Program Vision
The Bachelor Program (B.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL) aspires to be a leading interdisciplinary program of academic excellence. Rooted in the study of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, it seeks to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to intellectual rigor, social cohesion, and the promotion of Jordan’s sacred heritage as a vital bridge between faiths and cultures.
Program Mission
The mission of the Bachelor Program (B.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL) is to provide a rigorous interdisciplinary education that preserves, revitalizes, and advances the rich Christian heritage of the Middle East.
Through the integrated study of theology, philosophy, law, and languages, the program equips students to engage in transformative interfaith dialogue, to serve as responsible stewards of Jordan’s religious heritage, and to promote a culture of mutual respect, ethical leadership, and professional excellence within both local and global contexts.
Program General Description
The Bachelor Program (B.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL) offers a pioneering interdisciplinary exploration of the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural traditions of the Christian East.
Situated in Jordan—a land of profound biblical significance and a contemporary model of interfaith coexistence—the program bridges ancient tradition with modern academic and professional practice.
Students engage deeply with Eastern Christian theology and philosophy while developing practical competencies in law, languages, and the socio-economic realities of the Middle East. The program is designed in accordance with international academic standards, ensuring both academic excellence and global portability of the degree.
Students engage in a rigorous curriculum covering the development of canon law, church governance, and the application of ecclesiastical family law within ecclesiastical tribunal practice. The program emphasizes both theoretical mastery and practical legal skills relevant to ecclesiastical and civil contexts.
The degree culminates in a research-based master’s thesis, through which students demonstrate independent scholarly work and contribute to the advancement of canon law studies.
The program prepares graduates — both clergy and lay professionals — for roles as canonists, legal advisors, and ecclesiastical tribunal practitioners within the region and beyond.
Program Objectives
Objective 1:
Develop a deep and critical understanding of Eastern Christian theology, history, and philosophy, and apply this knowledge to contemporary academic and societal challenges in the Middle East.
Objective 2:
Equip students with the linguistic, cultural, and analytical tools necessary to navigate the complex religious landscape of the Middle East, with particular attention to Christian–Muslim relations.
Objective 3:
Foster the ability to synthesize insights from theology, philosophy, and law to understand how religious thought both shapes and is shaped by political and legal systems.
Objective 4:
Cultivate proficiency in Arabic and other relevant liturgical or modern languages, enabling effective communication across cultural and institutional boundaries.
Objective 5:
Encourage continuous intellectual, professional, and spiritual development, preparing graduates for advanced study and specialized careers in fields such as theology, heritage management, and international relations.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
• PLO 1: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the development of Christian thought, including the historical evolution of the Orthodox Churches, the Ecumenical Councils, and the core principles of systematic theology.
• PLO 2: Critically analyze the historical and philosophical foundations of the Near and Middle East, with particular attention to the relationship between ancient (including Byzantine) history and the contemporary socio-religious landscape of Jordan.
• PLO 3: Explain the interaction between religion and law, evaluating the influence of Christian and Islamic thought on national and international legal frameworks.
Skills
• PLO 4: Apply advanced hermeneutical and philological methods, including proficiency in Biblical Greek, to interpret primary texts within their original contexts.
• PLO 5: Employ the Trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) to construct clear, rigorous, and evidence-based arguments in academic writing and research.
• PLO 6: Analyze and synthesize the relationship between Hellenic philosophy and Christian doctrine in addressing complex theological and philosophical questions.
• PLO 7: Demonstrate practical competencies in pastoral counseling and religious education, applying ethical and psychological principles to serve diverse communities.
Competencies
• PLO 8: Design and manage initiatives in interfaith dialogue and ecumenical engagement, contributing to social cohesion in multi-religious societies.
• PLO 9: Exhibit professional leadership and ethical responsibility in the preservation and promotion of Christian art, architecture, and music.
• PLO 10: Demonstrate independent research capabilities and a commitment to lifelong learning, adapting theological and legal knowledge to evolving local and global contexts.
Module Delivery Methods
Modules are delivered through various learning formats:
• F2F (Face-to-Face): Classroom-based instruction conducted on campus.
• Online:
o Synchronous: Real-time interaction with instructors via platforms such as Zoom.
o Asynchronous: Structured, instructor-guided activities and assignments delivered via platforms such as Moodle.
• Hybrid: A combination of face-to-face instruction and online learning (synchronous and/or asynchronous). Students are typically required to attend on-campus sessions for at least one week per semester.
• HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible): A fully flexible model combining face-to-face, synchronous online, and asynchronous learning, allowing students to participate either on campus or remotely in real time.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold the Jordanian General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjihi) or an equivalent qualification from abroad. In addition, applicants must demonstrate upper-intermediate proficiency in English (CEFR level B2 or equivalent).
Degree Requirements
To be awarded the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL), students must successfully complete a minimum of 132 credit hours.
Students who do not complete the full bachelor’s program may be eligible for the Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL) upon successful completion of at least 72 credit hours.
I. Framework for Bachelor Program (B.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL) (138 Credit Hours/230 ECTS)
Classification | Credit Hours | ||
Compulsory | Elective | Total | |
Languages and General Skills | 15 | 6 | 21 |
Society and Law | 18 | – | 18 |
History, Art, and Philosophy | 27 | – | 27 |
Theology and Religious Studies | 69 | – | 69 |
Total | 129 | 6 | 135 |
Module Delivery Method | Credit Hours | Percentage |
Face-to-face | n/a | n/a |
Online |
|
|
Hybrid |
|
|
Hybrid-Flexible |
|
|
Total |
| 100% |
Curriculum (Credit Hours)
Languages and General Skills Modules (21 Credit Hours)
Compulsory Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Trivium: Grammar, Rhetoric, and Logic | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Academic Writing and Research Methods | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Biblical Greek | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Modern Greek I/Modern Standard Arabic I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Modern Greek II/Modern Standard Arabic II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 15 |
| ||
Elective Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Aramaic/Syriac | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Latin | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Biblical Hebrew | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Russian I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Russian II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Minimum Required | 6 |
| ||
Society and Law Modules (18 Credit Hours)
Compulsory Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| History and Theory of Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion in Public and International Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Philosophy of Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion and Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Orthodox Canon Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Political Theology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Elective Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
– | – | – | – | — |
Minimum Required | – |
| ||
History, Art, and Philosophy Modules (27 Credit Hours)
Compulsory Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Christian Art, Architecture, and Music | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Hellenic Philosophy I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Hellenic Philosophy II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Islamic Philosophy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Modern Philosophy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Epistemology and Gnoseology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Ancient and Byzantine History | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Near and Middle East | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Philosophy of Religion | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 27 |
| ||
Elective Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
– | – | – | – | – |
Minimum Required | – |
| ||
Theology and Religious Studies Modules (72 Credit Hours)
Compulsory Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Introduction to New Testament | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Liturgics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Patrology and Early Christian Thinkers | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Orthodox Churches | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Byzantine Christian Thinkers | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Systematic Theology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Pastoral Counseling | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Christian Ethics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Homiletics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| World Religions | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Global Orthodoxy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Christianity | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Biblical and Theological Hermeneutics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religious Education | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Christian Ethics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Modern Orthodox Thinkers | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Doctrines | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Councils | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Western Theology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Interfaith Dialogue | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| The Ecumenical Movement | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 69 |
| ||
Elective Modules
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
– | – | – | – | – |
Minimum Required | – |
| ||
II. Study Plan Guide for Bachelor Program (B.A.) in Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Languages (TPLL)
(135 Credit Hours)
First Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Trivium: Grammar, Rhetoric, and Logic | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Ancient and Byzantine History | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Biblical Greek | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Modern Greek I/Modern Standard Arabic I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Academic Writing and Research Methods | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Introduction to the New Testament | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Christianity | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Hellenic Philosophy I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Modern Greek II/Modern Standard Arabic II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Liturgics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Elective Language I | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Second Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Patrology and Early Christian Thinkers | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Hellenic Philosophy II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Near and Middle East | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Biblical and Theological Hermeneutics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Orthodox Churches | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Elective Language II | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Byzantine Christian Thinkers | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Councils | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Doctrines | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Epistemology and Gnoseology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Christian Art, Architecture, and Music | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Third Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Systematic Theology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Spirituality | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Islamic Philosophy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History of Western Theology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| History and Theory of Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 15 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Modern Philosophy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Christian Ethics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Philosophy of Religion | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| World Religions | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Global Orthodoxy | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religious Education | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Fourth Year
First Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Modern Orthodox Thinkers | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Orthodox Canon Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Philosophy of Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Pastoral Counseling | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| The Ecumenical Movement | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 18 |
| ||
Second Semester | ||||
Module ID | Module Name | Credit Hours | Delivery | Prerequisites |
| Political Theology | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion in Public and International Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Religion and Law | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Interfaith Dialogue | 3 | Hybrid |
|
| Homiletics | 3 | Hybrid |
|
Total | 15 |
| ||
Modules Description
Trivium: Grammar, Rhetoric, and Logic (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Strengthens critical thinking, argumentation, and communication skills through classical methods.
