Bible Teaching

Four semesters of Biblical Hebrew or Biblical Greek

Elementary Hebrew I
An introduction to elements of biblical Hebrew prose, including basic grammar, verb forms, and common vocabulary. This course and its follow-ups develop the ability to read and translate the Hebrew Old Testament for more insightful ministry in the contemporary world.

Elementary Hebrew II
A continuation of the study of biblical Hebrew grammar, morphology, and vocabulary as introduced in Elementary Hebrew I, aiming to complete the basic preparation that students will need to be able to read and translate biblical Hebrew prose.

Intermediate Hebrew I
Reading of selected prose texts from the Hebrew Bible in follow-up to Elementary Hebrew I–II, with focus on basics of Hebrew syntax and use of lexicons and other biblical Hebrew exegetical tools.

Intermediate Hebrew II
Continuation of developing proficiency in reading selected prose texts from the Hebrew Bible, with focus on the use of biblical commentaries and other scholarly tools which are helpful for doing exegesis for preaching and teaching.

Elementary Greek I
Elementary Greek I introduces students to the basics of Koiné Greek grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, with particular reference to biblical texts (New Testament and Septuagint). Both this course and its follow-on, GREK 2200, develop a greater appreciation for the relation between the Greek New Testament and modern translations, and encourage students to explore the challenges and opportunities of communicating the ancient Word of God in contemporary global contexts.

Elementary Greek II
Elementary Greek II continues the introduction of GREK 2100. Students translate a significant biblical text (e.g. 1 John) with the aid of appropriate Greek reference tools. Both this course and its predecessor, GREK 2100, develop a greater appreciation for the relation between the Greek New Testament and modern translations, and encourage students to explore the challenges and opportunities of communicating the ancient Word of God in contemporary global contexts.

Intermediate Greek I
This course enables students to improve their skills in translation and grammatical analysis, with an emphasis on translation from selected New Testament passages.

Intermediate Greek II
This course enables students to continue improving their skills in translation and grammatical analysis, with an emphasis on translation from Greek Judeo-Christian material. Students also learn how to apply their skills in congregational or missional settings.

Three additional Exegesis/Theological Study 1 or 2 courses beyond the Bible and Theology major

Spiritual Formation for Ministry
This course provides students with biblical, historical, and practical perspectives on how God works in believers through his Holy Spirit to conform them to the image of Christ and empower them for ministry. It gives special attention to utilizing personal and interpersonal discipleship strategies to help individuals grow spiritually.

Christian Pilgrimage Today (Israel Trip)
This course is an academic supplement to a study-abroad experience in the lands of the Bible, regions integral to the historic development of biblical literature and home to three diverse text-oriented communities, namely Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Observation and engagement allow learners to reflect upon Christian thinking and personal ministry in an increasingly complex world.

Introduction to Teaching: Elementary Education
This course gives students an initial experience teaching in an elementary school setting. Students study principles of education with an emphasis on aiding struggling readers, assessment, and lesson planning. They implement these principles as they engage in a one-to-one tutoring session with an at-risk child. The course is made possible through a partnership between Mooreland Heights Elementary School and Johnson University.

Bible and Social Studies Methods
This two-part methods course introduces students to theory and methods regarding the teaching of Social Studies and the Bible as classroom subjects. Students develop and use knowledge of spiritual development in children and effective methods to support student acquisition of spiritual knowledge and understanding. During the second part of the course students learn effective instructional strategies that integrate the ten strands of Social Studies as developed by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) —including culture, economics, geography, governance, civics, history, individual development, and group interaction.

Classroom Management with Regular and Special Populations
This course explores two areas of significance and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, participants study management theory and teacher style, and explore a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They also gain understanding of the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

History & Philosophy of Christian Education
This course examines the development of Christian education through the ages and philosophies that have influenced it. Major educational philosophers and schools of philosophy are discussed, and students are encouraged to apply insights to their own educational philosophy.

Educational Psychology
This course includes a study of the physical, social, emotional and mental development of the child from birth to adolescence. This includes the role of preschool through eighth-grade teachers as they work with these children. Observations and assessments of children are included in this experience. Special attention is directed to working with students with emotional and family problems in early childhood, elementary and middle schools.

Practicum: Christian Schools
This course is a term-long experience for 30 hours in a Christian school classroom. Students observe classroom teacher instruction, prepare weekly lessons, reflect and discuss experiences with a field experience coordinator, and complete assigned tasks.

Two additional Exegesis/Theo Study courses beyond the B&T major

Student Teaching: Christian Schools
Students complete a term of student teaching in a Christian School with experiences teaching at primary and secondary levels.

Introduction to Teaching: Elementary Education
This course gives students an initial experience teaching in an elementary school setting. Students study principles of education with an emphasis on aiding struggling readers, assessment, and lesson planning. They implement these principles as they engage in a one-to-one tutoring session with an at-risk child. The course is made possible through a partnership between Mooreland Heights Elementary School and Johnson University.

Language Arts Methods
Students develop knowledge and skills needed to teach writing, spelling, handwriting, and study skills. Students employ appropriate practices to promote effective communication, expression, and reflection in all subject areas. Students become more aware of the interactive nature of the language arts.

Bible and Social Studies Methods
This two-part methods course introduces students to theory and methods regarding the teaching of Social Studies and the Bible as classroom subjects. Students develop and use knowledge of spiritual development in children and effective methods to support student acquisition of spiritual knowledge and understanding. During the second part of the course students learn effective instructional strategies that integrate the ten strands of Social Studies as developed by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) —including culture, economics, geography, governance, civics, history, individual development, and group interaction.

Science, Health and Physical Science Methods
This methods course gives students an overview of teaching methods and strategies for Science, Health, and Physical Education. Students learn and apply skills needed to apply inquiry-based, open-ended and materials-based investigation to the classroom. Students develop understanding and use strategies and pedagogy to enhance children’s learning of life science, earth and space science, and physical science. Students also learn strategies for encouraging children to adopt healthy lifestyles, practice wellness concepts, and incorporate physical activity into their lives.

Classroom Management with Regular and Special Populations
This course explores two areas of significance and potential difficulty for the beginning teacher: effective classroom management and successful organization of the inclusive classroom. In this course, participants study management theory and teacher style, and explore a variety of strategies for developing a plan for classroom management based on Christian principles. They also gain understanding of the special needs of the mainstreamed child and ways to meet these needs within an effective inclusive setting.

Reading Methods
This methods course includes in-depth study of methods of teaching reading in early childhood, elementary, and middle grades classrooms. Students come to know, understand, and use appropriate practices for promoting and developing beginning literacy skills for integrating reading instruction across all subject areas and for enabling all children to become to become proficient and motivated readers. Students begin to develop skills in applying explicit approaches to support student acquisition of phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

History & Philosophy of Christian Education
This course examines the development of Christian education through the ages and philosophies that have influenced it. Major educational philosophers and schools of philosophy are discussed, and students are encouraged to apply insights to their own educational philosophy.

Mathematics Methods
This methods course is a comprehensive study of effective instructional strategies that integrate mathematical content and processes. Students develop knowledge, understanding, and skill in problem-solving, number operations, algebraic concepts, geometry, measurement, data analysis, probability, reasoning, communication, connections, and representations. Students apply those skills in planning effective units of study that develop these processes in children, and they integrate appropriate reading and technologies.