Theological Studies (THS)
THS 411 Theological German I - 3 Units
Development of reading competence in theological German through study of grammar, syntax, and core theological vocabulary. Students engage representative texts to build facility in recognizing complex sentence structures and interpreting academic prose, access primary and secondary theological literature in German, and progress toward advanced language proficiency. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 412 Theological German II - 3 Units
Advancement of reading proficiency in theological German through sustained engagement with primary and secondary sources from the Reformation to modern theology. Students expand discipline-specific vocabulary, refine grammatical accuracy, and develop efficient scanning strategies for academic research. This course emphasizes translation of complex texts and preparation for graduate German proficiency examination. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 421 Theological French I - 3 Units
Development of foundational reading proficiency in theological French through guided engagement with selected theological texts and focused review of grammar and vocabulary. The course establishes the grammatical and lexical grounding necessary for interpreting theological terminology and syntactical structures with care and growing confidence, preparing students for advanced study and engagement with French theological scholarship. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 422 Theological French II - 3 Units
Advancement of reading proficiency in theological French through sustained engagement with selected biblical and theological texts. The course reinforces and extends students' capacity to interpret complex academic prose with grammatical precision and mature lexical judgment, enabling direct and independent engagement with French theological scholarship at the post-graduate level. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 511 Theological German I - 3 Units
Develops reading competence in theological German through study of grammar, syntax, and core theological vocabulary. Students engage representative texts to build facility in recognizing complex sentence structures and interpreting academic prose, access primary and secondary theological literature in German, and progress toward advanced language proficiency. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 512 Theological German II - 3 Units
Advances reading proficiency in theological German through sustained engagement with primary and secondary sources from the Reformation to modern theology. Students expand discipline-specific vocabulary, refine grammatical accuracy, and develop efficient scanning strategies for academic research. This course emphasizes translation of complex texts and preparation for graduate German proficiency examination. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 513 Theological French I - 3 Units
Develops foundational reading proficiency in theological French through guided engagement with selected theological texts and focused review of grammar and vocabulary. The course establishes the grammatical and lexical grounding necessary for interpreting theological terminology and syntactical structures with care and growing confidence, preparing students for advanced study and engagement with French theological scholarship. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 514 Theological French II - 3 Units
Advances reading proficiency in theological French through sustained engagement with selected biblical and theological texts. The course reinforces and extends students? capacity to interpret complex academic prose with grammatical precision and mature lexical judgment, enabling direct and independent engagement with French theological scholarship at the post-graduate level. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.ss. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.
THS 571 Theology I - 3 Units
Examines the foundations of systematic theology by introducing theological method and core Christian doctrines concerning God and God's relation to the world. The course engages general and special revelation with particular attention to Scripture, and introduces theology proper, including the divine perfections and the Trinity, as well as the doctrines of creation, providence, anthropology, and hamartiology. Emphasis is placed on careful theological interpretation, doctrinal clarity, and responsible engagement with historic Christian teaching for the life and witness of the church.
THS 572 Theology II - 3 Units
Examines the persons and works of the Son and Holy Spirit in God's redemption. The course explores the doctrines of Christology, soteriology, pneumatology, ecclesiology, and eschatology, considering the Christian life as shaped individually and corporately by the gospel. Emphasis is placed on theological interpretation, doctrinal coherence, and responsible engagement with historic Christian teaching as it relates to the church's life and mission.
THS 602 Theological Ethics and Christian Life - 3 Units
Examination of Christian moral reasoning as it arises from Scripture, doctrine, and Christian practice, integrating theological ethics with contemporary challenges facing individuals and communities. The course explores virtue and moral formation and ethical judgment in personal, ecclesial, and social contexts, equipping students to engage complex moral issues with theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and faithful Christian witness.
THS 650 Topics: Current Theology - 3 Units
Examines significant current issues, movements, and debates in biblical and systematic theology. Attention is given to emerging theological developments, constructive proposals, and contemporary challenges facing the church in global contexts. Topics may vary. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: THS 571.
THS 670 Topics: Theologians - 3 Units
Examines selected influential Christian theologian(s) from diverse historical and global contexts. Students engage theological method, doctrinal development, and ecclesial impact while considering contemporary relevance for church and academy. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, integrative reflection, and responsible theological discernment within evangelical contexts. Focus may vary by semester. Repeatable for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: THS 571.
THS 800 Topics in Theological Studies - 1-3 Units
Provides an opportunity for students to engage critically with emerging issues, debates, and developments within a specific academic discipline. Students will explore contemporary topics that shape the Churvh's witness, theological reflection, and vocational practice in today's world. Emphasis is placed on integrating biblical and theological perspectives with scholarly inquiry, fostering spiritual formation, and cultivating leadership rooted in humility and social responsibility.
