Department of Biblical and Religious Studies
The Department of Biblical and Religious Studies offers undergraduate students a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (with concentrations in biblical archaeology and biblical hermeneutics); minors in ancient languages, biblical studies, and religious studies; and courses in biblical and religious studies in support of the General Education program, preparing men and women for ministry, graduate programs, and various public- and private-sector vocations. The emphasis for biblical studies majors is on training them in an informed interpretation of the Christian Scriptures and integrating their understanding of the Bible with their responses to God, neighbor, and self, as well as with just responses to human need.
Major
- Biblical Studies (BA)
- Biblical Archaeology
- Biblical Hermeneutics
Minors
Certificate of Distinction
UBBL 100, Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy, 3 Units
This course introduces Old Testament biblical literature, hermeneutics, and literary critical methodologies with a primary focus on the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Students learn to observe the overall structure of these books, their historical settings, and modern approaches to their literary analysis. Students learn to interpret individual texts within each book. Students study how Deuteronomy uses the material of Exodus to communicate God's Word to a new generation. Meets the General Education Requirement: Exodus/Deuteronomy.
Prerequisite: MIN 108 (may be taken concurrently)
UBBL 230, Luke/Acts, 3 Units
This course introduces New Testament biblical literature, hermeneutics, and literary critical methodologies with a primary focus on the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Special attention is given to the texts with regard to their political, cultural, religious, and geographical settings; the literary structures and genres employed; and how these texts are relevant for faithful Christian living. Meets the General Education Requirement: Luke/Acts.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100 or department consent
UBBL 235, Luke/Acts through a Latinx Lens, 3 Units
This course introduces New Testament biblical literature, hermeneutics, and literary critical methodologies, with a primary focus on the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, and the primary interpretive lens being that of the Latinx communities in the U.S. Special attention is given to the meaning of the texts with regard to ancient and contemporary political, cultural, religious, and geographical settings; the literary structures and genres employed; and how these texts are relevant for faithful Christian living within a Latinx context. There is also an academic service-learning component. Meets the General Education Requirement: Luke/Acts.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100 or department consent
UBBL 310, The Rise of the King: I and II Samuel, 3 Units
Students study I and II Samuel, giving special attention to the text with regard to its purpose, theological message, politics, culture, religions, geographical setting, and literary genre. This course may also include brief surveys of Joshua and Judges as they relate to the rise of the monarchy in Israel. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100 and UBBL 230 or HON 240, or instructor consent.
UBBL 311, Old Testament Prophets, 3 Units
This course offers a critical and exegetical study of several selected minor prophets and at least one major prophet (Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel). Special consideration is given to their ministry and message in light of the social, political, and religious conditions of their times, as well as the continuing relevance of the prophetic message for our day. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100; UBBL 230 or HON 240; or instructor consent.
UBBL 317, Ruth and Esther, 3 Units
This course offers an informed and exegetical study of the books of Ruth and Esther with special consideration to their geographical, political, cultural, religious, and literary dimensions. Additionally, attention is given to the various ways in which Ruth and Esther have been used as resources for contemporary communities of faith. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
UBBL 320, Psalms and Wisdom, 3 Units
Students undertake an advanced study of poetry and wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible. Attention is given to the development of the literature as well as an investigation of each book's composition. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100; UBBL 230 or HON 240; or instructor consent.
UBBL 330, Life and Teachings of Jesus, 3 Units
The life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus Christ are the focus of this course. Special attention is given to the content of the Synoptic Gospels as well as the social, political, and religious conditions of the time. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100; UBBL 230 or HON 240; or instructor consent.
UBBL 331, The Gospel and Letters of John, 3 Units
This course focuses on literary and theological themes in the Gospel and three letters written by the Apostle John. Students gain understanding of why the Gospel and letters of John are important for them. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
UBBL 340, Romans and Galatians, 3 Units
This course provides an analytical, exegetical, and expositional study of the biblical texts of Romans and Galatians. Special attention is given to the nature of Paul's ministry, the theological, social, and practical issues he addressed, and how these texts are relevant for faithful Christian living. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100; UBBL 230 or HON 240; or instructor consent.
