Course Outline - Hermeneutics
Course Description
This course deals with the basics of biblical interpretation. It will introduce students to the many principles of interpretation particularly those from a dispensational approach. An attempt will also be made to understand modern Bible translations.
Learning Outcomes
When you have successfully completed this course;
v You will become aware of the importance of developing a biblically faithful system of hermeneutics.
v You will attain an understanding of the nature and practice of the historical-grammatical method of biblical interpretation.
v You will develop an awareness of the impact that literary genre distinctions have on biblical interpretation.
v You will become aware of the resource tools available to the interpreter of Scripture.
v You will develop the skill to accurately apply the biblical text to contemporary situations in life.
v You will be able to discuss the origin of Scripture, including both the Old and New Testaments
v You will be able to explain the process by which the original manuscripts of Scripture were copied and preserved
v You will be able to describe the current theories of textual criticism
v You will be able to discuss current translation theories
v You will be able to defend the integrity and trustworthiness of Scripture
Required Reading
Comfort, Phillip, ed., The Origin of the Bible . Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1992.
Segraves, Daniel L., You Can Understand the Bible: Guidelines to Interpreting Scripture . Kearney, NE: Morris Publishing, 1998.
Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introducing Hermeneutics
Lesson 2: Misunderstanding Scripture
Lesson 3: Tools for Bible Study
Lesson 4: Communication Gaps
Lesson 5: The Six Biblical Sciences
Lesson 6: Methods of Interpretation
Lesson 7: The Dispensational Principle
Lesson 8: The Covenantal Principle
Lesson 9: The Ethnic Division Principle
Lesson 10: The Typical Principle
Lesson 11: The First Mention Principle
Lesson 12: The Progressive Mention Principle and the Full Mention Principle
Lesson 13: The Context Principle
Lesson 14: The Agreement Principle
Lesson 15: The Gap Principle
Lesson 16: The Double Reference Principle
Lesson 17: The Christo-Centric Principle and The Comparative Mention Principle
Lesson 18: The Moral Principle and the Parabolic
Lesson 19: Final Hermeneutical Matters
Lesson 20: How the Bible Came to Be
Lesson 21: What the Bible Says About Itself
Lesson 22: Other Testimonies to the Authority of Scripture
Lesson 23: How Ancient Books Were Made
Lesson 24: How the Bible Was Preserved
Lesson 25: How the Canon Was Formed
Lesson 26: How the Bible Was Translated
Lesson 27: Evaluating Translations
Method of Instruction
We will have lectures and discussions.
There will be reading assignments based on a main textbook and a compilation of several sources. There will also be a CD given to each student which will include all the lectures and slides for this class conducted by Dr Segraves at the Stockton campus. We will review some of these in our sessions.
Credit Students
For those of you who plan to do this course for credit,
there are 3 tests and an exam. You will also be asked to complete the appropriate readings. Attendance for all five classes are compulsory. If you miss any session you must do the appropriate make up for the session. This will often be in the form of extra readings. There will be an extra session for credit students to review material for tests.
Audit Students
For those who plan to take this course for personal enrichment and do not want it to work towards a degree program
You do not have to complete the tests or complete the reading assignments. However we welcome you to participate in taking the tests even if you do not want the scores to be used towards a degree program. This will help you to evaluate whether you have gained anything from the course.
Fees
Audit - $25 Credit - $40.
You will have to bear the costs for course material yourself.
Number of sessions
5 sessions of approximately 2-3 hrs each, with breaks in the middle. Credit students will have an additional class for test related preparation.
Schedule
We will use a mixture of some Wednesdays and some Sundays to complete this course.
A more detailed syllabus and a booklet of readings will be given to you when you enroll for the course.
Course Instructor
Daniel Segraves is President of Christian Life College. An author of numerous books and a well known teacher for many years, Dr Segraves received his BA from Gateway College of Evangelism, his MA and MTh in exegetical theology from Western Seminary and his Ed.D from California Coast University. He is currently beginning his PhD program in Renewal Theology from Regent University. Dr Segraves has been an ordained minister for over 40 years
On Site Course Facilitator
Mathew Mathews, Bobby received his BA, B.SocSc (Hons) and M.SocSc from the National University of Singapore where he specialized in the Sociology of religion and organizations. His theological training include a Postgraduate certificate in theology from New Covenant International Bible College, New Zealand and a Masters in Religion and Counseling from Liberty University, Virginia. He is currently completing his Masters in Religious Education from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and has attained candidacy status in his PhD program in the National University of Singapore where he specializes in research on counseling and religion.