THS 850 Topics: Advanced Doctrines - 1-3 Units
Advanced seminar examining selected themes in biblical and systematic theology. Emphasis is placed on the biblical foundations, historical development, and contemporary articulation of doctrinal theology within the context of historic evangelical orthodoxy. Students engage primary and secondary theological sources, critically evaluate competing interpretations, and construct coherent theological formulations for the life of the church and its witness in the world. Topics vary by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: THS 572 or doctoral standing.
THS 860 Topics: Advanced Ethics - 1-3 Units
Advanced seminar examining selected themes and questions in Christian moral theology in conversation with Scripture, the historical tradition, and contemporary evangelical scholarship. Students critically assess ethical frameworks, engage complex moral issues, and articulate theologically grounded ethical reasoning for the life and witness of the church. Topics vary by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: THS 602 or doctoral standing.
THS 870 Topics: Advanced Theologians - 1-3 Units
Advanced study of major Christian theologians and their doctrinal contributions. Examines theological method, use of Scripture, ecclesial impact, and contemporary relevance within the broader Christian and evangelical tradition. Focus varies by semester and may center on one or multiple theologians. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: THS 572 or doctoral standing.
THS 880 Reading Scripture Theologically - 3 Units
Examination of the integrative character of biblical studies, church history, and Christian theology as they relate to theological readings of Scripture, highlighting how these disciplines contribute to interpreting and responding to Scripture through doctrinal formulation and the formation of both individual readers and churches. Through critical engagement with evangelical and non-evangelical scholarship, students develop an interdisciplinary method for exploring the doctrine of Scripture, biblical hermeneutics, the theological disciplines, the history of exegesis, and Christian doctrinal development. Overall, the course focuses on the issues, methods, and aims involved in reading the Bible to know God and grow in godliness.
THS 910 The Theological Scholar - 2 Units
Orients students to doctoral-level scholarship (the development of an argument, research philosophy and methodology, good writing skills, dissertation preparation), program specifics, and the doctoral community life and ethos. Course includes papers presented by professors from different disciplines to illustrate and generate discussion about theological integration. Required of all PhD/THS students.
THS 925 Professional Development Practicum - 0-1 Units
Provides doctoral students with the opportunity to design, conduct, and evaluate a supervised professional development activity that integrates academic expertise, vocational calling, and ministry practice. Activities may include teaching, consulting, curriculum development, coaching, pastoral ministry, grant writing, or other approved engagements. Students may propose Trinity-related or external opportunities, and must initiate planning conversations with their program director prior to the practicum semester. Each unit represents approximately 35-40 hours of invested work and may be repeated for credit up to a total of 2 units. Credit/No Credit.
THS 941 Proposal Study I - 3 Units
Includes sustained reading, reflection, and identification of a potential dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings, which might include classic, significant background works within the field; resources on potential research methods relevant to the dissertation; literature review of the topic; or whatever is in the best interest of the student's progress. Other work such as translation, textual analysis, or database development may be assigned. In rare instances, with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.
THS 942 Proposal Study II - 3 Units
Includes sustained reading, reflection, and identification of significant questions related to their dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor plan readings, which might include classic, significant background works within the field; resources on research methods relevant to the dissertation; literature review of the topic; or whatever is in best interest of the student's progress. Other work such as that of THS 941 may be assigned. In rare instances, with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.
THS 943 Proposal Study III - 3 Units
Provides for sustained reading and reflection for students to identify their primary research question (or thesis) and the subsidiary questions and structure of argument required to answer it. Guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings or other work. At this point in the proposal process, students should begin to write their dissertation proposal. In rare instances, and with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.
THS 944 Proposal Study IV - 3 Units
Provides for sustained reading, reflection, and writing regarding their dissertation topic, guided by the student's primary dissertation mentor. Student and faculty mentor will plan the readings or other work. At this point, students should be writing their dissertation proposal with the goal being a complete, revised proposal ready for defense by the time the student takes comprehensive exams at the end of coursework. In rare instances, and with the mentor's approval, this course can be substituted for an elective that is particularly germane to the topic.
THS 975 Comprehensive Exam Prep - 0-3 Units
Facilitates student preparation for the comprehensive examination in their discipline. Students review and synthesize core disciplinary literature, theories and methods, while preparing to demonstrate their readiness for dissertation research.
THS 991 Dissertation Research - 1-4 Units
Students write a dissertation which embodies the results of their original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration.
THS 992 Dissertation Extension - 0 Units
Permits students who have completed all required dissertation credits to work toward the completion of their dissertation.