Nations University call

[rlw74]

I know they definitely changed the BRS course because the older syllabus I had had more assignments than the updated syllabus. 135 hours seems about normal for a master's level course. A lot depends on how quickly you can read and write so it most definitely could be less. I'll probably opt for the YouTube video lectures because I can plug those in while I'm doing other things. Another user also said he sailed through the next two courses in weeks because they required a lot less. So a month on average seems doable. I'm applying Friday. In the meantime I'll start the reading. I've already read most of the textbook for the OT course so that should help for later on.

[Ideas]

I know they definitely changed the BRS course because the older syllabus I had had more assignments than the updated syllabus. 135 hours seems about normal for a master's level course. A lot depends on how quickly you can read and write so it most definitely could be less. I'll probably opt for the YouTube video lectures because I can plug those in while I'm doing other things. Another user also said he sailed through the next two courses in weeks because they required a lot less. So a month on average seems doable. I'm applying Friday. In the meantime I'll start the reading. I've already read most of the textbook for the OT course so that should help for later on.

Good to know. I had some calculation error before my previous post. It comes out to around 31.5 hours a week. If someone does it in 2/3rds of the suggested time that's still over 20.5 hours a week. Faster could be possible of course, and maybe other courses have a lower suggested time.

You might be able to speed through the Koine Greek course too. It's a possible elective.

[Ideas]

In case anyone is interested, I noticed that we have to find our own proctors. It's harder for me to go to a school/library. Webcam proctoring which doesn't seem to be allowed. It seems that we would only have to do it 3 times. I expected more.

Graduate students will be required to take two Qualifying Proctored Comprehensive Exams following completion of M 2 and M 4.  The exams are required for both the M.T.S. and M.Div.  A final comprehensive exam is also required of all graduate students.  The M.T.S. student shall take this exam after the completion of all course work and prior to writing the Capstone Essays.

[jb111]

Ideas, that's really good information to know. Thank you

[rlw74]

I'm officially enrolled! During this week, in prep for enrollment, I completed the reading of "Confessions of St Augustine".

Here is info from the first course itself....
Expectations: Academic Engagement Hours
Engagement with online Internet articles (12 articles) (6)
Individualized interaction with student advisor and academic personnel (5)
Participation in Class Threaded Discussions (11)
Examinations (3)
Using the course syllabus as a guide to reading and study (20)
Sub-total—45 hours
Academic Preparation Hours
Preliminary (Enrollment, syllabus preview, letter from professor, secure textbook, catalog, familiarization
with Online Library, Extended Library, and Select Library) (2)
Reading the primary textbooks: Augustine, à Kempis(479, 25 pp/hr pages) (19)
Reading of Old Testament Wisdom Literature (250 pages, 25 pp/hr) (10)
Reading of New Testament from 1 Corinthians to Philemon (100 pages, 25 pp/hr) (4)
Module Essays (3 one-page reports) (3)
Research and Writing of Paper (2000 words, 3 hrs/page) (24)
Studying for module exams (7)
Reflection Notebook (20 Reflections) (15)
Evaluation Essay (500 words, 3 hrs/page) (6)
Sub-total—90
Total hours—135

Procedure
1. Before beginning this course, you are required to complete MRS 0a Spiritual Inventory. If you have not done so, please click here to be directed to the page.
2. The course has five modules. The modules are progressive in nature, so begin with Module 1. As you proceed, you will be prompted to move through new stages in your journey.
3. Reflection exercises are found in each module. These reflections are principally for your benefit, but they must be submitted for course completion. To fulfill this assignment, create a notebook in a Word document. Organize your reflection exercises by module and number. Add your reflections as you come to them in the syllabus. Submit this "electronic notebook" at the conclusion of the course. This is your personal reflection, so be assured that the content of your comments will not be judged. The notebook will count 20 percent toward the course grade.
4. Within Modules 1 and 3, you will find writing assignments that are to be submitted if credit is to be applied. Complete the assignments in a Word document and then upload them at the Course Menu.
5. At the end of each Module there is Forum Discussion. Open and following instructions.
6. At the conclusion of Module 1, you will be instructed to read Augustine's Confessions. This reading will give you an opportunity to see how another person struggled with matters of the spirit in another time period.
7. After reading Augustine, review the material in the syllabus in preparation for a multiple choice examination. When you are ready for the exam, you may open it from the Course Menu.
8. Following completion of Module 1, move on to Module 2 and complete the action signified. At the conclusion, read Imitation of Christ.
9. At the end of Modules 3 and 5, your will take the second and third exams.
10. If you choose to broaden your inquiry, read Srygley’s book as you conclude Module 4.
11. Upon completion of Module 5, submit your notebook of reflections from the Course Menu.
12. When you have completed all exams and assignments, proceed to develop the 2,000 word essay described at the end of Module 5. See instruction there. You will find the upload feature at Module 5 of the Course Menu. This essay will count towards 20% of your course grade.
13. As a final assignment, you should write the 500 word essay that indicates why you chose NU and what you hope to accomplish. Instructions for writing and submitting the essay appear at the end of Module 5. The essay is to be uploaded from the Course Menu.

[jb111]

Congratulations and thank you for the additional information!

[RANSOMSOUL]

Something about reading details on a course prior to enrolling in the course always makes the course for me seem like a taxing project. Once in, they tend to all feel like an understandable requirement.

Thanks for the information.

[Ideas]

Something about reading details on a course prior to enrolling in the course always makes the course for me seem like a taxing project. Once in, they tend to all feel like an understandable requirement.

Thanks for the information.

I thought the newly posted description of requirements made it seem much more reasonable than that syllabus description  Are you thinking of enrolling in the MTS this year?

[RANSOMSOUL]

I thought the newly posted description of requirements made it seem much more reasonable than that syllabus description  Are you thinking of enrolling in the MTS this year?

Nations is not on my board outside of an idea at this point. I would love to make an official decision with my doctorate by close of the year and structure a clear plan for what to take on in 2018.

[rlw74]

I started Friday. It isn't as daunting as the syllabus makes it look. They walk you through each module and the directions are very clear. Most of the writing assignments are just a paragraph or two. The exams (I've taken 2 of the 3 so far are pretty easy - imo. I scored 95 and 98%). The hardest part will probably be the final essay just because it requires eight scholarly sources. So I'll need to spend some time on it. But so far, after two long days of work I've finished everything except two forum posts, the final exam and the essay. All modules are complete otherwise. I really wouldn't stress too much over it. It's not easy like a study.com course but it's more stimulating. You read a lot and then get to process what you read by doing a short writing assignment. I've enjoyed the process a lot and look forward to finishing so I can move on to the other courses!