College Distance Learning Courses

ADM 367 Principles of Leadership and Administration (3)
This course introduces students to the principles and methods of leadership and administrative theory and how they have developed throughout Western history, focusing on the period from 1750 to the present. Attention is given to the basic roles and functions of a leader in leading, planning, organizing, and controlling. Also included is a unit on personal life management.

ANT 200 Cultural Anthropology (3)
This course is a study of how people function in their environment. Areas of inquiry include the content and structure of culture, cultural variability, the importance of language, technology, economic organization, social organization, religion, ideology, the arts, life-cycle customs, and cultural stability and change.

BT 100 Bible Overview (3)
An overview of the basic content and most prominent themes in each of the canonical books, with special attention given to the unity that emerges from the biblical writings.

BT 102 Old Testament Historical Books (3)
A survey of the biblical books from Joshua to Esther—narratives that record the history of ancient Israel from the period of the conquest under Joshua down to the time of the nation’s return from exile.
This course is recommended as a prerequisite to BT 205 Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom.

BT 103 Gospels (3)
A study of the mission and message of Jesus as viewed from the perspective of one or more of the four evangelists, with special emphasis on developing interpretive skills and an introduction to current issues in gospel studies.

BT 106 Theology Overview (3)
A study of the great theological truths of the scriptures, focusing on the basic doctrines necessary for a Christian world view: revelation, authority, scripture, God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church, and future events.

BT 111 Old Testament Literature (3)
This course provides an overview of the Old Testament, emphasizing its theological, historical, and literary dimensions.

BT 112 Spiritual Formation (3)
This course focuses on the nature of personal and corporate spiritual growth. A study of the Bible’s teaching about conversion serves as the foundation for an investigation of the classic spiritual disciplines.

BT 114 Introduction to Christian Theology I (3)
An introduction to the basic teachings of the Christian faith, this course includes discussions of the nature and task of theology and of the Christian understanding of God, revelation, creation, spiritual powers, and sin.

BT 115 Introduction to Christian Theology II (3)
A continued study of the basic teachings of the Christian faith, exploring a Christian understanding of Christology, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and the future.

BT 131 Distance Learning Seminar III - Synthesizing Your Learning (1)
(Program students only)
In this seminar, students have the opportunity to synthesize their previous learning in a variety of areas, as well as explore how this learning might shape their future activities. Students are also prepared for their graduate interviews.

BT 150 Understanding and Applying Your Bible (3)
This course covers the principles and practice of independent Bible study, including an emphasis on historical-grammatical interpretation of the Bible. Students learn and use the introductory skills needed for Bible comprehension and application.

BT 205 Hebrew Poetry and Wisdom (3)
A study of the six books in the Old Testament designated wisdom (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) and poetry (Psalms, Song of Solomon, Lamentations). In addition to studying the content and message of each of these books, this course introduces students to the forms and rhetorical devices characteristic of poetry and wisdom in the Hebrew Bible and to the distinctive theology of Hebrew wisdom.

BT 211 Introduction to Psalms (3)
A study of the Psalms as to their classification and place in the worship and thought of believers in ancient Israel and today. A number of psalms are studied in detail, covering historical context, interpretation, and theological significance.

BT 213 Hermeneutics (3)
A foundational course that includes both an introduction to basic hermeneutical theory and an emphasis on developing interpretive skills.

BT 214 General Epistles (3)
A survey of Hebrews, James, I and II Peter, I, II, and III John, and Jude (the Catholic Epistles) that explores their historical setting, literary form, and theology.

BT 230 Pauline Epistles (3)
A survey of each of the Pauline letters, with careful attention devoted to central themes and selected passages in Paul’s writings.

