Biblical Courses for the Fall and Winter Sessions of 2009-2010

This course presents an overview of the Hebrew canon and explores the content, theological themes, and canonical shaping of selected books. Students will be introduced to the history of interpretation, including dominant critical issues relating to the Old Testament. Additional emphasis will be on interpreting this material as Scripture of the Church. Short exercises, mid-term exam, final paper.

A survey of the religious traditions of ancient Israel as they are reflected in the diverse types of literature found in the First Testament, with emphasis on their historical development and their relevance for contemporary ministry. Topics to be considered include: Israelite origins, settlement of the land, social structures, the monarchy, prophecy, the exile and return. Weekly lectures and discussion, plus mandatory one-hour tutorial; research papers, application paper, class participation.

Introduction to Old Testament literature and history, with emphasis on application within the church. Lectures and seminars. Readings, written assignments and final paper or exam.

A basic year-long introduction to biblical Hebrew. During the first semester, students cover the first half of the textbook (Pratico & van Pelt, Basics of Biblical Hebrew), learning basic grammatical and syntactical elements of Hebrew as well as a basic working vocabulary. During the second semester, students will complete the textbook and begin translating extended portions of narrative material in the Book of Judges. Workbook assignments, quizzes, class participation, final exam.

Exploration of the content of New Testament writings, especially the canonical gospels and Pauline corpus. Emphasis will be placed upon understanding these writings in their original socio-historical contexts, and on methods of interpretation. Readings, assignments, and final exam. Mandatory seminar.

Introduction to the major methods and issues in the interpretation of the Gospels: the world of the New Testament; the composition, structure and theologies of the Gospels; traditions behind the Gospels; the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith. Weekly lectures and tutorials; assigned papers and exam. Compulsory one-hour tutorial (time to be arranged).

An introduction to the four Gospels in their social, historical and theological setting. We will study the Gospels within a two-dimensional framework: social history (the origin and development of Christianiaty as a distinct social entity); and literature ( the formation of the Gospels, their literary form and texture, and their character as "gospel"). Weekly lectures, compulsory tutorial (Thurs. 12-1 pm); assigned papers; final exam or integrative paper.

Introduction to the major methods and issues in the interpretation of the Gospels: the world of the New Testament; the composition, structure and theologies of the Gospels; traditions behind the Gospels; the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith. Weekly lectures and tutorials; assigned papers and exam. Compulsory one-hour tutorial (time to be arranged).

Introduction to ancient Greek grammar for the sake of reading the New Testament. The focus will be on basic aspects of ancient Greek grammar and syntax. Weekly class participation, biweekly quizzes, final exam.

Introduction to ancient Greek grammar for the sake of reading the New Testament. The focus will be on the continuation of the basic aspects of grammar and syntax together with selected readings from the New Testament. Weekly class participation, biweekly quizzes, final exam. Prerequisite: EMB1511HF.

Basic New Testament Greek grammar. During the first semester, students work through a large portion of the textbook, which introduces basic grammatical and syntactical elements of the language. In the second semester students complete the introductory grammar textbook, and begin reading in the Greek New Testament. Class participation, periodic tests, final exam.

This course will explore the Bible as the ongoing story of and for God and creation, with special attention to how God's story is intertwined with that of humanity and the world. In asking whether and in what way the Bible is also our story, we will attempt to identify which hermeneutical methods might help us discern its significance for present day life, including the academic enterprise.

Basic elements of biblical Hebrew grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Translate and analyse selected Hebrew passages from the Old Testament. Attendance, assignments, quizzes, mid-term and final exam. Text: C.L. Seow, A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew, revised edition. Prerequisite: EMB 2013 H OR permission of instructor.

The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity: 1) to read selections from the Greek New Testament (GNT); 2) to analyze Greek texts grammatically and syntactically; 3) to learn how to use various apparatuses of the GNT, and a variety of Greek lexica; 4) to develop their ability to understand the meaning of various texts, and to employ this understanding appropriately for preaching and teaching. Lecture, group work. 2 assignments, 3 tests, class participation. Prerequisite: Intro to NT Greek (KNB1501) or 1 year of Greek.

Exploration of the function of prophecy in Israel using as a point of departure the vocation texts of the three major prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel. Written examination or paper.

