COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Word of God is the most important and incredible book anyone can study. It is the only book that can bring life to our lost and dying world. In this course, the student will learn how to effectively study the Bible—its importance, usage, and meaning—while gaining insight into various methods of study and philosophical vantage points. This is a foundational course, presented from a conservative evangelical and scholarly perspective.

I. RATIONALE:
All believers, but especially the Bible student, must become fully familiar with the tools for effective study of the Bible. The student must have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures because they contain the answers to life’s most important questions.

II. PREREQUISITES:
The student must be born again and have a desire to study God’s Word.

III. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND RELATED SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A. Cognitive:

1. The student will gain a thorough understanding of the Bible and its interpretation from a cultural and historical perspective.

2. The student will understand the various methods of study and the tools available for the proper study of the Word of God through:

   • Activities of actual study found in the text.

   • The comprehensive exam and completion of the student study guide.

B. Performance:

1. The student will list the key methods of Bible interpretation as presented in the text.

2. The student will complete all assignments presented within the study guide and the comprehensive final exam.

IV. PREASSESSMENT:
A. The student must write a brief paper on course goals.

V. INSTRUCTIONAL/LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

1. The student will read the texts in their entirety.

2. The student will complete the study guide based on Understanding Your Bible by Ken Chant.

3. The student will write detailed teaching notes on the textbook.

4. The student will write a 5–7 page term paper on the subject matter of the textbook.

VI. SELF-EVALUATION:
A. The student will write a brief paper on course goals.

VII. POST ASSESSMENT:
A. The student will reread their brief paper on course goals.
B. The student will complete the course instructor evaluation.

VIII. CORRECTIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
N/A

IX. LEARNING RESOURCES, MATERIALS, TOOLS, ETC.
A. Required Text:

• Understanding Your Bible, Ken Chant, Vision Publishing

B. Additional Bibliography:

1. Adler, R. Biblical Beginnings: Archaeology and the Roots of Scripture. PH Publishing.

2. Allin, O. The Five Books of Moses. Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing.

3. Booker, R. Come and Dine. Destiny Image.

4. Carson/Wood, B. Scripture and Truth. Grand Rapids: Baker.

5. Chant, Ken. The Bible. Vision Publishing.

6. Fry, R. How to Study. Career Press.

7. Green, W. General Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

8. Halley, A. Halley’s Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

9. Kareen, P. Handbook of Bible Study. Oxford Press.

10. Livingston, G. The Pentateuch in Its Cultural Environment. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

11. Thomas, W. H. The Pentateuch. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publishing.

12. Torrey, R. How to Study the Bible. Whitaker House.

13. Sterrett, T. How to Understand Your Bible. InterVarsity Press.

14. Wolf, Herbert. An Introduction to the Old Testament Pentateuch. Chicago: Moody.

*Outline/Description Prepared by: Dr. Stan DeKoven. Rev. 2/12/99.*