Master of Applied Linguistics and Exegesis

 

About Degree   |    Courses

The program is designed for anyone involved in, or preparing for, cross-cultural ministry, especially those who expect that ministry to include the study of another language and culture, and the production of Christian literature in that language.

Mission:

The Master of Applied Linguistics and Exegesis provides a thorough knowledge of techniques of applied linguistics and biblical exegesis for effective cross-cultural communications and ministry. This specialized graduate degree program is designed to provide a thorough knowledge of the techniques of applied linguistics and biblical exegesis. Exegetical skills will be developed through the study of biblical languages and intensive interaction with the biblical text. Graduates will be prepared for effective cross-cultural communications and ministry with a focus on Bible translation or literacy. This degree program is offered by ACTS Seminaries in cooperation with the Canada Institute of Linguistics.

Goals:

  • Students will be able to do exegesis in an original biblical language.
  • Students will be able to apply principles of hermeneutics in Bible study.
  • Students will have an understanding of basic theology.
  • Students will be able to work collaboratively with speakers of minority languages.
  • Students will be able to produce scientific descriptions of minority languages and cultures.
  • Students will be able to produce literature and materials for literacy instruction, to promote mother-tongue literacy as a community value, and to translate the Bible into a receptor language.
  • Students will be able to design plans and strategies for the entire range of objectives in a literacy-based ministry of translation and development.
  • Students will grow in love for God, love for others, and will manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Students will deepen their commitment to world evangelism.
  • Students will be able to cope with spiritual conflict through their resources in Christ.

Admission Requirements:

  • A four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent;
  • Eighteen semester hours of biblical studies (Bible/Theology or other Religious Studies courses by special permission). Students who have less than this must take BIE 500 and THS 540 prior to taking any other biblical or theological studies courses at ACTS;
  • Twelve semester hours of linguistics (Language and Society, Articulatory Phonetics, Phonological Analysis, and Grammatical Analysis). These courses are offered through the Canada Institute of Linguistics Summer Program at Trinity Western University;
  • An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.50;
  • Evidence of Christian conversion and written commitment to sustain The Community Standards of ACTS;
  • Students for whom English is a second language must attain a TOEFL score of 100 iBT (with 23 minimum in each category of Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing) and in addition will be required normally to participate in the English Writing Lab to assist them in the completion of their assignments.

Graduation Requirements:

  • Completion of the prescribed curriculum, including the spiritual formation requirement;
  • 49 hours of grad level credit of which a minimum of 30 semester hours must be completed at ACTS; at least 12 semester hours shall be in biblical studies/exegesis;
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7;
  • In the event of the thesis option, the presentation of a satisfactory thesis which is no less than 25,000 words in length, showing adequate research, balance and literary style and conforming to the format prescribed by the faculty. The student will also successfully pass an oral examination based upon the thesis.
  • Give evidence of consistent Christian character, conduct, and biblical faith and recommendation accordingly by the faculty. The spiritual formation requirement may be satisfied by taking the orientation program offered by Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada, or by taking a specified course in spiritual formation, or some other approved course.

Vocational Outcomes:

ACTS seeks to stand behind its graduates. However, graduation will not automatically result in a recommendation for placement. That said, graduates have found placement in areas such as: Bible translation; religious education; missionary outreach; journalism; public relations; television; radio and films; publishing; church and community development; teaching; evangelism; research; and administration.

Program Committee Chair:

Michael Walrod

 

 

 

 

Michael Walrod Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Discourse, Text Linguistics, and Philosophy of Language
Chair of the Linguistics Department at Trinity Western University
Executive Director of Canada Institute of Linguistics
email:mike.walrod@twu.ca