BIB 3201 (LUOA), THEO 201 (LUO): Theology Survey I

11/08/2019 to 11/30/2129 • Modified 05/08/2026

Course Description

This is a general survey of Bible doctrine designed to synthesize and outline each of ten major areas of systematic theology, including prolegomena, bibliology, theology proper, Christology, angelology, and pneumatology.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Many students enter programs at Liberty University without any doctrinal or theological background. Each student needs to be grounded in doctrine in order to know what he or she believes and why he or she believes it. This course, along with THEO 202, gives the student a comprehensive exposure to systematic theology for the purpose of equipping him or her for ministry, whatever his or her vocational goals might be.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, for each Discussion, the student will post 1 thread of at least 200–250 words responding to the provided prompt. The student must then post at least 2 replies of at least 100–150 words, providing substantive responses and constructive feedback to classmates’ threads. Where appropriate in both the thread and replies, major points are to be supported by lecture material, theological sources, Scripture, examples, and/or thoughtful analysis. At least 1 source/citation should be used per post and cited correctly. An accurate final word count must be provided for the thread and replies. See “Course Policies” for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. The student must follow all other writing expectations listed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: Christianity & Contexts 3, 4, 5)

The student will write a 600–800-word essay that demonstrates his or her ability to identify, interpret, and theologically integrate biblical metaphors of God. The student will complete a 3-step process: (1) using Microsoft Copilot to generate and compile a broad list of biblical images/metaphors of God with associated Scripture references, (2) selecting 1 metaphor from the list for focused study, and (3) explaining that metaphor’s biblical foundation and theological significance by connecting it to God’s nature and attributes as studied in the Erickson and Etzel & Small textbooks. The essay must have an introduction that includes the purpose of the essay, the full list of metaphors generated from Microsoft Copilot, and a clear thesis describing the chosen metaphor and the attributes connected to it. Further sections will follow the outline and word counts provided in the assignment instructions, including a conclusion paragraph. At least 6 biblical references and 2 theological references from the course readings must be used, as directed in the assignment instructions. See “Course Policies” for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. The student must follow all other writing expectations listed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: Christianity & Contexts 1, 3, 4, 5)

Biblical Metanarrative Essay Assignment

The student will write an 800–1,000-word essay that demonstrates his or her assimilation and integration of key course concepts. The student will write the essay on his or her chosen topic and must discuss the implications of the theological topics through an examination of that narrative of Scripture. From the list of approved doctrines to address, the student will demonstrate the unified nature of the Bible by tracing that doctrine through the 4 major plot developments of Scripture. The student will discuss and summarize each major plot movement in its own paragraph (Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration), its main character, and its implications for understanding the unity of the biblical books. The essay will include a clear introductory paragraph, with a thesis statement, and a summative concluding paragraph. The essay must incorporate at least 6 biblical and 2 theological references from the course readings, as detailed in the assignment instructions. See “Course Policies” for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. The student must follow all other writing expectations listed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: Christianity & Contexts 1, 3, 4, 5)

Short Reflection Essay Assignment

The student will write an essay on the topic of applying course concepts to practical, everyday life by answering 2 prompt questions. The student will describe 1.) how his/her view of theology has changed over the duration of the course and 2.) how he/she will be able to apply and put into practice the principles learned over the course to his/her life. The essay must be 350–500 words, with 175–250 words per prompt question. The essay must have a clear, logical flow, with major points stated clearly and supported by strong analysis and examples. See “Course Policies” for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. The student must follow all other writing expectations listed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: Christianity & Contexts 3, 4, 5)

Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module(s). Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, and have a time limit of 1 hour. Each quiz allows 1 attempt. (CLO: A, B, C, D; FSLO: Christianity & Contexts 4)

Extra Credit GENED Assessment Test

The student may complete a comprehensive General Education Assessment for extra credit. The assessment will cover the 6 foundation skills (Civic & Global Engagement, Communication & Information Literacy, Christianity & Contexts, Critical Thinking, Social & Scientific Inquiry, and Technological Solutions & Quantitative Reasoning). Extra credit point(s) will be awarded for each correct response and will be factored into overall student grades. The assessment will be closed-book/closed-notes, contain 30 multiple-choice, true/false, and multiple-answer questions, and have no time limit. The assessment allows 1 attempt.