Future Classes (Proposed)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:13-15

Below is a list of proposed classes for future terms at RTS Washington. Please use it to plan your upcoming terms, but be flexible as the Lord directs--not every class will happen exactly as listed here. Classes are subject to change without notice. Check back here often to plan your courses.

Summer 2008

6ST504 History of Philosophy and Christian Thought (3 credits)
Dr. Steven Nichols - Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5pm
June 16-20 at McLean Presbyterian Church

A critical, historical survey of the development of the main schools of philosophy and the principal developments in Christian doctrine and thought. After a brief introduction to philosophical thinking, the course concentrates on philosophical movements from Heraclitus to contemporary existentialism. Each school of thought is evaluated from a distinctively Reformed perspective.

6ON504 Advanced Biblical Exegesis (3 credits)
Dr. Miles Van Pelt - Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5pm
June 9-13 at McLean Presbyterian Church

Prerequisite: Two semesters of Greek and two semesters of Hebrew. Attention is given to maintaining skill in the original languages and applying them to broader questions such as unity and diversity within Scripture, the relationship of Old and New Testament studies, the interaction of biblical and theological studies, and the place of Scripture in pastoral ministry.

6OT510 Judges – Esther (2 credits)
Professor TBA - Monday-Wednesday, 9:00am-5pm
June 4-6 at McLean Presbyterian Church

This overview of the literature, history, and themes of Judges through Esther gives particular attention to the relevance of these books for the church and world today.

Fall 2008

6OT512 Poets (2 credits)
Dr. Tremper Longman - Fridays 7:30-10pm, Saturdays 9am-4pm
October 17-18, November 14-15, December 12-13

An examination of the literary structure, themes, and history of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

6ST510 Systematic Theology I (3 credits)
Dr. Howard Griffith – Mondays 7:30-10pm
September 8 – December 15 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at McLean Presbyterian Church

This survey of theology emphasizes the practical application of the doctrines of Scripture and Theology proper to the ministry of the gospel in contemporary culture

6ST530 Apologetics (2 credits)
Dr. William Edgar - Friday 7:30pm-10:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm
September 19-20, September 26-27, October 3-4 at McLean Presbyterian Church

Get equipped to "give the reason for the hope that you have" in today's pluralistic society. After a brief survey of the history of apologetics, the course will move to consideration of the bible as the basis for doing both offensive and defensive apologetics. The problem of evil, pluralism, arguments for the existence of God, and other topics will be given special attention.

6OT508 Genesis - Joshua (3 credits)
Peter Lee - Tuesday 7:30pm -10:00pm
September 2 – December 18 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at McLean Presbyterian Church

This course takes an expository approach to the major developments in the history of redemption: creation, covenant, promise, and fulfillment of the promises. This portion of the biblical revelation covers the period from Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to Israel in the Promised Land.

6HT502 The History of Christianity I (3 hours)
Dr. N. Scott Amos - Fridays 7:30-10pm, Saturdays 9am-4pm
Dates TBA - September , October , October , November

This general introduction to Christianity in the early and medieval periods focuses on key Christian doctrines and great leaders from Justin Martyr to Martin Luther who made contributions of lasting significance to the Christian Church.

6NT502 Greek 1 (3 hours)
Peter Lee - Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm
September 8 -December 11 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at McLean Presbyterian Church

An introductory study concentrating on basic vocabulary and analysis of the grammar of New Testament Greek.

6PT508 Communication I (2 credits)
6PT510 Communication Laboratory I (2 credits)
Peter Lee – Thursdays 7:30-10pm
September 4 – December 18 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at McLean Presbyterian Church.

This course addresses total communication for pastors with an emphasis on preaching/teaching philosophy and style, textual exposition, and sermon structure. Written and oral, verbal and non-verbal communications are included. Aspects of oral communication include preaching, extemporaneous speaking, storytelling, vocabulary development, elocution, and elements of drama. Communication 1 and Communication Lab 1 are taken at the same time.

6PT516 Pastoral Counseling (3 hours)
Dr Bill Clarke – Wednesday 7:00-10pm
September 3 – December 17 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at McLean Presbyterian Church

An overview of current trends in counseling theory and practice and the role of counseling in public, private and church settings. Basic counseling skills taught in this course include interviewing, assessment, and therapeutic listening in a laboratory situation. Application is made to premarital, family crisis, grief and substance abuse counseling, with emphasis on developing strategies and applying scriptural principles.

6NT508 Gospels (3 credits)
Dr Bill Wilder – Tuesday 7:30-10pm
September 2 – December 16 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA

Attention is given to each writer’s literary art, theological teaching, pastoral purpose, and message for today’s church and world.

6ST502 Introduction to Pastoral and Theological Studies (3 credits)
Dr. Howard Griffith – Wednesday, 7:30-10 pm
September 3 – December 17 (no class the week of 11/24/08) at TBA, Washington, DC

An introduction to biblical, theological, and practical ministry studies within the Reformed tradition.