Theological engagement involves complexity, challenge, and a sense of wonder. At the center of the core religion curriculum is theological reflection that invites the academic community – students and faculty – to think faithfully about the issues of life in a context of Christian commitment. Core areas of study include the following: biblical competence; philosophy, theology and Christian ethics; the nature and mission of the church; leadership; and spirituality.
Definition of Terms
By theological engagement we mean the systematic exploration of issues in human experience in light of the truth revealed in Scripture; we affirm as a matter of course that systematic inquiry calls the interpreter to prayer, discernment, and responsible action in the life of the church.
By research we mean the capacity to formulate clear and appropriate questions, to examine critically both the primary evidence and the secondary literature by which the evidence is evaluated, and to report findings and conclusions in terms which are acceptable in the academy and the church.
By biblical competence we mean the intimate knowledge of the Christian Scriptures, including both their content and the issues and skills related to their proper interpretation.
By Christian ethics we mean the systematic reflection on issues pertaining to the moral life, including the grounds of moral reasoning, virtues, consequences, and motives.
By the nature and mission of the church we mean the vocation by which the people of God are corporately called to be visible evidence of God’s intention to draw the world into relationship with Himself.
By Christian leadership we mean the awareness of the ways in which one’s calling, giftedness, and skills are integrated into a developing capacity to serve, communicate, and care for others.
By spirituality we mean the range and depth of one’s experiences of the human condition, and the processes by which persons and communities are redeemed and transformed in the service of God and humanity.
Religion Major Core Requirements |
25 units |
|
| BINT 270 | Research Methods for the Study of Scripture | 3 units |
| ICST 272 | A Theology of Church Mission | 2 units |
| ICST 285 | Theology and Worldview in a Multicultural Society | 2 units |
| NT 462 | Selected Themes in New Testament Theology | 3 units |
| OT 472 | Selected Themes in Old Testament Theology | 3 units |
| PLST 310 | Introduction to Christian Leadership | 2 units |
| PLST 312 | Introduction to Pastoral Care | 2 units |
| PLST 314 | Introduction to Preaching and Teaching | 2 units |
| PLST 372 | Research Methods for the Study of Ethics and Christian Leadership | 3 units |
| PLST 420 | Disciplines of the Spiritual Life | 3 units |
Note: The configuration of thse core requirements is built upon the core curriculum courses in religion (see Core Curriculum section of this catalog).
Concentrations of the Religion Major
Religion Major with a Concentration in Biblical Studies
Biblical studies support the mission of the Department of Religion with a thorough survey of biblical literature integrated with biblical history and culture. Upper division courses in specific books, or groupings of books, permit the student to sample meaningfully representative types of biblical literature; other courses emphasize various methods in exegetical study, the principles of sound interpretation, the distinctive theological emphasis of the various sectors of biblical thought, and the utilization of archaeological and literary backgrounds. In addition, students study selected issues and methods pertaining to theology, philosophy, ethics, and church history.
Biblical Studies Concentration Requirements |
31 units |
|
| Choose one of the following sets (10 units): | ||
| BLAN 102 | Introduction to Hebrew | 2 units |
| BLAN 201 | Beginning Greek I | 4 units |
| BLAN 202 | Beginning Greek II | 4 units |
| OR | ||
| BLAN 100 | Introduction to Greek | 2 units |
| BLAN 204 | Beginning Hebrew I | 4 units |
| BLAN 205 | Beginning Hebrew II | 4 units |
| Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Electives | 6 units | |
| CHIS Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division NT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division OT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division PHIL/THEO Elective | 6 units | |
SOCS/MATH 265C is recommended for the core curriculum requirement in mathematics. PLST 406 is recommended as an elective.
Religion Major with a Concentration in Christian Formation and Discipleship Studies
Christian formation and discipleship studies support the mission of the Department of Religion with the study of church mission in relation to the formation and discipleship of children, youth, and adults in local churches and para-church ministries. In addition to selected studies in biblical literature, theology, ethics, and church history, students engage in disciplined theological reflection on ministry skills and field experiences to bridge theory and practice in anticipated areas of vocational, church staff, and volunteer ministries.
Christian Formation and Discipleship Studies
|
32 units |
|
| CFST 101 | Introduction to Christian Formation and Discipleship | 2 units |
| CFST 102 | Introduction to Intercultural Studies | 2 units |
| Choose two of the following courses (4 units): | 4 units | |
| CFST 322 | Christian Formation of Children | 2 units |
| CFST 324 | Introduction to Youth Ministry | 2 units |
| CFST 326 | Adult Formation and Discipleship | 2 units |
| CFST 430 | Management in Christian Organizations | 3 units |
| CFST 461 | Integrative Field Studies | 3 units |
| Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Elective | 3 units | |
| CHIS Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division NT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division OT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division PHIL/THEO Electives | 6 units | |
SOCS/MATH 265C is recommended for the core curriculum requirement in mathematics. One course in a biblical language and PLST 406 are recommended as electives.
