Biblical Literacy Placement Test
Why do we offer this test?
The University is committed to increasing students' understanding of both Biblical literature and Biblical interpretation, as well as theology and ministry. To this end 12 hours of religion coursework is required within the SNU General Education program. The Introduction to Biblical Literature course was designed as a first course to acquaint students with the basic storyline of the Bible and foster an eagerness for lifelong study of the scriptures. The Biblical Literacy Placement Test was created to allow incoming students who are already well-versed in their knowledge of the Bible to substitute a more appropriate Biblical literature course that would be better suited to their level of knowledge.
What is it?
The test is a set of 90 objective questions. A pass on the test should indicate that a student has sufficient Biblical knowledge to undertake an upper-division course in Biblical literature. Freshmen who pass the test are no longer required to take the Introduction to Biblical Literature (BLT 1163) class. Instead, they are to enroll in a more advanced course in Biblical Literature (a course with a BLT prefix) after completing Intro. to Biblical Interpretation (BLT 3013). Any 3000- or 4000- level Biblical Literature course will serve, but the following courses are especially recommended for the general student: BLT 3113 Pentateuchal Narratives, BLT 3123 Historical Books: The Former Prophets, BLT 3233 The Bible as Literature, BLT 3243 Matthew and Mark, and BLT 3253 Pauline Epistles. Students who pass the test will also be advised of which course in the required General Education sequence of religion courses would be most appropriate for them to take first, Intro. to Christian Thought or Intro. to Biblical Interpretation.
When/where is the test offered?
The test is offered by appointment with the Testing Service office (491-6323), Room 433 of the Science Building. The entire test should take about an hour to complete. Results will be incorporated into Entry Audits for advisors.
What do I need to know in order to pass this test?
To attempt this test, a student should have a good working knowledge of both Old and New Testaments, including major characters in the Bible, the contents of the books of the Bible, and great chapters of the Bible; the chronology of the unfolding of major Bible events, familiarity with the geography of Bible lands; and framework for understanding the relationships among major Biblical stories.
How was the test developed?
This test was developed by group of SNU professors teaching Introduction to Biblical Literature, along with the Director of General Education. Dr. Jirair Tashjian of the SNU Department of Religion and Philosophy was instrumental in reviewing both departmental information and similar Biblical and theological inventories from other Nazarene schools and from other member institutions in the Coalition for Christian Colleges & Universities. The test was normed during the fall 1998 and spring 1999 semesters, with the assistance of Wesley Lee, a graduate student in the SNU MSCP program.
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