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Faculty: Dr. Randy Hatchett, (Chair); Dr. Joseph Blair; Dr. David Capes; Dr. James Furr; Ms. Christi Hemati; Mr. Russell Hemati; Dr. Jamie Johns; Dr. Phillip Marshall; Dr. Gene Wofford

HBU is committed to providing a liberal arts undergraduate education dedicated to the view that Christian ideals and principles provide the perspective, goals, and values most essential in higher education. The implementation of this view is the responsibility of the entire University staff, but it is the province of the Department of Christianity and Philosophy to offer the specific courses that enable students to gain an intelligent and meaningful acquaintance with the Christian religion and with the writings of the Old and New Testaments.

Nine (9) semester hours in Christianity are required for graduation in any major. These are basic courses designed for all college students and not for church vocations students alone. In addition to its support of the core curriculum, the Department of Christianity and Philosophy offers majors in Biblical Languages and Christianity.


 
Biblical Languages

The mission of the Department of Christianity and Philosophy includes offering courses and programs that provide students with a “foundation in the classical theological disciplines.” There is no discipline more foundational to the theological enterprise than reading the biblical texts in their original languages. The Biblical Languages major at HBU is designed for students who desire to read and interpret the Christian Scriptures within their social, historical and linguistic contexts. It is appropriate for individuals preparing for vocational ministry and any serious students of the biblical traditions.

When course content allows, Senior Seminars in Christianity (CHRI 4292/4293) may be cross-listed with Senior Seminars in Biblical Languages (GREK 4292 or HEBR 4292).

Biblical Languages Credits
Smith College (see page 84) 54
   
Required Courses
15
PHIL 2311 Hermeneutics  
HEBR 2312 Hebrew Grammar  
HEBR 2322 Hebrew Grammar  
GREK 2312 Greek Grammar  
GREK 2322 Greek Grammar  
Choose 3 hrs from the following:   3
HEBR 3311Hebrew Reading and Syntax  
HEBR 3312 Hebrew Reading and Syntax  
HEBR 3313 Hebrew Reading and Syntax  
Choose 3 hrs from the following:   3
HEBR 4314 Hebrew Reading and Syntax  
HEBR 4315 Hebrew Reading and Syntax  
HEBR 4316 Hebrew Reading and Syntax  
Choose 3 hrs from the following:   3
GREK 3311 Greek Reading and Syntax  
GREK 3312 Greek Reading and Syntax  
GREK 3313 Greek Reading and Syntax  
Senior Seminars   6
HEBR 4393 Senior Seminar  
GREK 4393 Senior Seminar: Greek Reading II  



 
Christianity

The Department of Christianity and Philosophy offers a major in Christianity. This course of study helps students achieve an intelligent and meaningful understanding of the Christian faith, its history, and its practices. It is appropriate for men and women who plan to enter a vocation in Christian ministry. It is also appropriate for individuals who desire to serve the church in active lay ministry. Our students have gone on to become pastors, missionaries, worship leaders, Bible translators, and youth ministers in churches around the world. Many students who complete a major in Christianity may wish to continue their studies in our Master of Arts in Theological Studies program. The Center for Exploring Ministry Careers is the means by which HBU coordinates its many efforts to assist students who are committed to or seriously considering church vocations. A further description of this center is found in the Academic Resource section.

Christianity Credits
Smith College (see page 84) 54
   
Required Courses 27
CHRI 3201 Christian Formation  
CHRI 3301 Old Testament Theology  
CHRI 3302 New Testament Theology  
CHRI 3314 History of Christianity  
CHRI 4335 Systematic Theology  
Electives in CHRI, PHIL, PHLH, or PHLE (choose 9 hrs; 3 of the 9 hours must be a 3000/4000 level coursein PHIL, PHLH, or PHLE)  
Suggested electives for the Christianity major include, but are not limited to, the following:  
CHRI 3310 Introduction to Judaism  
CHRI 3325 The Christian Vocation  
CHRI 3335 Christian Leadership  
CHRI 3344 Paul and His Letters   
CHRI 3353 Homiletics  
CHRI 3363 Evangelism  
CHRI 3371 Christian Worship and Music  
CHRI 3377 Supervised Ministry Practicum-Hospital  
CHRI 3378 Supervised Ministry Practium - Church  
CHRI 4320 Bible and Religion in America  
CHRI 4333 Sociology of Religion  
CHRI 4343 Old Testament Prophets  
CHRI 4345 Christian Ehtics  
CHRI 4353 World Religions  
CHRI 4381 Special Topics  
CHRI 4383 Baptist History  
CHRI/PHIL 2311 Hermeneutics  
PHIL 3313 Logic  
PHIL 3323 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy  
PHIL 3344 Modern and Contemporary Philosophy  
PHIL 4363 Philosophy of Religion  
PHIL 3371 Ethics: History and Methods  
PHIL 3372 Ethics: Major Philosophical Texts  
PHLH 3351 Plato and Aristotle  
PHLH 3352 Greco/Roman Philosophy after Aristotle  
PHLH 3353 12th - 14th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 3354 17th – 18th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 3355 19th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 3356 20th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 4357 Existentialism  
Senior Seminars    
CHRI 4292 Senior Seminar  
CHRI 4293 Senior Seminar  
Other Requirements for Major  
Exit Exam administered in CHRI 4293 Senior Seminars  

Complementing the classroom studies in Christianity, the Center for Exploring Ministry Careers (CEMC) offers certain field-based studies that allow students to have actual ministry experience.



 
Philosophy

Philosophy is an underlying element of every field of study and permeates all aspects of culture and society, including matters of faith. As a result, the history of philosophy is a necessary context for understanding contemporary problems and issues. HBU’s philosophy courses are designed to help students explore the contribution of philosophy to Christian thought, and to consider Christian perspectives on philosophy. In addition, the study of philosophy helps students develop critical skills for use in all areas of life. HBU is committed to enhancing student’s abilities as they aim toward excellence. Whether one engages in Christian ministry or seeks some other professional vocation, a well-developed mind and the capacity for clear and cogent expression are essential components for effective service. The study of philosophy, tempered by a Christian worldview, aids in this goal.

Philosophy Credits
Smith College (see page 84) 54
   
Required Courses 12
PHIL 3313 Logic  
PHIL 3323 Ancient and Medieval Philosophy  
PHIL 3344 Modern and Contemporary Philosophy  
PHIL 4363 Philosophy of Religion  
Choose two additional courses in the History of Philosophy (PHLH): 6
Suggested courses in PHLH:  
PHLH 3351 Plato and Aristotle  
PHLH 3352 Greco/Roman Philosophy after Aristotle  
PHLH 3353 12th - 14th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 3354 17th – 18th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 3355 19th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 3356 20th Century Philosophy  
PHLH 4357 Existentialism  
Choose one course in Ethics (PHLE): 3
Suggested courses in PHLE:  
PHIL 3371 Ethics: History and Methods  
PHIL 3372 Ethics: Major Philosophical Texts  
Choose any two courses from PHIL, PHLE, PHLH, or
from the interdisciplinary courses below:
6
CHRI 2311 Hermeneutics  
CHRI 4335 Systematic Theology  
CHRI 4353 World Religions  
COMM 3325 Rhetorical Theory  
ENGL 4311 Literary Criticism  
POLS 3345 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought  
POLS 3353 Contemporary Political Thought  
SOCI 4340 Contemporary Social Theory  
Senior Seminars 4
PHIL 4292 Senior Seminar  
PHIL 4293 Senior Seminar  

Updated 8/10/2009 - Content Author CarnesC1