Religion Major with a Concentration in Intercultural Studies
Intercultural and urban studies support the mission of the Department of Religion with the study of church mission in relation to intercultural and urban ministry opportunities. In addition to selected studies in biblical literature, theology, ethics, and church history, students engage in disciplined theological reflection on ministry skills and field experiences, especially in global, ethnic, and urban ministries.
Intercultural Studies Concentration Requirements |
32 units |
|
| ICST 102 | Introduction to Intercultural Studies | 2 units |
| Choose one of the following sets (6 units): | 4 units | |
| ICST 315 | Globalization of Church Mission | 3 units |
| ICST 485 | Current Issues in Mission Studies | 3 units |
| OR | ||
| ICST 434 | Models in Urban Ministry | 3 units |
| ICST 473 | Urban Leadership/Social Transformation | 3 units |
| ICST 312 | Cross-Cultural Studies | 3 units |
| or ICST 320 Culture Change | ||
| or ICST 464 Religion and Culture in Latin America | ||
| or Elective | ||
| ICST 461 | Integrative Field Studies | 3 units |
| Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Elective | 3 units | |
| CHIS Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division NT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division OT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division PHIL/THEO Electives | 6 units | |
ANTH/INTBC 102 is required as the social science elective in the core curriculum; SOCS/MATH 265C is recommended for the core curriculum requirement in mathematics. One course in a biblical language and PLST 406 are recommended as electives.
Religion Major with a Concentration in Pastoral Leadership Studies
Pastoral leadership studies support the mission of the Department of Religion with the study of church mission in relation to the formation of pastoral leaders. In addition to selected studies in biblical literature, theology, ethics, and church history, students engage in disciplined theological reflection on pastoral ministry skills and field experiences to bridge theory and practice in anticipated areas of vocational and volunteer ministry.
Pastoral Leadership Studies Concentration Requirements |
32 units |
|
| PLST 102 | Introduction to Intercultural Studies | 2 units |
| PLST 425 | Narrative and Expository Preaching | 3 units |
| PLST 430 | Management in Christian Organizations | 3 units |
| PLST 440 | Pastoral Care and Counseling | 3 units |
| PLST 461 | Integrative Field Studies | 3 units |
| Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Elective | 3 units | |
| CHIS Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division NT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division OT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division PHIL/THEO Electives | 6 units | |
SOCS/MATH 265C is recommended for the core curriculum requirement in mathematics. One course in a biblical language and PLST 406 are recommended as electives.
Religion Major with a Concentration in Youth Leadership Studies
Youth leadership studies support the mission of the Department of Religion with the study of church mission in relation to the formation of youth leaders. In addition to selected studies in biblical literature, theology, ethics and church history, students engage in disciplined theological reflection on youth ministry skills and field experiences to bridge theory and practice in anticipated areas of vocational, church staff, and volunteer ministries.
To equip future youth leaders more effectively, a variety of courses and workshops are available through the Strategic Youth Alliance, a joint partnership of Vanguard University of Southern California, the Southern California District Assemblies of God Youth Ministries, and the National Institute of Youth Ministries.
Youth Leadership Studies Concentration Requirements |
32 units |
|
| YLST 102 | Introduction to Intercultural Studies | 2 units |
| YLST 324 | Introduction to Youth Ministry | 2 units |
| YLST 422 | Preaching and Teaching in Youth Context | 2 units |
| YLST 432 | Care and Counsel of Youth | 2 units |
| or Elective | ||
| YLST 430 | Management in Christian Organizations | 3 units |
| YLST 461 | Integrative Field Studies | 3 units |
| Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Elective | 3 units | |
| CHIS Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division NT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division OT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division PHIL/THEO Electives | 6 units | |
SOCS/MATH 265C is recommended for the core curriculum requirement in mathematics. One course in a biblical language and PLST 406 are recommended as electives.
Religion Major with No Concentration
For those students who prefer a general approach to the study of religion, the following electives in subject areas are required.
Religion Major with No Concentration Requirements |
32 units |
|
| Any Upper Division Religion Electives | 14 units | |
| Upper Division OT/NT/BINT Elective | 3 units | |
| CHIS Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division NT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division OT Elective | 3 units | |
| Upper Division PHIL/THEO Electives | 6 units | |
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.
