Western Seminary Center for Lifelong Learning
Course Descriptions

Biblical Literature

Note: Course syllabi for most courses may be found on the WSCLL student website: www.wscll.net/Syllabi/

BLS 501E – Interpreting Genesis to Song of Solomon. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for the further study of the Bible by introducing the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on the great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. We will conclude with a consideration of the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 4 hours or 4 Learning Units.

BLS 501XE – Interpreting the Old Testament I: Genesis - 2 Samuel. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for the further study of the Bible by introducing the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on the great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 501YE – Interpreting the Old Testament 2: 1 Kings Through Song of Solomon. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. This course continues our study of God’s work among the Israelite people, as related in the historical books. Our focus then shifts to a consideration of the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 502E – Interpreting the Prophets and Gospels. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. In this course you will learn the historical background of each of the prophets and become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. After examining the prophecies concerning the Messiah, you will see how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our focus in the Gospels will be on Matthew and John. You will study Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and parables with consideration given to present day application. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 4 hours or 4 Learning Units.

BLS 502XE – Interpreting the Old Testament 3: The Prophets. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. In this course you will learn the historical background of each of the prophets and become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. You will examine the prophecies concerning the Messiah, with a view to how they are fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 502YE – Interpreting the New Testament 1: The Gospels. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. In this course we will focus on the books of Matthew and John. We will see how Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and will explore his teachings, miracles and parables. Special attention will be given to present day application of the Gospels. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 503E – Interpreting Acts to Revelation. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. Our focus in the early part of the course will be on the beginnings of the church. As we trace Paul’s life, we will study his letters in the order in which they were written, giving attention to the historical and cultural settings. Special focus will be given to Paul’s great teachings on salvation, justification, and
sanctification. Our attention will then turn to the subject of eschatology as we examine the General Epistles and Revelation. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 4 hours or 4 Learning Units.

BLS 503XE – Interpreting the New Testament 2: Epistles 1. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. Our focus in this course will be on the beginnings of the church. As we trace Paul’s life though the book of Acts, we will study his letters in the order in which they were written, giving attention to the historical and cultural settings. Special focus will be given to Paul’s great teachings on salvation, justification and sanctification. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 503YE – Interpreting the New Testament 3: Epistles 2. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. This final course in our biblical literature survey covers the epistles written in the latter part of the apostolic period. These include Paul’s prison and pastoral epistles, the general epistles, and the book of Revelation. As we study these books, our focus will be on eschatology and the practical implications this material should have on our daily lives. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 506. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 511E – Genesis to Song of Solomon Survey. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. This initial course in biblical literature lays a foundation for the further study of the Bible by introducing the biblical covenants and God’s kingdom program. Our examination of the Pentateuch will focus on the great attributes of God. The historical books will show how God works among His people. We will conclude with a consideration of the practical lessons found in the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Required for MA Counseling students only; other degree students enroll in BLS 501. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS516. DVD ROM format. 2
hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 512E – Prophets and Gospels Survey. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. In this course you will learn the historical background of each of the prophets and become acquainted with their distinctive contribution and modern relevance. After examining the prophecies concerning the Messiah, you will see how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Our focus in the Gospels will be on Matthew and John. You will study Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and parables with consideration given to present day application. Required for MA Counseling students only; other degree students enroll in BLS 502. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS516. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

BLS 513E – Acts to Revelation Survey. J. Carl Laney, Th.D. Our focus in the early part of the course will be on the beginnings of the church. As we trace Paul’s life, we will study his letters in the order in which they were written, giving attention to the historical and cultural settings. Special focus will be given to Paul’s great teachings on salvation, justification, and sanctification. Our attention will then turn to the subject of eschatology as we examine the General Epistles and Revelation. Required for MA Counseling students only; other degree students enroll in BLS 503. Recommended pre- or co-requisite: DBS 516. DVD ROM format. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

ITS Audio Courses

IOT 505E – The Book of Psalms. Bruce Waltke, Th.D., Ph.D. An introduction to the Book of Psalms, with emphasis on the principles involved in the exegesis of the hymnic literature. Special attention is given to the various forms of the Psalms, their setting within the historical experience of Israel, and their application today within the church. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

IOT 506E – Understanding the Old Testament. Bruce Waltke, Th.D., Ph.D. A survey of the history of salvation in the Old Testament, especially as it relates to the central theme of Old Testament theology — the rule of God or the establishment of God’s kingdom upon the earth. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

IOT 507E – The Book of Proverbs. Bruce Waltke, Th.D., Ph.D. An exegetical study of the Book of Proverbs, in its cultural, historical and literary setting with attention to its critical problems. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

IOT 509E – The Christian and Old Testament Theology. Walter Kaiser, Jr., Ph.D. This study identifies the focal point for the theology of both the Old and New Testaments. It also deals with the amount of continuity and discontinuity between the Old and New Testaments. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours 2 Learning Units.

IOT 510E – The Book of Isaiah. Allen P. Ross, Ph.D. An exegetical study of the Book of Isaiah. This course will not only survey the contents of the book, but also seek to develop the understanding and the skill of exegetical exposition. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 501E – The Sermon on the Mount. John Stott, D.D. This course presents the consecutive exposition of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in Matthew, chapters 5-7. Focus is placed upon the practical and spiritual application of the Sermon on the Mount and upon the theological issues and historical interpretations of that passage. 10 audio sessions. 2 hours or 1 Learning Unit.

INT 502E – The Pastoral Epistles. John Stott, D.D. An expository and exegetical study of I and II Timothy and Titus, with emphasis on their exegetical and interpretative problems. Their theology and practical relevance for society and the church, especially church leadership, is explored. 20 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 503E – The Epistles to the Romans. Harold Hoehner, Th.D., Ph.D. An exegetical-theological study of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans in the Greek text. Special emphasis is given to the theological themes and overall argument of the epistle. This course assumes a basic skill in Greek exegesis. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 504E – New Testament Survey: Gospels/Life of Christ. Terry C. Hulbert, Th.D. A chronological, synthetic study of the four Gospel records, emphasizing the time, place, circumstances, and persons involved in the events of our Lord’s ministry, with a view to a fuller understanding of the significance of His words and works. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 505E – The Parables of Jesus. Craig L. Blomberg, Ph.D. Methods of interpreting Jesus’ parables are surveyed and conclusions are drawn concerning the theology and significance of this portion of Jesus’ teaching. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 506E – The Gospel of Luke. Darrell L. Bock, Ph.D. An examination of the Gospel of Luke with concentration on its message and on preparation of narrative material for preaching and teaching. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 507E – The Acts of the Apostles. Darrell L. Bock, Ph.D. An exegetical examination of Acts with concentration on the biblical theology of the book, the historical background of events, and the theological emphasis of the speeches. Special attention is given to the relationship between the church and Israel in the early church era. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 510E – Hebrews. Dennis E. Johnson, Ph.D. This course focuses on the key interpretive issues and theological contributions found in book of Hebrews. The goal of the course is to strengthen students’ confidence in the superiority of Jesus and the New Covenant, and to equip him/her to “encourage one another daily.” 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

INT 511E – The Christian and New Testament Theology. Scott J. Hafemann, Dr.theol. Just as the Old Testament gives purpose to New, so the New Testament sheds light on the Old. In this course, learners study the discipline and task of New Testament Theology by confronting the issues of biblical theology within Old and New Testament contexts. The course is designed to assist the student in formulating a biblical theology of the New Testament that is essential for the life of the Church. 24 audio sessions. 2 hours or 2 Learning Units.

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