Curriculum

Pedagogy

The College offers two degrees in Classical Christian Studies, an A.A. and a B.A. Our catalog details the programs of study.

These tracks are designed to prepare students for vocational careers as educators in a Christian school, pastoral ministry, or other related fields. In addition to the emphasis on theological and biblical studies, the College requires classical studies that were traditionally associated with ministerial preparation:

- Bible and Theology
- Classical Languages
- History
- Literature
- Music
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Science
- Rhetoric

Students will cultivate the following skills while studying these disciplines:

- Persuasive communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Ability to contextualize
- Theological foundations
- Appreciation for beauty, truth, and goodness

Associate of Arts in Classical Christian Studies

Sample Course Study

16 courses * 3 SH = 48 credits
Plus additional 12 hours of electives

Year 1

Fall

1. Spiritual Formation I (1 Cr)
2. Introduction to Theology I
3. Classical Rhetoric I
4. Latin I
5. Music Literacy I
6. All-Freshman Reading I (1 Cr)

Spring

1. Spiritual Formation II
2. Introduction to Theology II
3. Classical Rhetoric II
4. Latin II
5. Music Literacy II
6. All-Freshman reading II

Year 2

Fall

1. Philosophy I
2. Science
3. Ancient History
4. Theology Elective
5. All-Sophomore Reading (1 Cr)

Spring

1. Philosophy II
2. Church History
3. Mathematics
4. Theology Elective
5. All-Sophomore Reading (1 Cr)

Bachelor of Arts in Classical Christian Studies

SAMPLE COURSE STUDY

120 Hours

*These courses may not be transferred into New Aberdeen.

Year 1

Fall

1. Spiritual Formation I (1 Cr)
2. Introduction to Theology I*
3. Classical Rhetoric I*
4. Latin I
5. Music Literacy I
6. All-freshman reading (1 Cr)

Spring

1. Spiritual Formation II*
2. Christian Worldview II*
3. Classical Rhetoric II*
4. Latin II
5. Music Literacy II
6. All-freshman reading

Year 2

Fall

1. Science
2. Language III
3. Ancient History*
4. Philosophy of Mathematics
5. All-Sophomore Reading (1 Cr)

Spring

1. Science
2. Language IV
3. American History
4. Mathematics
5. All-Sophomore Reading (1 Cr)

Year 3

Fall

1. Classical Literature I: Epic/Lyric*
2. Bible Exposition Elective
3. Philosophy I*
4. Principles of Economics
5. The Christian Calling and Career

Spring

1. Classical Literature II: Tragedy/Comedy
2. Bible Exposition Elective
3. Philosophy II*
4. Elective

Year 4

Fall

1. Reformed Theology I
2. Thesis I (Course)
3. Classical Pedagogy
4. Elective

Spring

1. Reformed Theology II
2. Thesis II (Dir. study)
3. Internship
4. Elective

Sample Electives

Literature

Four-genre literature courses
(Tragedy, Comedy, Lyric, Epic)
Specific period or author electives
(British, American, Poetry, etc.)

Language

Upper-level studies in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew

Biblical Exposition

Johannine or Pauline Literature
The Gospels
Wisdom Literature
Old Testament Prophets

Music

Western Music History
American Music History
Music Theory and Sight-Singing

Science

Biology
Astronomy
Physics

Pedagogy

Socratic methodology and other classical teaching strategies