Course Syllabus

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MIN202: New Testament Foundations

Instructor & Contact Information

The People tab in Canvas provides information on the course instructor and you can send a message to your instructor following these instructions. Faculty are expected to: 1) grade and return assignments, with feedback, within 7 days from the date of submission; 2) reply to your Canvas messages within 72 hours; 3) reply several times each week in total  in the discussion forums (not to each individual student); and 4) demonstrate the core values of City Vision University.

Course Description

This class is an introduction to the New Testament Scriptures, with a particular focus on the life of Jesus as it is historically recounted in the Gospels, beginning at the announcement of His birth to His ascension after his death at Calvary. The course also explores how the book of Acts continues this narrative. It explores the core message of the Gospel, as the significance of Christ’s life for believers is elaborated upon in Paul’s letters, the General Epistles, and the book of Revelation. Students in this class will learn and employ a method for Bible interpretation that will enable them to apply New Testament principles appropriately in their own context.

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  1. Outline the overall chronology of events in the New Testament and relate those events to the life of Christ. 

  2. Demonstrate from the New Testament Scriptures how Jesus' identity as Savior (Messiah) is revealed in His life, death and resurrection.

  3. Interpret the New Testament text according to established principles of Biblical hermeneutics, with sensitivity to issues such as literary genre and style, theories of authorship, dates of composition, and historical and cultural context.

  4. Apply New Testament principles and moral teachings to contemporary social issues and to your personal conduct.

  5. Practice spiritual disciplines in order to be shaped by the New Testament Scriptures in your personal, relational and emotional life.

Degree Program Outcomes

Degree outcomes are the overall skills and knowledge we expect you will have after successfully completing a degree program at City Vision University. After completing the degree, you will be able to do the following in each of the listed domains:

  1. Bible. Use sound principles of Biblical interpretation to analyze the structure, themes and content of the Bible and apply that to local contexts.
  2. Theology. Apply the foundational truths of Christian theology grounded in Scripture to local contexts.
  3. Calling. Create a synthesis of a reflective life vision and plan to enable 24/7 ministry based on God’s purposes for work and their own unique calling.
  4. Leadership. Develop a personal philosophy and plan for leadership based on principles of leadership and effective ministry management.
  5. Life Balance. Develop plan for him/herself and others to establish life balance in a society saturated with technology and addiction.
  6. Urban Ministry. Understand and develop strategies for Christian community development, urban youth ministry, and urban evangelism and discipleship.
  7. Cross-Cultural Ministry. Develop strategy for effective cross-cultural management and ministry and apply that to their own organizational or ministry context.
  8. Specialization. Develop skills and apply learning and concepts in one area of specialty ministry.

This course supports degree outcomes 1 and 2.

Required Texts

Students are required to purchase these texts before the first day of classes. 

  • A New Testament Bible. See notes below on this. 
  • New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom. Don L. Davis. 231 pages. The Kindle edition is cheapest. However, there is also a print edition here. This is a student workbook. It contains outlines for the lectures we will be watching each week.
  • The Incomparable Christ, John Stott. 264 pages.  ASIN: B00EA3KGSY 264 pages. 

Notes Regarding Bible Requirements for this Course

  • Students will be reading selections from the New Testament, especially the Gospels, in each week of the course, and will also use the New Testament in their exegetical projects and spiritual formation exercises.
  • A Study Bible is recommended, so its notes and study aids (such as cross-references) may be used in the exegetical project.
  • Students will need to use a literal or essentially literal translation of the Bible in this course, like the ESV, NIV or NASB. A paraphrase like the Message or the Living Bible is not a direct translation of the original text. It cannot be used for the exegetical project because it contains too much of a human author's interpretation of what the text means to be used in exegesis.
  • The Bible can be found online for free in many translations, such as at BibleHub.com or BibleGateway.com. These sites also include other free resources that may be helpful for your exegetical paper. You can find additional free Bible study resources here.

Guidelines for Written Work

All written work must follow our Writing Format and Forum Requirements. You must read these to understand how to cite sources appropriately.

Critical Policies to Read for This Course

Note: These policies are critical for all students to read. In case of change, we have linked to the versions on our website to make sure you have the latest version.

This syllabus is subject to change without notice up until the first day of the semester. Last updated: November 3, 2023

Course Summary:

Date Details Due