The Ligonier Academy is slated to admit its first class of undergraduate students in Fall 2011. Dr. Keith Mathison was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about the program(s).
The undergraduate arm of the Ligonier Academy is set-up along the lines of a Bible college. Is that right? How would you describe its distinctives?
The undergraduate program does essentially follow a Bible college model. There is a core curriculum that every Bachelor’s level student is required to take. The core curriculum is 78 credit hours. Students also choose a specialization in either biblical studies or theological studies to complete the remaining 42 credit hours. The core curriculum consists of 8 courses in biblical studies, 8 courses in systematic theology, 2 courses in church history, and 8 courses in what we are calling the Great Works.
What makes the program at Ligonier Academy distinctive is the combination of the Bible, Theology, and Great Works. We are convinced that conversance with historic Christian doctrine and the history of ideas is necessary for a maturing knowledge of the Bible and a discerning engagement with the world. By combining Theology and Great Works with the Bible, we intend to give students a firm and strategic grasp of the Bible, the system of doctrine taught in the Bible, and the intellectual world that Christians must encounter.
When students arrive in Fall 2011, will they all be in the same classes, along the lines of a cohort model? Or will they all be picking and choosing their courses as in most college settings?
Because of the anticipated class size, for the first few years of operation at least, classes will be offered only once per semester. In addition, we have structured the curriculum in such a way that full time students do not have to choose their area of specialization until the beginning of their second year. All first year full time students, therefore, will take the same classes.
Will classes be offered in semester-long settings, or will they be short-course modulars (e.g., two-week classes, meeting for more like 4 hours/day)? Are any specific courses anticipated?
Initially, most classes will be offered on a semester basis. With the availability of certain visiting professors, however, we hope also to offer some courses during the Winter and Summer as intensive one or two week courses.
For the first semester, we will offer all of the courses required for the Bachelor’s level students as well as two courses required by Associate’s level students. The first semester course offerings will be:
Biblical Hermeneutics
Theological Prolegomena
Great Works Seminar 1
Church to the Reformation
Biblical Theology 1
Gospels & Acts
Doctrine of Man
Will you be teaching in the Bible college?
As an adjunct, I anticipate that I will teach in certain departments as needed.
In terms of the make-up of the student body, what kinds of students are you particularly hoping to attract?
We intend to recruit and educate students from four groups. We welcome those who want to lay a foundation for graduate-level education in a seminary or graduate school. We also seek individuals who desire to prepare for further undergraduate work by first laying a foundation in biblical and theological studies. In addition we welcome those who want to complete their undergraduate education begun at another institution. Finally, we look for individuals who seek personal enrichment and development through structured learning opportunities.
Thanks, Dr. Mathison. I appreciate your taking the time.