BT 260 Contemporary Religious Movements (3)
An evaluative study of current pseudo-Christian movements that originated in North America, this course also assists students in understanding the influence of Eastern Mysticism in our culture.
Prerequisite: BT 114 Introduction to Christian Theology I

BT 272 Apologetics (3)
An examination of authority in apologetics, including the biblical rationale for apologetics, the confidence of the Christian, and the place of the church. This course also examines both the surface and deep-rooted reasons for unbelief and explores the power of the Holy Spirit in overcoming the tension between belief and unbelief and other such effects of sin.
Prerequisite: BT 115 Introduction to Christian Theology II

BT 306 Romans (3)
A study of Paul’s letter to the Romans, with particular attention given to its historical setting, theological argument, and continuing significance for the church.
Prerequisite: BT 230 Pauline Epistles

BT 309 John (3)
A careful study of John’s story of Jesus and its significance. While the course has an exegetical focus, attention is also devoted to prominent elements in John’s theology and discussion of important critical issues.
Prerequisite: BT 103 Gospels

BT 310 1 Corinthians (3)
A study of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, with particular attention to its historical setting, its theological argument, and its continuing significance for the church.
Prerequisite: BT 230 Pauline Epistles

BT 325 Bible Origins: Text, Transmission, and Canon (3)
A study of the origin and transmission of the scriptures, the formation of the biblical canon, and the methods of textual criticism.

BT 333 Doctrine of the Holy Spirit/Demonology (3)
This course includes the biblical teachings on the occult, demonology, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit in order to evaluate the current debate regarding divine healing, speaking in tongues, the baptism of the Spirit, and demonic activity.

CM 104 Public Speaking (3)
This course equips students with the basic knowledge, skills, and confidence to communicate effectively when engaged in a variety of public speaking situations.

CM 130 Introduction to Christian Education (3)
The educational ministries of the local church are an important part of fulfilling the concept of “discipling all nations.” This course emphasizes the issues and functions of biblical education ministry as it relates to the home, school, and church, as well as an understanding of how people learn.

CM 131 Distance Learning Seminar II: Meaningful Mentoring (1)
(Program students only)
This seminar is designed to lead students in the Briercrest Distance Learning program through a thoughtful analysis of the dynamics of a mentoring relationship and to provide an opportunity to formulate a mentoring plan that is of greatest benefit to them personally as both a protégé and a mentor.

CM 204 Evangelism and Discipleship (3)
This course carefully examines wholistic evangelism based on an understanding of salvation and conversion. In addition, the course prepares students for discipling others through in-class and out-of-class opportunities.

CM 352 Men in Church and Society (3)
This course is designed to give students an opportunity to develop a biblical philosophy of the masculine life through the study of scripture, history, and an examination of contemporary issues.

CM 411 Ministry to Exceptional Children (3)
This course provides a study of the tasks, skills, attitudes, and opportunities for ministry with gifted and special needs children.

CM 429 DL Internship (3)
(Program Students Only)
The DL internship is intended to help prepare students to be well-grounded in areas specific to their vocational/lay direction as it pertains to their chosen field of internship. The internship is a practical, supervised experience in the tasks, attitudes, and skills necessary for leadership and effective ministry within the context of a church or para-church organization.

CMC 101 Foundations of Church Ministry (3)
An introduction to the ministry of the church in all of its functions: worship, equipping, fellowship, and evangelism. The course includes a study of the structure, leadership, and objectives of the various ministries of the church, with special attention given to the role of the laity in all aspects of church ministry.

CMC 301 Foundations of Biblical Worship (3)
This course develops a theological understanding of worship as it relates to Old and New Testament literature. The sacrificial worship of the Old Testament is related to and contrasted with New Testament worship and the worship of today. Current worship trends are evaluated in light of biblical material and students develop a theological understanding of the centrality of worship in the church today.

CO 317 Family Ministry (3)
This is an introductory study designed to present an objective description and analysis of contemporary North American families within a world perspective. This course attempts to integrate theology, sociology, and ministry strategy in order to effectively minister to the varied family structures and dynamics within the local church and community.

CO 441 Contemporary Counselling Issues (3)
This course explores relevant issues encountered when counselling within contemporary society. Divided into three units, the course addresses ethical issues which guide the practice of counselling, counselling orientation, and some of the more common counselling issues (e.g. addictions, family violence, grief, and sexual abuse).
Prerequisite: PSY 277 Psychology of Counselling

ENG 100 Literature and Composition I (3)
This course is a literature survey with a composition component. Most of the literary periods are represented—Medieval, Renaissance, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries—as well as the major genres (drama, poetry, and prose). Works are selected from British and Canadian literature.

ENG 101 Literature and Composition II (3)
This course continues the literature survey and composition component of ENG 100 Literature and Composition I, but focuses on American and Continental literature.

