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BTI Consortium | Last Updated April 21, 2026 - 6:00PM
LANGUAGES
School
Boston University School of Theology
STHTN 723
Intro to NT Greek 1
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of the Greek New Testament. For students with no training in Greek.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Smith, Shively
TR
11 am-12:15 pm, twice
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
OL501
Hebrew I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Introduces basic grammar and vocabulary of biblical Hebrew, emphasizing the importance of Hebrew language for understanding the Old Testament.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Petter, Donna
TR
9:35-11am
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
V
Notes
N
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
OL941
Ugaritic
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Study of Ugaritic grammar with reading of selected materials that are important for Old Testament interpretation.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Nation, Trey
W
6-9pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
Y
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
OL502 or Th.M.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4052
Elementary Pali I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
The first in a two-year program of courses designed to enable the student to read Buddhist canonical materials in Pali independently. In addition to giving the student a comprehensive understanding of all grammatical forms found in the texts, the program will also equip them with a range of interpretive techniques to help them draw out as fully as possible the meanings of the texts. This course introduces students to major elements of grammar found in Pali. It also introduces the language patterns found in standard prose works to facilitate independent reading. The course is geared toward getting the student to read canonical Pali texts as quickly as possible, and readings in the textbook are taken from key canonical texts. The student is thus engaging with key canonical materials from the very beginning of the course. Prerequisite: None. Auditors not allowed. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TBD
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Prerequisite: None. Auditors not allowed. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4056
Reading Post-Canonical Pali I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This course is a continuation of HDS course offerings in Pali (Elementary Pali and Intermediate Pali) and focuses especially on the reading and interpretation of Theravada Buddhist commentarial texts composed in Pali. Course will include learning how to read Pali texts printed in non-Roman scripts; in the fall term, some texts will be read in Thai script. Prerequisite: Intermediate Pali II or equivalent (with instructor's permission).
Professor
Class Day & Time
Hallisey
MWF
09:00am-10:15am
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Prerequisite: Intermediate Pali II or equivalent (with instructor's permission).
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4211
Elementary Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Introduction to ancient Greek emphasizing the grammar and vocabulary of the New Testament. Course has additional section hour to be arranged. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants. Permission to enroll in the course will be granted as petitions are received.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Skedros
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
Letter, P/F
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants. Permission to enroll in the course will be granted as petitions are received. BTI students should contact HDS Xreg
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4245
Advanced Greek I: Topics
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This course aims to move students from an intermediate to advanced proficiency with Greek by studying select Christian, pagan, and Jewish texts primarily from late antiquity. A primary purpose is to increase reading comprehension through prepared readings (with review of grammar when necessary).
Professor
Class Day & Time
Bazzana
TR
09:00am-10:15am
Grading Option
Letter, P/F
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Two years of Koine, Classical, or Byzantine Greek or equivalent is recommended.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4412
German for Reading
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
An introduction to German grammar, syntax, vocabulary and translation with reading selections at an elementary level related to theological and religious studies. No prior knowledge of German is expected or required.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Grundler-Whitacre
W
09:00am-11:00am
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4460
Elementary Spanish for Reading
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This course introduces students to Spanish grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and translation with the goal of developing students’ vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Students will read and translate selections related to theological and religious studies from across time periods, traditions, and genres. In addition to the course readings, students will have the opportunity to work with and translate a text of their choice from their own research discipline. Limited enrollment course. In the case of over-enrollment, enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TBD
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Limited enrollment course. In the case of over-enrollment, enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
MDGK 5201
Beginning Modern Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This is an intensive course in the fundamentals of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Modern Greek language. Extensive practice in listening, speaking and graded reading will take place. An oral-aural method is used to develop concurrently conversational and understanding skills.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Ms. Kleanthi Mavrogiannaki
TBA
TBA
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
MDGK 6301
Intermediate Modern Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
A continuation of the study of the Greek language. A quick review of grammar and syntax with an emphasis on vocabulary building. Introduction to selected readings in Modern Greek. Required lab. Prereq: Beginning Modern Greek I and II.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dr. Stamatia G. Dova
MF
2:10-3:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Beginning Modern Greek II
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
MDGK 6401
Advanced Modern Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
A continuation of Intermediate Modern Greek I. Intensive study of the language with emphasis on vocabulary building and oral usage. Readings of literary texts with selected passages on religion and modern Greek culture. Prereq: Intermediate Modern Greek II.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Dr. Stamatia G. Dova
MF
12:40-2 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Intermediate Modern Greek II
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
GL501
Basic Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Students with little or no prior knowledge of Greek study the basic grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek. Course comprises plenary lectures, smaller sectional meetings, translation of selected New Testament passages, tutorials, and computer assisted instruction
Professor
Class Day & Time
Miguelez Quay, Laura
WF
9:35-11am
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary-Hamilton
OL910
Intermediate Hebrew Grammar
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
An intensive study of Hebrew grammatical issues through a direct study of the Hebrew Bible and interaction with the secondary literature.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Stuart, Doug
R
6-9pm
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
Y
