Center for Christian Studies

A Guide through the CCS Curriculum
While students take classes in the Center for Christian Studies as time and interest allow, over the years many have asked what makes for a well-rounded Christian education. So we thought it would be helpful to outline a “course of study” that could be pursued over a 4-5 year period and that would provide a solid foundation for mature Christian life and further life-long study.

The way courses are organized in three levels already provides some indication of how one can proceed. The 100 level “Core” courses are designed to give a student the appropriate introduction and basic foundational information in each discipline that can serve as tools for further in-depth study. The 200 and 300 level courses offer opportunities to expand and deepen one’s understanding of the Christian faith and life.

Moving through the five disciplines we use in CCS, here is a guide to a well-rounded course of study:

Bible:
• Hermeneutics core class (particularly good for those who have never done any serious Bible study before)
• Introduction to either New or Old Testament (or both!)
• At least one course studying a specific book of the Bible.

Theology:
• A theology core course that examines basic Christian doctrines from the Reformed tradition perspective
• One course that focuses on a specific theological theme or doctrine
• One course that focuses on the works of a particular theologian.

Church History:
• One core course that explores a broad section of the history of the church (we break it into three broad periods, with the courses being taught in a three-year rotation)
• One course on a more specific era or theme.

Practical Theology/Christian Living:
• Two core courses - one on personal spiritual disciplines and one on basic ethics
• Two upper level courses - one on skills for mature Christian life and one on issues in Church and society.

Literature and Arts:
• One literature course
• One course on another artistic medium such as music or visual arts.

Overall this course of study includes about 15 courses, which if done over a 4-5 year period represents 3-4 courses a year.

To view an in-depth description of courses being offered by Discipline
for the Program Year 2007 - 2008, click appropriate link below:

Bible
Theology
Church History
Practical Theology
Literature and the Arts

To view an in-depth description of courses being offered by Term
for the Program Year 2007 - 2008, click appropriate link below:

TERM 1: September 16 - October 22, 2007

TERM 2: November 4 - December 12, 2007

TERM 3: January 13 - February 20, 2008

TERM 4: February 24 - April 2, 2008

TERM 5: April 20 - May 21, 2008