UBBL 341, Thessalonian and Corinthian Epistles, 3 Units
Paul's letters to the churches at Thessalonica and Corinth are studied, with attention given to the nature of Paul's ministry and the doctrinal and practical issues he addresses. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100; UBBL 230 or HON 240; or instructor consent.
UBBL 350, Biblical Lands and Cultures, 3 Units
This comprehensive course of study emphasizes the geography, history, and archaeology of Israel and its neighbors in biblical and postbiblical times. Students will also be introduced to the complex social, political, and religious issues facing the Middle East today. The course will be taught as a semester class on the Azusa campus or in conjunction with a tour of the Bible lands. Meets the General Education Requirement: Upper Division Bible, Intercultural Competence.
UBBL 351, Near Eastern Archaeology, 3 Units
The history and material culture of the Levant are surveyed from prehistoric times through the Iron Age, with particular emphasis on the contributions of ancient Israel to the development of culture. Attention is also given to the nature, goals, and methods of scholarly inquiry and interpretation.
UBBL 352, Archaeological Field Excavation, 3 Units
An introduction to the theory and practice of archaeological excavation as carried out in Israel and other parts of the Middle East. The student will be trained in the methods of survey, field excavation, recording, and pottery analysis. The student will also learn how to intelligently assess and explain the results of Near Eastern Archaeology as it relates to the Bible.
Prerequisite: Completion of a 300-level General Education Bible requirement or department consent
UBBL 442, Prison and Pastoral Epistles, 3 Units
This course is a study of Pauline theology as revealed in these two groups of letters. Special attention is given to Pauline Christology and ecclesiology and their practical relevance for the contemporary Church.
Prerequisite: One 300-level New Testament Course: UBBL 330, UBBL 340, UBBL 341, UBBL 343, or department consent
UBBL 450, Old Testament World, 3 Units
This course examines the history, religion, and culture of ancient Israel within the broader context of the Ancient Near East from the beginnings of civilization through Alexander the Great. Special attention is given to the political, cultural, and religious systems of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and the Eastern Mediterranean world, and their contributions to present-day culture.
Prerequisite: Completion of a 300-level Old Testament course, or department approval.
UBBL 451, New Testament World, 3 Units
The social, political, religious, philosophical, ideological, and literary environment of the Greco-Roman world is studied as the cultural context of Second Temple Judaism, early Christianity, and their literature.
Prerequisite: UBBL 230 and one UBBL 300 level course
UBBL 472, Biblical Apocalyptic, 3 Units
Students learn about the rise and development of the apocalyptic literature found in the collections of the Old Testament, Pseudepigrapha, Apocrypha, and New Testament. Special attention is given to Daniel, Matthew 24-25, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and Revelation and how those texts are relevant for faithful Christian living.
Prerequisite: One 300-level New Testament Course: UBBL 330, UBBL 340, UBBL 341, UBBL 343, or department consent
UBBL 476, Writing 3: Women in the Biblical Tradition, 3 Units
This course enables students to participate in the discourse community of their major by assessing the rhetorical situations they will encounter when they enter their academic field or profession. Students also create documents in at least two genres, implementing the techniques they have developed in Writing 1 & 2. The writing component will complement an introduction to the students to how women are depicted in biblical tradition. It includes careful reading of narratives about women in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, as well as the reception of and expansion on those narratives in early Church tradition. Furthermore, the student explores the way contemporary readers/hearers encounter these texts in light of their own cultural location and faith perspectives. Meets the General Education Requirement: Writing 3: Writing in the Disciplines.
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Writing 2 requirements and 100-, 200-, and 300-level General Education UBBL requirements.
UBBL 481, History of Biblical Interpretation, 3 Units
This is an upper-division humanities course that introduces the student to the rich history of the interpretation of biblical writings. The focus rests on the ways in which the various faith communities, Jewish as well as Christian, received the writings, rendered them comprehensible and relevant to contemporary concerns, and passed them on to subsequent generations. The chronological range covered by this course begins during the biblical period itself and extends to the present day.
Prerequisite: Completion of a 300-level UBBL course.
