Biblical Studies

Old Testament

3000-Q Introduction to the Old Testament: An introductory overview of the Old Testament. The course examines the individual books of the Old Testament as well as such topics as people, lands, methodology, sources, composition, history, etc. Special attention is given to the Torah, and in particular, Genesis, as the foundation for understanding the remainder of the Old Testament. This course is a pre-requisite to all other Old Testament and Intertestamental courses.

3065-Q Prophecy in Ancient Israel:A study of introductory issues related to the prophetic tradition as reflected in representative literature of the Old Testament. The course examines the relevant historical background, theological themes and contemporary relevance of selected Hebrew Prophets.

3070-Q: Reading Job: A Study of the book of Job in English, focusing on its history of Interpretation by both scholars and artists. Particular attention will be given to the literary and theological nature of the work.

3090-Q: Directed Study and Research: The student selects a topic in the field of Biblical Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.

3092-Q: Directed Study and Research: The student selects a topic in the field of Biblical Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.

New Testament

2980-Q M.T.S. Thesis: Equivalent to five 3-credit hours for students enrolled in the M.T.S. Thesis Option, which may be apportioned over two or more semesters.

3200-Q Introduction to the New Testament: This course gives an introductory overview of the New Testament. Two primary aims are to introduce students to the material of the New Testament, from the historical context of the first century Eastern Mediterranean world to an examination of certain canonical books, and to give students a working knowledge of the critical methodology and tools necessary for responsible biblical research. This course is a pre-requisite to all other New Testament and Intertestamental courses except 3295/96-Q.

3210-Q The Passion Narratives: An examination of the accounts of the passion and death of Jesus in their original historical and literary contexts. The historical and critical method is employed with particular emphasis on redaction and source criticism, although text critical and form critical questions are also raised. The literary patterns and theological agendas of the Synoptic passion narratives (and to a lesser extent, the Johannine Passion Narrative) are examined through a close redactional analysis.

3212-Q Portraits of Jesus: This course provides an introductory overview of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the gospels. Particular emphasis is given to the Synoptic gospels.

3225-Q The Gospel of John: An introductory overview of the Gospel of John, developed through a series of lectures and seminars. Having examined pertinent introductory issues, special emphasis is given to major topics such as Signs, Johannine-Synoptic Relationship, Role of Women, Faith, Christology, Duality, Symbolism, and Eschatology.

3255-Q Paul and His Writings: An introduction to the Pauline corpus and Pauline thought. The course is designed to introduce students to pertinent socio-historical information concerning the first century eastern Mediterranean world, critical methodology, problems in Pauline scholarship and major issues and themes arising from each letter. Special attention is given to the ecclesiological and theological significance of Paul's letters for Christians and Christianity.

3285-Q Revealing Revelation: John's Apocalypse Then and Now: This course offers an in-depth study of the Book of Revelation in its historical context. Particular attention will be given to exegesis and interpretation for the post-modern congregation. Other topics of interest will include the place of Revelation within the genre of the apocalyptic literature, the effects of varying interpretations of Revelation on past and recent history, and a closer look at Revelation’s place in modern society and spirituality. This course will include a combination of lectures and student led seminars.

3290-Q Directed Study and Research: The student selects a topic in the field of Biblical Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.

3292-Q Directed Study and Research: The student selects a topic in the field of Biblical Studies and pursues a course of reading and research in consultation with an instructor.

3295-Q Introduction to Biblical Greek I: An introduction to the basic elements of New Testament Greek.

3296-Q Introduction to Biblical Greek II: A continuation of New Testament Greek I (3295-Q) with readings of selected passages from the New Testament.

Intertestamental

3305-Q Apocalyptic Literature: A study of Biblical apocalyptic movements and literature from their origins in the sixth and fifth-centuries BCE down to their flowering in Hellenistic and Roman times. A variety of texts from both the Old and New Testaments are examined. Special attention is given to the traditions found in these texts, the origins of those traditions in biblical and extra-biblical sources, and the use of those traditions in the literature under study.

3310-Q Women in the Ancient World: An examination of the lives and roles of women from Greek classical mythologies to the early Roman Empire. Special attention is given to women in the Old and New Testaments. Literary, epigraphical, artistic, historical, archeological and legal sources are analyzed to shed light on the private and public lives of women from all classes of society. (cross-listed with 3110-Q Church History) Prerequisite Biblical Studies 3000-Q and Biblical Studies 3200-Q