Biola University 2014–15 Catalog
S cience and R eligion
3. Students will identify a discipline-specific topic from the natural sciences and articulate how it interfaces with religion (ULO 3). Graduation Requirements A. Satisfactorily complete 36 semester credits as outlined in the curriculum. B. Maintain a 2.5 average with no grade below a “C” in all courses to be credited toward graduation. C. Complete a minimum of 24 credits at Biola University. All degree components must be completed as graded courses. D. Students are placed on academic probation if their grade point average for any semester falls below 2.5 and will remain on probation as long as the single semester or cumulative grade point average remains below 2.5. Probation students are granted one semester in which to bring their academic work up to the required level (2.5) for continuance in the program. A student cannot graduate while on probation. E. Complete the entire program in no more than seven years. F. Meet with department advisor and Graduate Graduation Counselor in the Office of the Registrar one year prior to graduation to declare intent to graduate. (See Graduate Graduation Check description in Admission, Enrollment and Graduation Requirements section). Curriculum The M.A. in Science and Religion program includes the following: Religious Studies Core (16 Credits) CSSR 510 Research Methodologies Credit(s): 1. CSSR 514 History of Christian Thought Credit(s): 3. CSSR 516 Authority of Scriptural Traditions Credit(s): 1–2. CSSR 519 Old Testament/Hebrew Literature Credit(s): 3. CSSR 520 New Testament Literature Credit(s): 3. CSSR 541 Christian Thought I Credit(s): 1–2. CSSR 542 Christian Thought II Credit(s): 1–2. Students who already have a strong background in Bible may, with advisor approval, take additional approved electives in place of the required credits.
Faculty Director:
Craig J. Hazen, Ph.D.
Professors:
Bloom, Hazen
Associate Professors: Assistant Professors:
C. Jones, K. Lewis, S. Smith
S. McDowell
Mission and Learning Outcomes The Master of Arts degree in Science and Religion is designed to provide individuals with the essential background in theology, history and philosophy necessary to integrate evangelical Christianity with modern science. The curriculum is designed for students who already have some background in the sciences; consequently the course work emphasizes the critical tools from other disciplines that are necessary for providing the proper context and foundation for understanding and working comfortably with issues that relate to both Christianity and the sciences. Special seminars focus on current theological issues within specific scientific disciplines so that students will understand the contemporary dynamic and learn to integrate their thinking in a mentored setting. The program fosters in students a mature and informed Christian worldview from which to serve the Lord and to relate to secular colleagues in the sciences. This program is available in a format that combines distance learning and on-campus learning in an academically robust manner. This is a proven method of education that is designed to make the M.A. in Science and Religion available to students who cannot relocate to Southern California for the course work. Some short-term campus visits are required during the summer, offering the opportunity to interact with faculty, fellow students and preeminent guest scholars and lecturers. Admission Requirements Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree, normally in a natural science (physics, chemistry, biology or related field), engineering, mathematics, computer science; or in anthropology, psychology or related fields. Students with a baccalaureate in any field will be considered if their career or ministry path involves a strong scientific interest (e.g., science journalism, campus ministry). The baccalaureate degree must be from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit a brief written statement outlining their vocational objectives and how the degree might relate to those objectives. Delivery Formats This program offers distance-learning courses. Courses, seminars, conferences and related learning experiences are generally scheduled in the evening and on weekends for the convenience of working adults. Courses are usually four to eight weeks in length with classes meeting once per week in the evening. Alternative scheduling is often employed for enhanced instructional effectiveness. Science and Religion, M.A. Program Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Science and Religion, students will be able to: 1. Students will demonstrate an intellectual foundation in the historical, philosophical and theological issues that are relevant to the natural sciences, particularly where these disciplines interface with religious topics (ULO 1). 2. Students will demonstrate communication skills for presenting arguments in a winsome and gracious manner (ULO 2).
Science and Religion Core (8 Credits) CSSR 529
Historical Perspectives in Science and Religion Darwin, Evolution, and Design
Credit(s): 1–2. Credit(s): 1–2.
CSSR 530 CSSR 631 CSSR 651
Modern Physics, Cosmology, and Design Credit(s): 1–2.
Intelligent Design Seminar
Credit(s): 1–2.
Philosophy Overview (6 Credits) CSSR 540
Metaphysics and Epistemology Philosophy and Theology of Science
Credit(s): 1–3.
CSSR 547
Credit(s): 1–3. Students who already have a strong background in philosophy may, with advisor approval, take additional approved electives in place of the required credits.
Electives (6 Credits) Science and Religion, Philosophy or Religious Studies Courses Science and Religion (CSSR) CSSR 510 - Research Methodologies
Research skills for use of library, Internet and key reference works. Methods of scholarly and journalistic writing with emphasis on critical thinking, persuasion and evaluation of data and testimony. Note(s): Required of M.A.S.R. students. Grade Mode: A. Credit(s): 1.
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