Degree Doctor of Theology (D.Th) THEOLOGY

Part 1 - Core Courses

Advanced Bible Study Method 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Course Description: The Bible—both Hebrew and New Testament—is a complex and fascinating text, written by multiple authors and communities, in different languages, over a vast period of time, yet it nonetheless displays an overarching—or underlying—unity, which some attribute to divine inspiration and others to the human imagination. Our purpose in this course is to consider the Bible as both a collection of disparate books and as a unified whole, with special attention given to the inspiration, formation, and function of the canon and to the development of interpretation consistent with the nature of scripture. The importance of the Bible as a witness to the life and faith of ancient Israel and earliest Christianity will be emphasized.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be able to articulate Roman Catholicism’s professed understanding of Revelation: Scripture, Tradition, and the theologies that undergird them. To identify and explain structural features of both the OT and NT. To analyze ancient biblical texts (exegesis) using the Historical-Critical method. To recount in chronological order, the biblical metanarrative, identifying major historical figures and events. To explain various factors that that influence Biblical interpretation. To investigate Biblical texts and discover what each periscope has to say about God, one’s self, and what it means to be a human person.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha by Michael Coogan and Marc Brettler
THE THREE FORMS OF UNITY, The Heidelberg Catechism the Belgic Confession the Canons of the Council of Dordrecht.
Beyond Bible Study: Finding Jesus Christ in Scripture by Frank Viola

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Hermeneutics 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An advanced course in hermeneutics including a study of the history of interpretation, both biblical and extra-biblical, and an examination of the current status of various interpretive approaches to the Scriptures.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will have the ability to interpret God’s Word correctly. Pastors, associate pastors, and teachers will be able to develop expository sermons and lessons. Students fields, such as counseling, business, and education, will be able to integrate biblical truths with the principles and hypotheses of people in their fields.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Kaiser, Walter. Toward an Exegetical Theology.
Kaiser, Walter and Silva, Moises. An Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Advanced New Testament Survey 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is aimed to help students read and doing research on the books of Ephesians and Colossians as Christian Scripture.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will learn more about the craft of exegesis; Learn more about the theological visions in Ephesians and Colossians and how to faithfully appropriate these visions for life and leadership in the real-world context of today’s Church;Deepen their understanding of the importance of, role of, and problems with the “history” underlying the biblical text;Become more effective at critically engaging with commentaries as resources for exegesis;Develop their own preaching resources on a text from Colossians or Ephesians.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Introduction to the New Testament by Louis Berkhof
Analysis of the Message of the New Testament by Dr. Richard T. Vann, Jr.

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Advanced Old Testament Survey 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Introduction to Old Testament literature and history, with emphasis on application within the church.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: will be familiar with the content of the books of Psalms to Malachi; will be familiar with the various ways Old Testament texts have been interpreted

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
A Journey Through the Old Testament by Elmer Towns
The World and Literature of the Old Testament by John T. Willis

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Advanced Systematic Theology I & II 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An investigative research on of the themes that comprise Christian systematic theology; focusing on Revelation, God, Man, Sin, Christ, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Church, Last Things, and Angelology.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, Students will be able to explain the relevance and the practical implications of theology. Articulate the meaning of key theological terms and concepts. Communicate sound theology in a variety of mediums. Critically evaluate past and present theological systems/beliefs. Know and love God with greater intelligence. Analyze one’s own spiritual life in light of biblical doctrine and determine areas in which one needs to grow. And help others to see the relevance of theology to the needs of today.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
A Systematic Study of Bible Doctrine by Thomas Paul Simmons
Study Guide: Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Part II – Major Courses 4 hours

Analytical Assignment of Major Religions, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research course will explore, analyze, compare and contrast the major religious traditions found worldwide today: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and several new religious movements.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the general nature of religion and of various religious traditions. They will also come to appreciate the richness and diversity as well as the commonalities of religious life in various cultures and historical periods. Finally, students will explore the benefits and costs of religious dialogue in our increasingly globalized, contemporary world.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Twelve-page Research Essay Paper
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Religious Change around the World by Tom W. Smith
Encyclopedia of Religion by ones, Lindsay, 1954

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Advanced Church and Ministry Leadership. 4 Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research course is designed to help students reflect on their own development as leaders and deepen their understanding and application of leadership principles. Research will focus on Christian leaders as purposeful and vulnerable when dealing with issues of church administration, from envisioning a better future to preparing and guiding meetings.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end, students will be able to examine their personal and spiritual formation and consider how these background elements influence their callings and convictions. Consider various concepts of leadership and know how to lead with both strength and humility. Understand the values and practices that build productive ministry teams. Learn how align mission, vision, plans and actions. And Identify and responsibly fulfill administrative needs within the church.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: 25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
PRINCIPLES OF CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION by OLIVER MONTGOMERY

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Recommended Essay I, II, III 4 Credit Hours

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research course will examine the lives and thought of the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Christian Church. Attention will be given to the development and substance of Christian doctrine during the Patristic Period. Primary sources will be utilized in our investigation. Lectures, reading, and discussion will constitute the main substance of the course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the stages of the church’s doctrinal formation during the Patristic Period. Recognize the doctrinal contributions made by prominent church fathers. Review the church’s past from a Christological and biblical norm. Possess historical perspective on the theological and practical problems of the present.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: 25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
This Joyful This Joyful This Joyful This Joyful Eastertide Eastertide Eastertide
A Critical Review of the Empty Tomb by Steve Hays.
POLITICAL POLYTHEISM by Gary North

