M.A. In Science & Religion Course Description
Core in Science and Religion
CSSR 529 – Historical Perspectives in Science & Religion
A survey of the history of science and its interaction with Christianity from New Testament times through the twenty-first century. Emphasis is on key historical movements that continue to shape the modern dialog.
Units: 1 to 2
Notes: Two units are required of MASR students.
CSSR 631 – Modern Physics, Cosmology, & Design
A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating modern physics and astronomy to a biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christian theism into question.
Units: 1 to 2
Notes: Two units are required of MASR students.
CSSR 530 – Darwin, Evolution, & Design
A survey of the issues and ideas involved in relating classical Darwinian and contemporary evolutionary models with a biblical worldview. Special emphasis is given to controversies that are used by skeptics to call Christian theism into question.
Units: 1 to 2
Notes: Two units are required of MASR students.
CSSR 651 – Intelligent Design Seminar
In-depth focus on intelligent design to enable students to appraise the current debate on this issue.
Units: 1 to 2
Notes: Two units are required for MASR students.
Philosophy Overview
CSSR 547 – Philosophy & Theology of Science
A study of various issues that arise in the integration of science and Christian theology (e.g. models of integration, the scientific status of creationism, the creation / evolution debate) as well as an investigation of selected topics in the philosophy of science relevant to a Christian worldview (e.g. the realist / antirealist debate; the nature, formation, use and confirmation of scientific laws and theories; scientism and the limits of science).
Units: 1 to 3
Notes: Three units are required of MASR students.
CSSR 540 – Metaphysics & Epistemology
A topical study of the nature and methodology of metaphysics with emphasis on the nature and ultimate categories of being as well as specific areas (e.g., causation, space and time, the soul, freedom and determinism, personal identity, and essentialism). Epistemology topics surveyed will include the definition of knowledge and justified belief, problems in skepticism, the nature of epistemic justification and the nature of truth. Special emphasis will be placed on integrating metaphysics and epistemology with the construction and defense of a Christian worldview.
Units: 1 to 3
Notes: CSSR 540 (2-3 units) is the recommended philosophy elective to prepare MASR students for CSSR 547.
Religious Studies Core
CSSR 541 – Christian Thought I
A survey of essential Christian beliefs with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions.
Units: 1 to 2
Notes: Two units required of MASR students. Students who already have a strong background in Bible may, with advisor approval, take additional approved electives in place of the required units.
CSSR 542 – Christian Thought II
A survey of essential Christian beliefs with special reference to contemporary criticism of the value and truth of doctrinal assertions.
Units: 1 to 2
Notes: Two units required of MASR students. Students who already have a strong background in Bible may, with advisor approval, take additional approved electives in place of the required units.
CSSR 514 – History of Christian Thought
History of Christian thought from the apostolic Fathers to the modern era with an emphasis on the development of doctrine. Highlights key thinkers in the patristic, medieval, Reformation and modern eras.
Units: 3
Notes: Required of MASR students.
CSSR 516 – Authority of Scriptural Traditions
A course addressing the historicity, canonization, and authority of the scriptural traditions in light of modern biblical criticism.
Units: 2
Notes: Either CSSR 516 or 517 is required of MASR students and only one may count toward graduation requirements.
CSSR 519 – Old Testament / Hebrew Literature
A broad survey of the Old Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems.
Units: 3
Notes: Required of MASR students.
CSSR 520 – New Testament Literature
A general overview of the New Testament books, including selected introductory and critical issues, relevant background, major themes and divisions, and crucial problems.
Units: 3
Notes: Required of MASR students.
CSSR 510 – Research Methodologies
Research skills for use of library, Internet, and key reference works. Methods of scholarly and journalistic writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation of data and testimony.
Units: 1
Notes: Required of MASR students
Electives
CSSR 517 – Interpretive Issues & Methods
A study of principles for sound interpretation and application of the Bible, including analysis of presuppositions, general rules and specialized principles for the various biblical genre and phenomena. A presentation of various approaches to studying the Bible.