Introduction to the Old Testament (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the historical context, literary forms, and key theological themes of the Hebrew Scriptures, with emphasis on their interpretation within the Christian tradition.
Ancient and Byzantine History (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Contextualizes the rise of Christianity within the Roman and Byzantine worlds.
Biblical Greek (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Develops foundational proficiency in Koine Greek, enabling students to read and analyze selected biblical texts in their original language.
Modern Greek I & II / Modern Standard Arabic I & II (3 + 3 Credit Hours/5 + 5 ECTS)
Develops foundational language skills to support theological study and regional engagement.
Academic Writing and Research (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Develops academic writing, research methodologies, and scholarly communication skills.
Introduction to the New Testament (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Explores the life and teachings of Christ, the apostolic mission, and the development of the early Church through the study of New Testament texts.
History of Christianity (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Provides an overview of the global development and expansion of Christianity.
Hellenic Philosophy I & II (3 + 3 Credit Hours/5 + 5 ECTS)
Traces the development of Greek philosophy and its influence on Christian theology.
Liturgics (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Explores the theology, structure, and practice of Orthodox worship and sacramental life.
Elective Language I & II (3 + 3 Credit Hours/5 + 5 ECTS)
Introduces an additional research language relevant to theological and historical studies.
Patrology and Early Christian Thinkers (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Analyzes the writings and contributions of the early Church Fathers in shaping Christian doctrine.
History of the Near and Middle East (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the historical and cultural development of the region and its religious diversity.
Biblical and Theological Hermeneutics (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Introduces interpretative methodologies, integrating historical-critical analysis with patristic approaches to scriptural exegesis.
History of the Orthodox Churches (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the historical development and contemporary presence of the Orthodox Churches, with emphasis on the Middle East.
Byzantine Christian Thinkers (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Evaluates key theological figures and intellectual developments within the Byzantine tradition.
History of the Councils (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Studies the doctrinal and institutional significance of the Ecumenical Councils.
History of Doctrines (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Analyzes the historical development of Christian doctrine in response to theological and cultural challenges.
Epistemology and Gnoseology (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Analyzes theories of knowledge, including philosophical and theological perspectives.
Christian Art, Architecture, and Music (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines artistic and liturgical traditions as expressions of theological meaning.
History of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the historical development, canonical structure, and institutional organization of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, with particular attention to its governance, jurisdiction, and role in the religious and socio-political context of the Holy Land.
Systematic Theology (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Presents core Orthodox doctrines, including the Trinity, Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology, in a structured and analytical framework.
Spirituality (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the ascetic and mystical traditions of Eastern Christianity, focusing on prayer, spiritual formation, and theosis.
Islamic Philosophy (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Introduces key Islamic philosophical traditions and their interaction with Christian thought.
History of Western Theology (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Surveys major developments in Western Christian thought and their theological implications.
History and Theory of Law (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Introduces the evolution of legal systems and foundational legal concepts.
Modern Philosophy (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines major philosophical movements from the Enlightenment to the present.
Christian Ethics (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Applies Orthodox moral theology to contemporary ethical issues, including social and bioethical questions.
Philosophy of Religion (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Evaluates central philosophical questions concerning religion, belief, and religious experience.
World Religions (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Provides a comparative overview of major world religions to foster intercultural understanding.
Global Orthodoxy (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Analyzes the global presence and contemporary challenges of Orthodoxy.
Religious Education (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Develops pedagogical skills for teaching the Christian faith in diverse educational settings.
Modern Orthodox Thinkers (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Explores modern Orthodox theological responses to contemporary philosophical and cultural challenges.
Orthodox Canon Law (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the principles, institutions, and application of canon law within the Orthodox Church.
Philosophy of Law (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Analyzes the nature of justice, authority, and legal reasoning.
Pastoral Counseling (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Applies theological and psychological principles to pastoral care and community support.
The Ecumenical Movement (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Explores modern initiatives toward Christian unity and the role of the Orthodox Churches.
Political Theology (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Examines the relationship between religion and political authority across historical and modern models.
Religion in Public and International Law (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Evaluates the role of religion in contemporary legal systems and international frameworks.
Religion and Law (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Explores the interaction between religious traditions and legal systems, particularly within the Abrahamic context.
Interfaith Dialogue (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Develops practical and analytical skills for engaging in interreligious dialogue, with emphasis on Christian–Muslim relations.
Homiletics (3 Credit Hours/5 ECTS)
Develops skills in sermon preparation and effective communication within liturgical contexts.