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Part III – Dissertation Requirements

Dissertation Proposal

Assigned Staff Professor:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani
Dr. Philip Jegede

Course Duration: Four – Twelve Weeks

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This research course will examine the lives and thought of the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Christian Church. Attention will be given to the development and substance of Christian doctrine during the Patristic Period. Primary sources will be utilized in our investigation. Lectures, reading, and discussion will constitute the main substance of the course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the stages of the church’s doctrinal formation during the Patristic Period. Recognize the doctrinal contributions made by prominent church fathers. Review the church’s past from a Christological and biblical norm. Possess historical perspective on the theological and practical problems of the present.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Reading Assignments - Students will be expected to have carefully and thoughtfully read the assigned text materials for the course prior to doing research and writing the essay assignments and taking the final exam.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: The written assignments are to made to enable the student to think through the course issues and also to practice their responses to the course’s intellectual and scriptural challenges.

EXAMS: Thesis Proposal
25 – 50 questions combination mini essays and multiple choice Questions.

COURSE POLICIES: The students’ grade will be based on the following percentages.
Essay: 50%
Final online test: 50%

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Research Proposals: A Guide to Success 3rd Edition by Thomas E. Ogden

Grading Method:

100 – 90 4.00 A
 89 – 80 3.00 B
 79 – 70 2.00 C
 69 – 60 1.00 D
 59 –  0      F

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Dissertation 20 Credit hours

Dissertation Review Committee:
Dr. Julie Tofilon
Dr. Robert Varnam
Dr. Rod Annis
Dr. Philip Jegede
Dr. Isaac Ozobiani

Course Duration: Six months to one year

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Students are to begin their research on their thesis. Student work independently, and may use North Central Theological Seminary online library, or other public libraries and resources. Students may also accomplish their research through surveys or interviews.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: After completing their writing student must submit a minimum 80 page them to the Thesis committer for review.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Read required course material relevant to their Thesis proposal, do their research and submit their thesis.

Minimum 80-page Dissertation Essay

REQUIRED TEXTS:
Writing the Doctoral Dissertation: A Systematic Approach Third Edition by Gordon B. Davis

Grading Method:
Dissertation Acceptance or Rejection

100 – 90	4.00	A
89 – 80	3.00	B
79 – 70	2.00	C
69 – 60	1.00	D
59 – 0	0.00	F

4.0 Summa cum laude: Students graduating with a 4-point average will receive an honor of summa cum laude from Southern National Theological Seminary: an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree which was received “with highest honor.” Summa cum laude is the highest distinction of the three commonly-used types of Latin honors recognized in the United States, the other two being magna cum laude and cum laude.

3.0 Magna cum laude: Students graduating with a 3-point average will receive the honor of magna cum laude from Southern National Theological Seminary; an academic level of distinction used by educational institutions to signify an academic degree which was received “with great honor.” Magna cum laude is one of three commonly-used types of Latin honors recognized in the United States, the other two being summa cum laude and cum laude. Magna cum laude is typically more prestigious than cum laude honors but less prestigious than summa cum laude honors.

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Southern National Theological Seminary
Administration Office
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America

Southern National Theological Seminary Procedure for Awarding

Doctorate Degrees, Th.D and D.D

A candidate must submit a project or thesis or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-refereed context. The candidate must defend his/her work in an online meeting forum before a panel of expert examiners appointed by Southern National Theological Seminary, the dissertation is examined by this panel of expert examiners who must stipulate whether the dissertation is in principle passable and the issues that need to be addressed before the dissertation can be passed.

Graduate Degrees, M.Th

To Apply For Award Of An M.Th Graduate Degree, Graduate Students Must: Have an Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) on file with the Director of Graduate and Post Graduate Studies prior to filing for award of degree. Complete and submit the items listed below to the Director of Graduate and Post Graduate Studies by mail to:

Southern National Theological Seminary:
Director of Graduate Studies – THD
7901 4th Street North Suite 8006
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
United States of America

Application for Award of a Graduate Degree – available online.

Application form signed by you and your advisor or department chair.

Application fee of $75 payment online or by mail.

All candidates’ academic records are checked for conformance to their Advancement to Candidacy (ATC), for achievement of requirements stated for that degree program on Southern National Theological Seminary official catalog.

All course work required to make-up Incomplete (I) or Satisfactory Progress (SP) grades must be submitted to the instructor prior to the date of graduation. The official “Petition for Grade Change” and/or “Report of Make-up of Incomplete” must be on file in the Director’s Office no later than two weeks after the date of graduation and must indicate that the work was completed prior to the last day of instruction . If official transcripts showing final grades are required from other institutions, they must be sent to the attention of the “Director’s of Graduate Studies” in the Graduate Studies Office within three weeks after the last day of instruction.

Notice of award of degree will be mailed within 90 days after grades have been posted, once official verification of completion of degree requirements has been concluded. Official transcripts showing award of degree may be requested from the Director of Graduate Studies’ office any time after receipt of the official notification of award of degree. Diplomas will be mailed approximately 60 days after graduation.

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