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
OL502 or Th.M.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 1625
Rapid Reading Classical Hebrew I: Samuel-Kings
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This course is a close and rapid reading of the books of Samuel and Kings. It is designed to help students increase their speed and fluency in reading biblical prose (plus some poetry). Special attention will be given to expanding Hebrew vocabulary, strengthening command of verbal and nominal morphology, and mastering key aspects of Hebrew syntax. Students will also learn how to navigate and interpret the Masora and critical apparatus in the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Along the way, students will develop familiarity with the contents and literary structure of these books. Depending on students’ interests, the course will also offer opportunities to a) deepen their knowledge of Hebrew historical linguistics; b) explore how the Book of Chronicles engages with the narratives of Samuel and Kings; c) interact with current scholarly discussions on Samuel-Kings.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Rhyder
R
12:00pm-01:59pm
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Prerequisites: Classical Hebrew AA/AB sequence, CH 120a, and 120b, or equivalent to two years of academic study of Classical Hebrew.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4054
Intermediate Pali I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This course is the third part of a two-year program designed to allow the student to read Buddhist canonical materials in Pali independently. The readings are taken from the canonical collections and are chosen and arranged thematically, exposing the student to key aspects of the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. The course readings are chosen to enrich the student's understanding of these teachings, at the same time as strengthening language skills. Prerequisites: Elementary Pali II or equivalent (with permission of the instructor). Note: Auditors not allowed. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TBD
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
Letter
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Note: Auditors not allowed. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4102A
Elementary Syriac
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Syriac is the Aramaic dialect that became the principal language of Near Eastern Christians in antiquity. It was widely spoken and written in Mesopotamia, Persia, and beyond, and a vast corpus of Syriac Christian literature survives. This full-year course offers a thorough introduction to Classical Syriac. Readings will include passages from the New Testament and early Christian literature. The course will also introduce important themes and figures from the Syriac tradition. This is an indivisible year-long course. Students must complete both terms of this course (parts A and B) within the same academic year in order to receive credit. Jointly offered in the Faculty of Art and Sciences as Syriac AA.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Possekel
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
Letter, P/F
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
NOTE: This is an indivisible year-long course. Students must complete both terms of this course (parts A and B) within the same academic year in order to receive credit. Jointly offered in the Faculty of Art and Sciences as Syriac AA.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4220
Intermediate Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
Review of grammar and syntax. Special attention given to increasing facility in reading and interpreting the Greek New Testament. Selected readings from the gospels and epistles with occasional readings from LXX or early Christian writers. Prerequisite: Elementary Greek or the equivalent. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TBD
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
Y
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Prerequisite: Elementary Greek or the equivalent. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4320
Readings in Christian Latin
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This course is intended to hone reading and translation skills in Latin by introducing students to Christian texts from scriptures to late ancient vitae, medieval sermons to early modern letters. The primary purpose is to increase facility and familiarity with the Latin language, developing skills begun in previous coursework conducted either in classical or in medieval Latin. The secondary purpose is to be introduced to the study of Christian Latin literature, as well as the resources scholars use to study it. Special attention will be paid to the theory and practice of scriptural interpretation and to Latin cultures of reading and translating. Students will encounter manuscripts, letters, and artwork at Harvard's libraries and museums. Prerequisite: one year of college-level Latin or the HDS summer Latin course.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TBD
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Prerequisite: one year of college-level Latin or the HDS summer Latin course
School
Harvard Divinity School
HDS 4451
Elementary French for Reading
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
An introduction to French grammar, syntax, vocabulary and translation, with reading selections at an elementary level related to theological and religious studies. Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Torracinta
TBD
TBD
Grading Option
HDS Student Option (LG/SUS/AUD)
Credits
4
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
Limited enrollment course. Enrollment priority given to HDS students and other Harvard faculty cross-registrants.
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
ECGK 5001
Biblical Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
A study of the "koine" based on texts from the New Testament. The basic concepts of New Testament Greel Grammar, syntax and vocabulary are studied and applied on readings from the Gospels. The study is diachronic, taking into consideration the development of the Greek language from its Classical origin to the "koine" and modern Greek. The aim of the course is to immerse the students in the study of the texts.
Professor
Class Day & Time
Rev. Dr. George Lewis Parsenios
MW
2:20-3:40 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
MDGK 5201 Z1
Beginning Modern Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
This is an intensive course in the fundamentals of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the Modern Greek language. Extensive practice in listening, speaking and graded reading will take place. An oral-aural method is used to develop concurrently conversational and understanding skills.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TO BE ANNOUNCED
TR
3:30 - 4:50 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
Y
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
School
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
MDGK 6301 Z1
Intermediate Modern Greek I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
A continuation of the study of the Greek language. A quick review of grammar and syntax with an emphasis on vocabulary building. Introduction to selected readings in Modern Greek. Required lab. Prereq: Beginning Modern Greek I and II.
Professor
Class Day & Time
TO BE ANNOUNCED
TR
3:30-4:50 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
Y
Prerequisites?
Y
Notes
Beginning Modern Greek II
School
St John's Seminary
LT401
Elementary Latin I
BTI Category
Semester
Languages
FA26
It is assumed that the student has had no formal instruction in Latin or has had only one or two years of high school Latin. The course will introduce students to Latin grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. (3 credits are earned at the undergraduate level for this course)
Professor
Class Day & Time
Prof. Allen
TF
T 1:15-2:30 PM; F 3:15-4:30 PM
Grading Option
Letter, P/F, Audit
Credits
3
Professor Approval Req'd?
N
Online?
N
Prerequisites?
N
Notes
N
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