text.

Parables of Jesus

Parables constitute a special genre of the gospels which are a distinctive of Jesus’ teaching. In this course, students learn principles of parable construction and interpretation through practical exercises and interaction with the professor and through analysis of other parable literature.

Prayer and the Old Testament

Students will engage in a study of Old Testament prayers, focusing on the theology prominent within narrative prayers. Focus upon the biblical text is accompanied by reflection concerning the implications of the Old Testament prayers for contemporary public and private prayer.

The Pauline Literature

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the life and letters of Paul with attention to critical issues and principles of interpretation. The student gains an understanding of Paul’s background, Christian experience, and theology. Further, the student learns to transfer Paul’s practical teaching to local situations.

 

The Prophetic Literature

In this course the student will study Isaiah to Malachi, concentrating on the theological teaching and literary development of these books. Focus upon the biblical text is supplemented by a consideration of the historical and cultural backgrounds which lie behind the text.

Wisdom Literature

This course involves a study of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon, concentrating on the theological teaching and literary development of these books. Focus upon the biblical text is supplemented by a consideration of the historical and cultural backgrounds which lie behind the text.