UBBL 482, Global Biblical Interpretation, 3 Units
This course examines how Christians in the non-Western world have received the Bible and have made it meaningful to their own cultural concerns. Students examine alternate approaches to the science and art of biblical interpretation, approaching non-Western interpretation of the Bible from theoretical, sociological, literary-critical, theological, and practical perspectives. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
Prerequisite: UBBL 100, UBBL 230, and one 300-level UBBL course or department consent.
UBBL 483, Postcolonial Biblical Interpretation, 3 Units
This course examines the modern history of biblical interpretation, giving special attention to the development of postcolonial biblical criticism, an innovative approach to reading sacred texts that draws from the life experiences of those who have suffered from colonial and imperial oppression. Students examine the various themes of postcolonial theory in order to assess its strengths and consider its blind spots. Students also learn to apply its various principles to the exegesis of biblical texts.
Prerequisite: Completion of a 300-level UBBL course.
UBBL 493, Biblical Studies Capstone Course: Old Testament Theology, 3 Units
This course provides opportunities to develop skills for engaging basic issues concerning theology in the Old Testament as Christian Scripture. Subjects include the relationship between God and the world, knowledge of God, the sovereignty of God, the holiness of God, the justice and mercy of God, and the people of God. Writing assignments are built on exegetical skills cultivated in other UBBL coursework and provide a platform for mastering principled research methods, textual and hermeneutical analysis, and critical evaluation of ancient and modern theological discourse. To meet the biblical studies capstone requirement for majors, this course or UBBL 494 may be taken.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, at least one 300-level Old Testament course, Writing 3, or department consent.
UBBL 494, Biblical Studies Capstone Course: New Testament Theology, 3 Units
Students in this course explore major New Testament themes and how they relate theologically. The course offers a comparative study of New Testament writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, the author of Hebrews, and others), with focus upon what they disclose about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, sin, salvation, the coming Kingdom, and other subjects. As a capstone course, attention is given to methodology, biblical literacy, informed thinking, and faith integration. To meet the biblical studies capstone requirement for majors, either this course or UBBL 493 may be taken.
Prerequisite: Senior standing, at least one 300-level New Testament course, Writing 3, or department consent.
UBBL 495, Special Topics in Biblical Studies, 3 Units
This course explores topics in Biblical Studies not covered in-depth by regular department offerings.
Prerequisite: One upper-division UBBL course
UBBL 496, Senior Seminar: Biblical Theology and Ethics, 3 Units
This senior seminar examines an important theological and ethical issue facing Christians today. This course explains selected methods and content from the fields of biblical theology and biblical ethics and prepares students to articulate various ways in which the Christian faith can be lived out in the contemporary world. The seminar format includes an oral presentation and a thesis. Meets the General Education Requirement: Integrative and Applied Learning.
Prerequisite: Senior standing; Completion of a 100, 200, and 300 level UBBL General Education course; One General Education Theology course; and Writing 3.
UBBL 497, Readings, 1-4 Units
This is a program of study concentrating on assigned readings, discussions, and writing arranged between, and designed by, a student of upper-division standing and an approved professor. This course may be repeated for credit. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
UBBL 498, Directed Research, 1-4 Units
This course provides instruction in research design and technique, and gives students experience in the research process. The 1-unit expectation encompasses no less than 30 hours of work with accompanying reading, log, writing, and seminar presentation within the department or in a university research symposium. No more than 1 unit may be used to fulfill preparatory readings requirement. An independent study fee is assessed for each enrollment in this class.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
PRBL 100, Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy, 3 Units
This course introduces Old Testament biblical literature, hermeneutics, and literary critical methodologies with a primary focus on the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Students learn to observe the overall structure of these books, their historical settings, and modern approaches to their literary analysis. Students learn to interpret individual texts within each book. Students study how Deuteronomy uses the material of Exodus to communicate God's Word to a new generation. Meets the General Education Requirement: Exodus/Deuteronomy.