An interactive investigation of the biblical Book of Psalms, with special emphasis on how the Psalms have been, and can be, applied to the devotional life of a Christian. The course will consider the psalms in their historical and canonical context. It will consider also the role of the Psalms in the devotional life of the canonical King David, Jesus Christ, the Apostles, and selected Christian men (incl. Martin Luther) and women throughout the ages. Particular attention will be given to the issue of how best in light of contemporary scholarship to apply the Psalms faithfully and reasonably to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Quizzes, rhetorical study, reading summaries, and discussion.

This intermediate level course is designed for those who have completed an introductory level course in Hellenistic Greek. In this course, you will gain practice and confidence in reading more difficult biblical texts, interpreting their grammatical and syntactical textual features. You will also continue to expand your knowledge of Greek vocabulary. Lectures and in-class translation. Evaluation: quizzes and final exam. Prerequisite: Intro to NT Greek I and II or 1 year of Greek

A study of the Gospel of Mark with attention to its claim to be a story of gospel, or good news. Particular attention to the narrative and oral features of the Gospel, to its Christology, its inner tensions, its characterizations, and the kinds of conflicts it might have been addressing in its own time. Teaching Methods: Lectures with seminar segments. Means of Evaluation: Class presentations and related paper, mid-length essay, participation.

Luke's themes of universality and of Christ as savior of the disadvantaged demonstrate God's openness in Christianity to everyone and form the core of Luke's personal portrayal of God's saving action in history and in the world. According to Luke, disciples and "eye-witnesses" of Jesus of Nazareth are characterized by their receptivity towards God's saving activity and their responses and reactions of joy, wonder, praise and blessing to that activity. Special attention will be paid to Luke's presentation of Jesus' proclamation of a liberation which is not limited by ethnic, national, economic or gender concerns. This course will consider Luke's Gospel as a blueprint for contemporary ministry. Weekly assignments, final paper, class preparation and participation. Prerequisite: TSB 1501 (or equivalent).

John offers a contemplative and summary Gospel for those who have already journeyed through the earlier stages of Christian experience. This course will consider the distinctive theological and literary character of the Gospel of John with special attention to the evangelist's creative reshaping of tradition in response to the circumstances of the church at the end of the first century. The social and ecclesial situation in which the fourth gospel was written will provide the context in which to locate the theological, pastoral and rhetorical strategies used by the evangelist. Weekly assignments, final paper, class preparation and participation. Prerequisite: TSB 1501 (or equivalent).

A survey of the Pauline literature from the Thessalonian correspondence to the Pastoral Letters. A critical study of primary and secondary sources for understanding Paul's life and ministry, followed by a detailed exegesis of selected texts. Key concepts in 'Pauline theology'. Prerequisite: An introductory course in New Testament. Requirements: Lectures, discussion, essay, exam.

This course is an introduction to the Qur'an and will focus on how scholars have read its relationship to the Bible. It will familiarize students with the hallmarks of both traditional and western scholarships, covering topics such as the collection of the Qur'an, intertextuality, and Jesus in the Qur'an. Medieval and modern approaches to the Qur'an's "Biblical" material will also be examined. Students will learn the difference between author- and reader-oriented approaches, influence theory and intertextuality, and how different presuppositions can impact how the relationship between the texts is read. Focused study sessions will allow students to explore short primary texts in translation. Knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew, though helpful to the individual student, is neither expected nor required. Lectures; mid-term test, papers.

Spirituality in the Pentateuch, Prophets, Psalms & Wisdom writings. Essay, final exam.

Close reading of selected Psalms, according to these categories: a. Psalms in the OT that appear in the NT; b. key psalms within the structure of the Psalter; c. imprecatory psalms; d. popular psalms that do not appear in the NT). Reading (in translation) of the reception history of the Psalms, including the use of the Psalms in the NT, also Diodore and Theodore, Origen, Chrysostom, Theodoret, Jerome, Augustine, Aquinas, Rashi, Calvin, Luther, moderns, and selected readings in hermeneutics, including Frei’s, Eclipse of Biblical Narrative (Yale 1974); Yeago (Blackwell’s Reader on Theological Interpretation); Hays/Davis new volume on Reading Scripture; Kavin Rowe’s Pro Ecclesia essay on Trinitarian Hermeneutics; and Christine Helmer on Luther’s Theological Reading (Modern Theology essay); Bauckham on theological exegesis (modeled in his God Crucified; Didsbury. Lectures, seminar format. Class participation, major paper.   