Units: 3
Notes: Either CSSR 516 or 517 is required of MASR students and only one may count toward graduation requirements.
CSSR 526 – Contemporary Christian Belief
An examination of current Christian worldviews in relation to the areas of history, science, and philosophy.
Units: 1 to 3
CSSR 604 – Science & Religion: Continuing Study
Science and religion background including the basic content of core courses in the program.
Prerequisite: Advisor’s approval required.
Units: 1 to 6
Notes: Credit / no credit. Designed for students who need to make up units upon being admitted to the degree program.
CSSR 610 – Elementary Principles of Biblical Languages
Basic principles of language foundational to interpreting the biblical text. Overview of the structure of the biblical languages, evaluation of theories of Bible translation, and instruction in the use of various tools based on the original languages. The course will aid the student in understanding issues that arise in interpretation because of the original languages.
Units: 3
CSSR 611 – Beginning Greek I
An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek.
Units: 2
Notes: Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses.
CSSR 612 – Beginning Greek II
An introductory study of the basic elements of New Testament Greek. Translations of portions of the New Testament.
Units: 2
Notes: Designed for students who have not completed a full sequence of beginning Greek courses.
CSSR 613 – Elements of Hebrew I
Basic grammar with translation and written exercises.
Lecture/Lab Hours: Course includes a required non-credit lab component.
Units: 3
CSSR 614 – Elements of Hebrew II
Basic grammar with translation and written exercises. Emphasis on reading and translation of selected biblical texts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: Course includes a required non-credit lab component.
Units: 3
CSSR 619 – Archeology in the Ancient Near East
An introduction to the science of archaeology in the Ancient Near East. Special emphasis is given on the role of specific archeological explorations that relate to the historicity of the biblical narrative.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 621 – Logic & Critical Thinking
A study of the methods and principles used to make distinctions between good and bad reasoning, with special emphasis on the analysis of arguments related to Christian thought.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 622 – Issues in Epistemology
A study of core epistemological concepts such as belief, justification, truth and knowledge that are fundamental to science and religion issues.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 624 – Issues in Metaphysics
A study of the nature of reality and its ultimate categories fundamental to science, religion and other subjects. Special attention is given to worldviews such as naturalism and postmodernism.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 625 – Philosophy of Religion
A survey of philosophical issues that arise in relation to theistic religions. Problems such as the existence of God, the problem of evil, religious language, faith and reason, etc. are discussed.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 626 – Ethics
A philosophical and theological evaluation of various ethical systems and the application of those systems to high-profile moral issues in society.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 627 – Bioethics
A survey of some of the most critical ethical issues of the day coming from biomedical research and practice. The course addresses the difficult questions in areas such as human reproduction, cloning, abortion, end-of-life issues, organ transplant, genetic engineering, euthanasia and more.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 628 – Environmental Ethics
A survey of environmental issues in light of a Christian worldview. Issues such as ecology, global warming, energy production, proper land utilization, pollution, and other topics related to human impact on the environment are covered.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 640 – World Religions & Science
A survey of the core beliefs of other world religions with an emphasis on the ways in which they use modern science to justify worldviews.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 650 – Seminar: Special Topics
In-depth focus on a specific contemporary issue in the science and religion dialogue, whereby students will understand the contemporary dynamics and learn to integrate their thinking in a mentored setting. Content varies, and seminars may be repeated for credit with different topics. Topics include: cosmological models, quantum reality, sociobiology, the anthropic principle, issues in biochemistry.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 652 – Human Origins Seminar
An in-depth focus on the current archaeological, anthropological, and biochemical evidence related to the debate on human origins.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 653 – Origins of Life Seminar
A detailed review of the current evidence, models and mechanisms relating to chemical evolution and the origin of life.
Units: 1 to 2
CSSR 660 – Special Projects/Topics in Science & Religion
Directed research or project related to Science & Religion issues.
Units: 1 to 2