PRBL 230, Luke/Acts, 3 Units
This course introduces New Testament biblical literature, hermeneutics, and literary critical methodologies with a primary focus on the Gospel of Luke and Acts of the Apostles. Special attention is given to the text with regard to their political, cultural, religious, and geographical setting; the literary structures and genres employed; and how those texts are relevant for faithful Christian living. Meets the General Education Requirement: Luke/Acts.
PRRS 200, World Religions, 3 Units
This course offers a study of global religious traditions in their cultural and historical contexts. Students critically examine various definitions and methodologies of global religious studies from the perspectives of confessing Christians. Traditions examined include Hinduism, Primal Religions, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Meets the General Education Requirement: World Religions.
RELG 200, World Religions, 3 Units
This course covers global religious traditions in their cultural and historical contexts. Students critically examine various definitions and methodologies of global religious traditions from the perspectives of confessing Christians. Traditions examined include Hinduism, primal religions, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
RELG 350, Judaism: A Story of Hope, 3 Units
This course introduces the texts, traditions, and practices of Judaism as they have developed over the centuries. Students are exposed to the literature of classical Judaism, including the Hebrew Bible, the Mishnah, the Midrash, and the Talmud. These texts are read in conjunction with a study of the historical, sociological, and phenomenological environments in which they developed and which mediated them from one generation to the next. Course material includes a study of how Judaism has responded to the changes wrought by modernity and the creation of the state of Israel. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
RELG 351, Islam: The Way of Submission, 3 Units
This course introduces the texts, traditions, and practices of Islam as they have developed over the centuries. Course material focuses on rituals, ethics, and practices of Islam, along with discussion of Islam's holiest text, the Qur'an, and also includes study of the historical, sociological, and phenomenological environments in which these elements developed and which mediated them from one generation to the next. Students also explore how the various forms of Islam have responded to the changes wrought by the modern world. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
RELG 352, Hinduism: Karma, Dharma, and Yoga, 3 Units
Students in this course explore the major indigenous religions of South Asia-with particular emphasis on shared concepts such as karma, the practices of yoga, and the attainment of dharma-in order to equip Christians for global Christian praxis and interreligious theological and philosophical dialogue. Course material traces the evolution of Indian religion from its roots in the Vedas and the Upanishads through the development of Jainism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, and concludes with an examination of "inclusivist" and "exclusivist" approaches to religious pluralism in contemporary Indian thought. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
RELG 353, East Asian Religions and Mindfulness, 3 Units
Students in this course examine East Asian (or Taoist) religions including Mayahana or Ch'an Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism-with minor emphasis on Chinese folk religions and Shinto in their Chinese, Korean, and Japanese contexts, and on Vietnamese perspectives-in order to equip Christians for global Christian praxis and interreligious theological and philosophical dialogue. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
RELG 395, Special Topics in Religious Studies, 3 Units
Students in this course explore selected topics, themes, or historical developments that are significant for the field of religious studies. Repeatable for credit. Meets the General Education Requirement: Intercultural Competence.
ALNG 456, Ancient Languages, 1-4 Units
This course is offered according to the needs of the student. It provides opportunity to learn basic grammar and vocabulary in Arabic, Akkadian, Aramaic, Coptic, Latin, Ugaritic, or other ancient languages relevant to the study of biblical history and literature. May be repeated for advanced language study or learning an additional language.
Prerequisite: GRKB 201 and/or HEBB 201 or instructor consent
GRKB 200, Elementary Greek I, 3 Units
The elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on the mastery of the basic forms, syntax, and vocabulary, are covered in this two-part beginning course. Classes meet three hours weekly. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
GRKB 201, Elementary Greek II, 3 Units
The elements of New Testament Greek, with emphasis on the mastery of the basic forms, syntax, and vocabulary, are covered in this two-part beginning course. Classes meet three hours weekly. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
Prerequisite: GRKB 200 or instructor consent
GRKB 300, Intermediate Greek I, 3 Units
This course consists of continued study of the forms, syntax, and vocabulary of New Testament Greek with an introduction to exegesis of the Greek New Testament.
Prerequisite: GRKB 201
GRKB 301, Intermediate Greek II, 3 Units
Students undertake reading and exegesis of various passages in the New Testament.