ENG 265 Creative Writing (3)
This course introduces issues relevant to the production of poetry, drama, and short stories, and provides practical opportunities for students to explore writing in these genres. Particular attention is given to the creative process, the place of revision, and the integration of faith and creative writing.

FE 101 Field Education I (1)
A practical, weekly ministry assignment in evangelism, discipleship, church-related ministry, or community service, combined with evaluative written work.

FE 102 Field Education II (1)
See FE 101 course description.

FE 201 Field Education III (1)
See FE 101 course description.

FE 202 Field Education IV (1)
See FE 101 course description.

FE 301 Field Education V (1)
See FE 101 course description.

FE 302 Field Education VI (1)
See FE 101 course description.

GEN 120 Research and Composition (3)
This course introduces students to the principles and methods of scholarly research. It reviews the essentials of English, with emphasis placed on paragraph organization, sentence structure, grammar, and usage skills.

GEN 131 Distance Learning Orientation Seminar I (1)
(Program students only)
This course is designed to introduce students to Briercrest College and Seminary and helps them identify and develop the academic and organizational skills needed to succeed in distance learning.

GRK 246 Introductory Greek I (3)
This course gives an introduction to the grammatical elements of Koine (New Testament) Greek using brief passages from throughout the New Testament as a basis for developing proficiency in translation.

GRK 247 Introductory Greek II (3)
This course provides a continued study of New Testament Greek grammar with further reading of selected portions of the Greek New Testament.
Prerequisite: GRK 246 Introductory Greek I

GS 311 World Religions (3)
This course presents a study of the history, founders, practices, and main doctrines of the major non-Christian religions, including Animism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shintoism. Eastern and Western religious trends and their synthetic expressions are examined.

HEB 246 Introductory Hebrew I (3)
This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the basics of biblical Hebrew so as to provide a clear basis for further study of the language and the texts written in it. Through a variety of approaches, students are familiarized with the basic building blocks of the language.
Click here to sample the course

HEB 247 Introductory Hebrew II (3)
This course builds on the introductory offering by deepening students’ knowledge of the language and developing their ability to identify weak verbs and rare and difficult constructions in biblical Hebrew. Toward the end of the course, students are introduced to the reading of selected portions of the Hebrew Bible.
Prerequisite: HEB 246 Introductory Hebrew I
Click here to sample the course

HIS 237 History of Christianity I (3)
A study of the church in the Roman and medieval worlds from the first to the sixteenth century, this course includes topics such as the expansion of Christianity, the development of doctrine and struggle against heresy, the establishment of Christendom and the rise of the papacy and monasticism, the decline of the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages, the contribution of the Celtic church, the papacy, the Crusades, the Renaissance, medieval monasticism and mysticism, Scholasticism, and the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

HIS 238 History of Christianity II (3)
This course, a study of the church in the modern world from the seventeenth to twentieth century, includes topics such as the Reformation, the Counter-Reformation, Puritanism, Pietism, the first and second Evangelical Awakenings, the development of liberalism and fundamentalism, and recent movements in ecumenism.

IDS 250 Studies in Christian World View (3)
This course introduces students to the principles of a balanced Christian world view. World view principles established in class are applied to a selection of issues in the natural and applied sciences, humanities, and social and behavioural sciences.

IS 101 Evangelism in Global Mission (3)
This course provides a biblical basis for mission. It explores some of the biblical, historical, and contemporary examples of thinking about what it means to follow Jesus Christ and point others to him in fulfillment of the Great Commission. It further teaches what it means to sensitively and effectively represent Jesus Christ in cultures other than our own.

PA 395  Pastoral Theology I: Foundations (3)
This course focuses on the biblical, theological, and historical basis for pastoral ministry and on developing the spiritual disciplines necessary for the pastor’s personal, ongoing spiritual vitality.

PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology I (3)
An introduction to the study of human behaviour, personality, and social interaction. Consideration is given to the biological and social sources of development, sensation, perception, and learning.

PSY 277 Psychology of Counselling (3)
This course is a study of counsellor characteristics and awareness and an examination of the counselling process. It includes an introduction to counselling relationships, methods of counselling, and special problems encountered in counselling. Students practice counselling skills.