The undisputed centre-piece of Graeco-roman literature in the third century BCE is the Greek Pentateuch, or 'Septuagint" (LXX). The LXX became the de facto liturgical text of countless synagogues and early churches. As the basis forearly Christian liturgy, devotion, theology, and propaganda, the Septuagint emerged as the most significant body of literature in late antiquity. This course will focus on the translation of selections from the Septuagint, providing students with the opportunity: 1) to improve their Greek reading ability; 2) to analyze the Septuagintal texts grammatically and syntactically; 3) to examine the characteristics and style of Jewish translational Greek; 4) to study the nature and degree of linguistic interference from the source language through a comparison of the Greek text with the Hebrew original. Seminar. 3 tests, class participation. Prerequisite: at least 1 year of Greek (or equivalent) and 1 year of Hebrew.

An examination of Matthew's Gospel from the perspective of narrative criticism. Attention will be given to the story itself, the manner in which the story is narrated, and the role of the reader in producing meaning. Written preparation for three seminar discussions, final paper.

An investigation of Paul's understanding of "salvation" - including the nature of human experience; sin; the law; the work of Christ; Christian life in church and world; Israel and the Gentiles - with special attention to current reappraisals of Paul's thought and emphasis on salvation as liberation (from the "power" of sin to the new solidarity of life "in Christ"). Three short resumes, final paper.

Readers of Paul’s letters have long noted the diversity of the Christian communities to which he writes and the different approaches he takes towards their problems and questions. This course will study Paul’s letters from the point of his role as a pastor and theologian. Paul’s theology does not develop out of a philosophical or theological “system” but from the everyday encounters with the problems of the communities and people of different historical and social context whom he meets while preaching the gospel. Lectures. Preparation and participation in class – 10%; Book Review assignments – 70%; Final colloquium – 20%.

This course addresses the question of the uniqueness of the religious experiences and practices of the Old and New Testaments. The insights of anthropology, archeology, and the history of religions approach reveal that the experience of both testaments shared much with the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean. This course will survey the ways in which the sacred and the holy were perceived, experienced, and interpreted and their influence on both testaments. Readings, lectures, and discussions. Two short essays and one longer final essay of 10 pages (25 for AD students) comprise the written portion of the course. AD students will have additional readings and a meeting with the instructor.

'Hermeneutics' is a general term embracing a great variety of theories and methods, all concerned with interpreting the meaning of texts. Hermeneutical theories construct, in different ways, the authority of the author, the status of the reader, the nature of the textuality, and the relation of the text to the original context and the contemporary world. The purpose of this course is to provide the students with the opportunity: 1) to compare and contrast a range of hermeneutical theories; 2) to apply these theories to the interpretation of particular biblical texts, and 3) to give students the opportunity to develop and reflect on their own interpretive practice, and be able to situate this practice in relation to the range of theories and practices studied in class. Lecture and seminar. 3 journal submissions, essay, class participation. Prerequisite: Greek Exegesis

Critical and exegetical study of Hebrew text of Genesis. In addition to historical-critical issues, attention will be paid to Ancient Near Eastern parallels as well as to the book's themes, structure and theological significance. Cross-listed to RLG3142H.

This course treats either books (Job, Sirach, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom of Solomon) or thematic aspects (creation, prayer, eschatology) of the sapiential tradition as it evolved in the period 538 BCE - 70 CE with an eye to the relationship of these books to the broader swath of sapiential textual traditions of the era, including the instruction literature from Qumran. In 2010, the focus will be Ben Sira, with attention to the significance of textual variants in the manuscript traditions for our understanding of the formation of the Bible. Course will be a seminar. Seminar participation, seminar presentations, major paper.

A discussion of the various issues (text, stratigraphy, genre, theology, Sitz in Leben, Galilee) related to the current debater about the synoptic sayings source "Q" and its importance for our understanding of Christian origins.

Examination of the history of parables interpretation from the nineteenth century to the present, including major interpreters such as Jolicher, Dodd, Jeremias, Perrin, Via, Scott, Herzog, Funk, and Linnemann. Exegesis of selected parables, using redaction criticism, narrative, and social scientific approaches. Participation and major paper. Cross-listed as RLG3249H.

An examination of key issues for the understanding of the letter of James: authorship, date, historical setting, genre, manuscript tradition, and attestation. The course situates James in the context of Second Temple Jewish wisdom literature and will consider the principal themes of the letter. This is a research seminar that will examine several 'new questions' about James and explore new approaches to old problems. Participants are encouraged to think laterally, 'out of the box' in addressing these problems.

