Biblical Courses for the Fall and Winter Sessions of 2010-2011

A study of the Old Testament covering biblical books, their historical contexts, genres and ancient Near Eastern cultural contexts necessary for interpretation. The basics of exegetical method particular to the genres of the Old Testament will be covered. Principles of biblical interpretation will also be covered especially from a Catholic perspective. Lectures and assignments including quizzes, exams and a final paper.

Introduction to the Old Testament and its three main units (Law, Prophets, Sapiential Books). Introduced to the biblical world and principles of biblical interpretation through the study of selected passages. Lectures, readings, discussion, short exegetical papers and exam. This course is part of the Diaconate Formation Diploma program at St. Augustine's.

This introductory course explores the thematic unity of the Old Testament under the heading of Covenantal Theology. Significant covenantal moments are studied in their historical manifestations, cultic realizations, and literary expressions (Abram, Sinai, David/Zion, Prophetic, Exile, Deuteronomic, Priestly-Noah/Abraham, Wisdom, New Testamental Period). Literary and  rhetorical analysis, historical and textual criticism are employed as means of exploring the biblical texts. Lectures, readings, six study papers, group collaboration in defining two sets of some fifty technical terms each.

This course on the Old Testament 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 and geography ancient Israel. Additional emphasis will be on interpreting this material as Scripture of the Church. Readings and audio lectures. Weekly assignments, online discussion, 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. Readings, written assignments and final paper or exam.

Survey of New Testament world, authors, theologies. Introduction to the historical-critical and other methods of exegesis. Focus on the relation of hermeneutic to Christian Theological traditions; determining the senses of Scripture, the intent of the author, the structures in the texts; stance of the reader. Lecture/Discussion; paper; mid-term and final exam. This course is part of the Diaconate Formation Diploma program at St. Augustine's.

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).

This course is an introduction to the four canonical Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, as well as to exegetical method in the study of the New Testament. Weekly lectures, compulsory tutorial; assigned papers; final exam or integrative paper.

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.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of Koine Greek. Students will also develop a basic proficiency in reading and pronouncing the text of the Greek New Testament. Lecture, group work. 5 tests, evaluation of Greek pronunciation, 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.

In alternate years, this course will include an overview of either the Wisdom tradition or the Prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible. We will focus on one or two books, attending to the historical and cultural context in which they took shape but also pay attention to their significance of wisdom or the prophetic message for the Christian tradition. Lectures and discussion. Papers, no tests. Prerequisite: EMB1003 or equivalent.

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.

This course builds on students knowledge of introductory Hebrew grammar to engage them in the reading and interpretation of Hebrew narrative (selections from Jonah, Ruth, and other books). Emphasis is on building Hebrew vocabulary and confidence in reading and on developing exegetical skill. Quizzes, presentation, mid-term and final exams. Prerequisite: Introductory course in Hebrew.

This course introduces the prophets of Israel from their historical contexts, explores developments, genres and theological themes. Attention will be paid to the role of Israelite prophets in the larger ancient Near East context and prophetic contributions to Israelite expressions of God. Basic methods of exegesis will be reinforced as well as attention to a Catholic framework for interpretation. Lectures, quizzes, exams and a final paper.

An exploration of the cultural and geographical environment of early Christianity, in order better to understand the New Testament in its context. The central component of this course is a study tour of Israel: The Life and Land of Jesus: February 17 - March 1, 2011 organized by Wycliffe College in conjunction with Emmaus Educational Services. In addition to the tour itself, students will write a short paper before the tour, an on tour journal, and final paper. Register through the Wycliffe College Registrar's office.

A close reading of the Gospel of Matthew that focuses on its distinctive themes and context. Topics will include the structure and purpose of the gospel, the relationship of the Matthean community to Judaism, the gospel's ethical interests, its understanding of discipleship and Christian community, and its portrayal of Jesus.
Lectures, brief class presentations, writing assignments.

Introduction to the Johannine writings concerning authorship, unity and historicity. Exploration of basic themes in this tradition, as revealing the conflicts and changes in the community of the Beloved Disciple. Exegesis of selected passages from the Gospel and 1 John. Lectures, discussions, midterm exam, paper, final exam. Prerequisite: An Introduction to New Testament course.