Prerequisite: GRKB 300
GRKB 454, Greek Readings, 1-4 Units
This course requires directed reading in the Greek New Testament. It is offered according to the needs of the student. It can be repeated for credit, thus providing fifth and sixth semesters of Greek.
Prerequisite: GRKB 301, or completion of two years of biblical Greek at another institution or instructor consent
GRKC 200, Elementary Classical Greek I, 4 Units
Lecture 3 Hours; Discussion 1 Hour: Elementary Classical Greek is for students with little or no background in Classical Greek. The elements of classical Greek, with emphasis on the mastery of the basic forms, syntax, and vocabulary, are covered in this two-part beginning course. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. No previous knowledge of Classical Greek is assumed. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
GRKC 201, Elementary Classical Greek II, 4 Units
Lecture 3 Hours; Discussion 1 Hour: This is the second semester of a two semester, introductory course in Classical Greek language as well as classical Greek culture. The course is designed for students with little or no background in Classical Greek. The elements of Classical Greek, with emphasis upon the mastery of the basic forms, syntax, and vocabulary are covered in this two-part beginning course. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
Prerequisite: GRKC 200
HEBB 200, Elementary Hebrew I, 3 Units
The basic grammar and syntax of Hebrew are taught. The course aims to provide a reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew prose and an acquaintance with basic conversational, modern Hebrew. Classes meet three hours weekly. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
HEBB 201, Elementary Hebrew II, 3 Units
The basic grammar and syntax of Hebrew are taught. Using selected readings from the Hebrew Bible, the course provides a reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew prose and an acquaintance with basic conversational, modern Hebrew. Classes meet three hours weekly. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
Prerequisite: HEBB 200 or instructor consent
HEBB 300, Intermediate Hebrew I, 3 Units
This course consists of continued study of the morphology, syntax, and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew with opportunities for reading and exegesis of various genres of the Hebrew Bible. This course counts toward a minor in Ancient Languages.
Prerequisite: HEBB 201
HEBB 301, Intermediate Hebrew II, 3 Units
This course consists of reading and exegesis of the Hebrew Bible with a particular emphasis on Hebrew in relation to other Semitic languages. Readings of nonbiblical Hebrew and Aramaic material expose students to the development of Hebrew throughout history. This course counts toward a minor in Ancient Languages.
Prerequisite: HEBB 300
HEBB 455, Hebrew Readings, 3 Units
This course consists of directed reading in the Hebrew Bible and is offered according to the needs of the student. It can be repeated for credit, thus providing fifth and sixth semesters of Hebrew. This course counts toward a minor in Ancient Languages.
Prerequisite: HEBB 301 or completion of two years of biblical Hebrew at another institution or instructor consent
LTN 200, Elementary Latin I, 4 Units
Lecture 3 Hours; Discussion 1 Hour: Elementary Latin is for students with little or no background in Classical Latin. The elements of classical Latin, with emphasis on the mastery of the basic forms, syntax, and vocabulary are covered in this two-part beginning course. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. No previous knowledge of Latin is assumed. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
LTN 201, Elementary Latin II, 4 Units
Lecture 3 Hours; Discussion 1 Hour: As the sequel of Elementary Latin I, Elementary Latin II is accessible to students who have taken Elementary Latin I. The elements of classical Latin, with emphasis upon the mastery of the basic verb systems (the five declensions and four conjugations), forms, syntax, vocabulary, and techniques in reading and translating simple Latin prose are covered in this two-part beginning course. Two semesters of the same language are required to meet the General Education requirement. Meets the General Education Requirement: Foreign Language.
Prerequisite: LTN 200
Faculty
Chair
Justin Marc Smith, PhD
Professors
Robert Duke, PhD
Eunny Lee, PhD
Robert Mullins, PhD
B.J. Oropeza, PhD
Keith Reeves, PhD
Federico A. Roth, PhD
Alice Yafeh-Deigh, PhD
Associate Professor
Justin Marc Smith, PhD
Assistant Professor
Traci Birge, PhD(c)
Faculty Emeriti
Bruce Baloian, PhD
Kenneth L. Waters, PhD
William Yarchin, PhD