In-depth study of these 8th century BCE prophets and the books attributed to them. Emphasis will be given to their historical context, theological insights, concern for social justice, etc., with attention to the texts' application to contemporary pastoral situations. Lectures and discussions. Participation, presentation, short application/homiletic paper, research paper. Prerequisite: SMB1007 or equivalent.

Study of the questions that arose in Israel surrounding the issues of life and death from the perspective of the Wisdom tradition. Three books deal specifically with these issues: Job, Qoheleth, and the Wisdom of Solomon. The literary structure of all three books will be studied with a view of understanding the authors' presentations of life and death. Major paper.

In this course we will analyze the various forms of miracle stories in the gospels and study their meaning at different levels of early Christian tradition. Theological and pastoral implications arising from criticism will be considered.

Analysis of the Gospel of Matthew with a view to understanding the author's theology in the light of his reporting and interpretation for the Matthean community. Assigned readings, scholarly paper, exam.

Readers of Paul’s letters have long noted the diversity of the Christian communities to which he writes and the different approaches he takes towards their problems and questions. This course will study Paul’s letters from the point of his role as a pastor and theologian. Paul’s theology does not develop out of a philosophical or theological “system” but from the everyday encounters with the problems of the communities and people of different historical and social context whom he meets while preaching the gospel. Lectures. Preparation and participation in class – 10%; Book Review assignments – 70%; Final colloquium – 20%.

This course addresses the question of the uniqueness of the religious experiences and practices of the Old and New Testaments. The insights of anthropology, archeology, and the history of religions approach reveal that the experience of both testaments shared much with the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean. This course will survey the ways in which the sacred and the holy were perceived, experienced, and interpreted and their influence on both testaments. Readings, lectures, and discussions. Two short essays and one longer final essay of 10 pages (25 for AD students) comprise the written portion of the course. AD students will have additional readings and a meeting with the instructor.

'Hermeneutics' is a general term embracing a great variety of theories and methods, all concerned with interpreting the meaning of texts. Hermeneutical theories construct, in different ways, the authority of the author, the status of the reader, the nature of the textuality, and the relation of the text to the original context and the contemporary world. The purpose of this course is to provide the students with the opportunity: 1) to compare and contrast a range of hermeneutical theories; 2) to apply these theories to the interpretation of particular biblical texts, and 3) to give students the opportunity to develop and reflect on their own interpretive practice, and be able to situate this practice in relation to the range of theories and practices studied in class. Lecture and seminar. 3 journal submissions, essay, class participation. Prerequisite: Greek Exegesis

An exploration of the parallel development of Biblical interpretation and Canon in the Early Church, from the first to the 4th centuries. A high point in this process was the development of systematic Christian commentaries on the Old and New Testaments. In this course students will look at excerpts from commentaries ranging from the Dead Sea Scrolls through the late 4th century and read selections from Christian authors, both orthodox and heterodox, with an eye to understanding how the boundaries and interpretation of Scripture changed over time. The systematic commentary marked a significant change in the way Christians “did” theology which provides an opportunity to explore of the meaning of exegesis in our own as well as earlier times. Lectures, reading of original sources in translation, group discussion, 1 reflection paper, research essay.

The Bible has been used to support all kinds of perspectives with varying degrees of responsibility. This course looks at the  use of the Bible in theological arguments. It will examine how the  Bible is APPLIED in conciliar and other church documents, as well as in  statements by ecumenical groups, sermons, and film. Some attention will be given to the variety of interpretive  methods in the history of the Church, but the main focus is the use (and abuse) of the Bible in contemporary theological argumentation. Topics include, e.g., Eucharistic debates, Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, the role of women in the Church, and responses to war. Drawing on the rich variety of contemporary hermeneutical options, the  course aims to enrich students' exegetical skills and critical ability when making theological arguments and using church documents. The course is team-taught by a Lutheran professor of New Testament and a Catholic professor of theology. Lectures, discussions, short papers, final take-home exam.

A practical, interactive introduction to the particularities of Christian preaching from the Old Testament. Especial emphasis will be placed on biblical exegesis, hermeneutics, and preaching with sensitivity to the varied forms of OT literature - narrative, saga, law, prophetic oracles, wisdom material, etc. Students will exegete passages, prepare sermons (preaching twice in class), learn new skills and ideas and interact with the sermons of others, both peers and role models. Assignments, participation, term project. Cross-listed to Biblical.