Information

User Menu

Current Students
PDF Print E-mail


Knowledge (12 credits)

Christian Worldview. At Rivendell we believe that truth is one integrated whole, regardless of the methods by which knowledge is gained. In our Christian vision of the world all truth is united under God and all knowledge finds its ultimate significance in relation to God. We believe that truth (that which is worthy of our belief), beauty (that which is worthy of our admiration) and goodness (that which is worthy of our choice) are interrelated, that they have a single Source and transcendent Standard, and that the pursuit of these ideals is essential to a well-lived life. In this quest we also acknowledge and embrace the limitations that will always confront us in the pursuit of understanding and knowledge. The starting point for all education at Rivendell is the Christian worldview and its intellectual heritage, which the college both embraces and critically evaluates.

Graduate-level Objectives:

  • Understand the Christian worldview and how it compares to other worldviews

  • Acquire an understanding of the Bible’s content and major themes.

  • Gain familiarity with the unity and diversity of historic Christian beliefs and practices.

  • Recognize ways in which Christianity has both shaped and been shaped by various cultures over time.

  • Understand the significance of a Christian vision of life for complex social and personal issues.

Core Courses

Students in the M.A. Degree in Christianity and Culture are required to take the following:

Cultural Engagement in Hebrew Literature (3)

Cultural Engagement in Christian Literature (3)

Students in the M.A. Degrees in Christian Studies and Spiritual Formation are required to take two of the following:

Cultural Engagement in the Old Testament (3)

Cultural Engagement in the New Testament (3)

RLST 5200 Survey of the Old Testament 1 (3)

RLST 5300 Survey of the New Testament 1 (3)

Students in the M.A. Degree in Christianity and Culture are required to take the following:

Christian Thought and Culture 1 (3)

Christian Thought and Culture 2 (3)

Students in the M.A. Degrees in Christian Studies and Spiritual Formation are required to take one of the following sets:

Christian Thought and Culture 1 (3)

Christian Thought and Culture 2 (3)

or

RLST 5510 Christian Theology (3)

Another Approved Theology Course (3)

Skills (9 credits)

Academic Skills, Intellectual Habits and Virtue. At Rivendell we believe that the ability to think clearly and argue persuasively, and to read, write and speak well are keys to success in personal, public and professional life. We view this not so much as a matter of mastering content, but developing academic skills, such as thinking critically, evaluating information, making judgments, solving problems, and communicating clearly; developing intellectual virtues or habits of mind, such as curiosity, love of truth, humility and honesty, persistence and tenacity; and cultivating complementary patterns of moral excellence.

Graduate-level Objectives:

  • Develop the intellectual habits and moral virtues that make the acquisition of academic success possible.
  • Engage in critical, analytical, and independent thinking.
  • Evaluate and utilize information for problem solving.
  • Read, observe, and listen critically.
  • Write and speak clearly and accurately.

Core Courses:

Students in all M.A. degree programs are required to take the following:

Critical Thinking (3)

Personal Health, Growth and Mission. Rivendell College is committed to equipping students to live well and carry out their vision of life in service to the world. Rivendell students discover who they are, what they believe in, where they are going, and what they must do to succeed in life. Alongside its academic program, the college provides training in spiritual and character formation and a program of personal assessment, academic advising, and mentoring to help students reach their full potential.

Graduate-level Objectives:

  • Discover spiritual disciplines and ethical values that shape character.
  • Identify personal strengths and highest values and how to live them out.
  • Understand the nature and functions of leadership.

Core Courses:

Students in the M.A. degree in Christianity and Culture program are required to take the following:

Soul Care and Spiritual Formation (3)

Stewarding Influence (3)

Personal Assessments

Students in the M.A. degrees in Christian Studies are required to take the following:

SPFM 5101 Spiritual Formation (3)

MNTY 5010 Foundations of Leadership (3)

Personal Assessments

Students in the M.A. degree in Spiritual Formation are required to take the following:

SPFM 5101 Spiritual Formation 1 (3)

SPFM 5102 Spiritual Formation 2 (3)

Personal Assessments

Community Service. In this area requirement students are equipped to identify needs in a community that can be met through personal involvement and group projects; identify churches, religious and service organizations who are committed to community service; join groups and individuals in service projects; and create strategies, and enlist and mobilize volunteers for community service.

Students meet this requirement by being involved in approved community service projects during their degree program.