Course Descriptions

Semester Course Schedule Long-Term Program Dates Short-Term Program Dates Entrance Requirements Course Descriptions

ONLINE HIST 6/472 The Book of Revelation and the Seven Cities of the Apocalypse - Credit Hours: 3

Semester normally offered:

Course Description

A narrative/historical study of the Book of Revelation with attention given to its rhetorical features and first-century context with application to contemporary Christian faith and practice. This course also has a field study component.

Course Equivalencies

  • Early Christianity 
  • History and Culture of New Testament 
  • Bible 
  • History

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, the student should be able to: 

  • interpret the Book of Revelation according to its genre and signals of approach contained in the introductory verses;
  • describe the seven cities of Apocalypse and the historical data likely relevant to the church in each city;
  • identify the purpose, structure, rhetorical features, and plot line of Revelation;
  • access the general meaning that lies behind the symbolism and imagery in the book; and
  • consider ways in which the futuristic narrative of Revelation shapes and informs Christian beliefs and behavior in the present.

Field Study

Turkey and Patmos Field Study: At the conclusion of the semester, students will embark on a nine-day narrative, historical, and archaeological field study on Patmos and at the seven cities of the Apocalypse in Turkey (Ephesus, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, and Smyrna). The itinerary includes two travel days and seven days of field study in Greece and Turkey. This field study is mandatory for all students taking the course for credit. It is optional for audit students.