Prerequisites: Courses which must be completed prior to entry in the GOAL program:
❐ a. 60-64 semester hours from a regionally accredited junior or senior college
❐ b. Equivalent of Religion 304
❐ c. Equivalent of Religion 305
❐ d. Equivalent of Gardner-Webb’s English 101
❐ e. Equivalent of Gardner-Webb’s English 102
Gardner-Webb Course work:
A. University Core - See GOAL Core Curriculum Checksheet
B. Major: 3 hours each for a total of 36 hours (check, then circle course taken) I. Spiritual Formation
❐ REL 371
II. Introduction to Philosophy ❐ PhI 300
III. Christian Theology ❐ REL 333
IV. Introduction to Christian History ❐ REL 321
V. Practicum/ Internship ❐ REL 358 or RELI 397
VI. Senior Seminar ❐ REL 490
VII. Biblical Studies
❐ REL 302, 303, 306, 307, 311, 312, 314, 316, 317, 351, or 352
VIII. Practical Theology
❐ REL 326, 343, 346, 370, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, or 378
❐ Any Religion or Philosophy course
C. Electives (Take as many hours as needed to complete 64 senior college hours and the minimum 128 semester hour requirement for graduation)
Elective courses taken.
Course Descriptions
PHI 300, INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
3 semester hours
An introduction to the major types of philosophy (schools and movements) and the principal problems and questions of human existence.
PHI 301, INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
3 semester hours
An introduction to classical and contemporary logic, emphasizing argumentation and reasoning. Attention to language and its relation to philosophical problems. Examination of the formal laws of valid thought and fallacies found in ordinary discourse.
PHI 337, PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION
3 semester hours
An introduction to selected issues raised through a philosophical investigation of religion including, but not confined to, the nature of religious language, the existence of God, the problem of evil, fideism, revelation, and the challenge of the religions of the world. Prerequisite: PHI 300 or permission of instructor.
PHI 380, SELECTED TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY
3 semester hours
Prerequisite: PHI 300 or permission of instructor. REL 302, THE SACRED WRITINGS
3 semester hours
significance in the faith of ancient Israel. Prerequisite: REL 304
REL 303, OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS
3 semester hours
A survey of prophecy in Israel with attention given to the historical settings of the individual prophets and to the relevance of their message.
Prerequisite: REL 304
REL 304, OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY
3 semester hours
An introduction and survey of the Old Testament focusing upon the history, literature and faith of the people of Israel. Not offered to the student who has successfully completed Religion 101, Introduction to Old Testament, or its equivalent.
REL 305, NEW TESTAMENT SURVEY
3 semester hours
An introduction and survey of the New Testament focusing upon the history, literature and faith that gave rise to Christianity. Not offered to the student who has successfully completed
Religion 102, Introduction to New Testament or its equivalent. REL 306, OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
3 semester hours
An exploration of Old Testament theological themes. Prerequisite: REL 304
REL 307, STUDIES IN THE PENTATEUCH
3 semester hours
A critical evaluation of the nature, background, structure, and message of the Pentateuch. Prerequisite: REL 304
REL 311, SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
3 semester hours
A study of the person, work, and message of Jesus Christ as presented in the Synoptic Gospels.
Prerequisite: REL 305
REL 312, LIFE AND LETTERS OF PAUL
3 semester hours
A study of Paul's life and thought as presented in his Epistles. Prerequisite: REL 305
REL 314, NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
3 semester hours
A study of certain key concepts of the New Testament which made a definite contribution to the faith of the Early Church.
Prerequisite: REL 305
REL 316, THE WRITINGS OF JOHN
3 semester hours
A study of the background and interpretation of the Fourth Gospel, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation.
Prerequisite: REL 305
REL 317, THE GENERAL EPISTLES AND HEBREWS
3 semester hours
A study of the background, theology, and exegesis of James, I and II Peter, Jude and Hebrews. Prerequisite: REL 305
3 semester hours
A study of the history of the Christian church from the first century to the present day. REL 322, EARLY AND MEDIEVAL CHRISTIANITY
3 semester hours
A survey of the most significant institutional, theological, and social developments in the history of the Christian church from the first century through the latter Middle Ages.
REL 323, MODERN CHRISTIANITY
3 semester hours
Beginning with the Reformation, this course is descriptive of church history to the present. REL 324, AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY
3 semester hours
A historical survey of the American religious scene from the colonial period to the present. Primary emphasis is given to the development of the more prominent Christian denominations. REL 325, BAPTIST HERITAGE
3 semester hours
A study of the Baptists' story as well as those convictions and movements which have shaped their life.
REL 326 INTRODUCTION TO MISSIOLOGY
3 semester hours
A wide-ranging exploration of the Christian mission, including the background and current status of missions, the strategies and methods of cross-cultural missions, and evangelism, and key issues in missions discussion.
REL 328, GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY
3 semester hours
REL 333, CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY
3 semester hours
An introduction to the history, methods, and principal topics of Christian theology. Prerequisite: REL 304 or 305
REL 341, CHRISTIAN ETHICS
3 semester hours
A systematic study of the nature of morality; a defense of "Christian" ethics; and exploration of principles of Biblical ethics. Specific contemporary ethical issues provide the backdrop for discussions.
REL 342, CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES TOWARD VIOLENCE
3 semester hours
This course will explore current and historical attitudes of Christians toward violence, including biblical and theological bases for a specifically Christian response to violence.
REL 343, GROWTH AND REVIVAL IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
3 semester hours
A survey of the major global movements of church growth from the New Testament period to the present day.
REL 346, WORLD RELIGIONS
3 semester hours
An introduction to Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and the religions of China and Japan. REL 350, INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
3 semester hours
This course will introduce the students to the historical, theological, and practical developments in Islam. The course will focus on important events, movements, and figures that helped shape contemporary Islam. Students will also be challenged Christian approaches to Islam.
3 semester hours
A survey of the history and environment of the biblical world presented either as a travel-study course to the Near East or as a regular lecture course on the campus.
Prerequisite: REL 304, 305
REL 352, BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
3 semester hours
The purpose of this course is to engage students in a study of the theory and practice of biblical interpretation throughout Christian history and in contemporary Christianity. Students will
consider traditional approaches to the study of scripture, challenges to those approaches and alternative proposals offered since the Enlightenment, and contemporary ways of interpreting scripture. Students will also study issues relating to the inspiration and authority of scripture and to the contemporary use of scripture in theology, ethics, and broader Christian living. A central aspect of the course will be student’s own engagement with the Bible in actual exegetical practice.
Prerequisite: REL 304, 305 REL 358, PRACTICUM
3 semester hours
An introduction to the many facets of ministry. The course combines reading, discussion, lectures and reflection with guided experience in a church or other ministry setting. Prerequisite: Approval of the Instructor.
REL 370, HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
3 semester hours
An inquiry into the biblical, theological, philosophical, and historical foundations for the practice of Christian education.
REL 371, SPIRITUAL FORMATION
3 semester hours
An exploration of personal and spiritual development through self-reflection, self-awareness, and theological reflection. Attention will be given to biblical foundations, spiritual disciplines, and Christian classics.
REL 373, CHURCH LEADERSHIP
3 semester hours
An inquiry into the practice of leadership in Christian churches. The course will examine the philosophy of Christian leadership, models of leadership in communities of faith, the relationship of personal leadership styles and congregational climates, change and conflict management, and common church leadership tasks and traps.
REL 374, PRESCHOOL AND CHILDREN DISCIPLESHIP
3 semester hours
A study of principles and strategies of effective Christian discipleship processes with
preschoolers and children, including the study of historical, current, and emerging models. As a part of the course, students will observe preschoolers and children and will practically apply principles for the course in real discipleship settings.
Prerequisite: REL 304 and REL 305 REL 375, YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP
3 semester hours
This course is a basic introduction to youth ministry, including the study of current trends in the field, characteristics of youth, methods for reaching and teaching youth. Included will be
opportunities for practical ministry experiences, observing others in youth ministry, and studying resources, programs, and activities for effective youth ministry.
REL 376, ADVANCED YOUTH DISCIPLESHIP
3 semester hours
This course advances and further develops youth discipleship studies offered in RELI 375— Youth Discipleship, integrating both academic and practical forms of discipleship. The course investigates tools necessary to disciple youth and includes opportunities for engaging students in their cultural settings, evaluating different denominational approaches to youth discipleship, publishing in a professional journal, and analyzing and studying resources in discipling youth. REL 377, ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
3 semester hours
study of the historical, current, and emerging models. As a part of the course, students will observe and participate in practical application of the course content.
Prerequisite: REL 304, 305
REL 378, CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
3 semester hours
This course will introduce students to the emergent religious movements that have made their mark on the United States and Europe since 1800. The historical foundations and religious beliefs of selected groups will be addressed. The course will also discuss the impact that such movements have had in the United States and Europe.
REL 397, PASTORAL INTERNSHIP
3 semester hours
A minimum of ten weeks spent in full-time supervised service in the pastoral work of a local church.
Prerequisite: Approval of the Instructor. REL 490, SENIOR SEMINAR
3 semester hours
Through directed readings, discussions, and research, the course provides and integrative exploration of concepts or issues from various disciplines within the Department. Senior standing required.
Prerequisite: REL 304, REL 305