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 will examine selected Greek texts written under the early Roman Empire (200 B.C.E. - 180 C.E.) for the sake of comparison with writings of earliest Christianity. The purpose is twofold: to familiarize the student with the larger literary context (Greek) of earliest Christianity and to develop the analysis of ancient literary style.

Study of selected poetic texts with emphasis on the syntax and style of Hebrew poetry. Weekly participation, mid-term and final exams. Prerequisite: three semesters of Biblical Hebrew. N.B.: in combination with WYB3013H/EMB3014H (or equivalent) successful completion of this course as if for credit satisfies the Hebrew requirement for doctoral candidates in New Testament.

Studies the entire book of Genesis under the three large headings of Creation, Covenant and the Joseph Narrative. Special emphasis given to theological perspectives that emerge in the stories and narratives. Lectures, major paper.

The course is designed to introduce a critical study of the book of Psalms, its problems and methods. It will combine an investigation into the structure, design and theology of the Psalter with the exegesis of many individual psalms. Careful attention will be paid to their forms and settings in life, particularly their place in ancient liturgies. Basic Degree students will write three reports about 15:00 words in length and a final examination. Advanced students will write a publishable research paper and final examination. Advanced Degree biblical students will be expected to have competency in both Greek and Hebrew.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the use of the Torah, or Pentateuch, in the Jewish and Christian traditions. Particular attention will be paid to recent Jewish-Christian dialogue (primarily in biblical scholarship) in light of the Shoah, or Holocaust. The student will engage the topic through various readings from key contributors to the current dialogue and through comparing Jewish and Christian interpretations of specific passages of the Torah. Readings, lectures and seminars. Course evaluation: reading assignments, final 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.

The first part of this course will explore the passion narratives in the gospels -- their inter-relationship, construction and interests. The second part will explore what can be known independently of Jesus' crucifixion from the ancient world; how other Christians reflected on it; and its portrayal in both sacred and secular contemporary art, film, and literature. Class preparation and participation, short papers in preparation for final essay or project.

A consecutive exegetical examination of the Gospel of Mark with discussion of critical issues in gospel studies. Prerequisite: Introduction to NT. Reading, commentary writing, participation.

This course will introduce the scholarly methods used to study the historical Jesus and the various pictures of Jesus that these methods yield. It will also study the historical Jesus and the beginnings of New Testament Christology.

The NT offers a vision of a renewed and transformed humanity. We will explore the various models of the spiritual and ethical life implied in this vision that are found in the four gospels, the Pauline letters, and the Pastoral Epistles. Special attention will be given to the first-century social and political context, especially that of the Roman Empire and its ideology. Issues of personal transformation, apocalyptic spirituality, ecstatic experience, prayer, violence, sexuality, gender, and exclusivity will be explored. Requirements: Assigned readings, participation (depending on class size), one 10-page final paper. No exams. Three books will be assigned as basic texts. Additional readings will be on reserve in the library.

An exploration of contemporary hermeneutical theories, including those of Heidegger, Gadamer, Habermas, Ricoeur and Levinas.  This is an interdisciplinary course, which integrates aspects of biblical studies with philosophy, semiology and theology.  Lecture, discussion.  Journals, class participation, assignment, major essay.

This course will examine selected Greek texts written under the early Roman Empire (200 B.C.E. - 180 C.E.) for the sake of comparison with writings of earliest Christianity. The purpose is twofold: to familiarize the student with the larger literary context (Greek) of earliest Christianity and to develop the analysis of ancient literary style.

A study of the developing self-understanding of early Christianity, seen in the context of the process by which the Christian movement separated from its Jewish matrix and developed into a distinct, largely Gentile religion. The major portion of the course will consist of a study of selected Christian literature (up to the mid-second century) with attention to specific issues of self-definition. Lectures, discussions of assigned readings and student presentations. Seminar paper and final research paper.

The course considers the various ways in which the medium of prophecy is transformed in the post-exilic period, particularly as this relates to the retrieval and extension of Isaianic traditions. The course will focus on the exilic and post-exilic editing of the book of Isaiah and the deployment of Isaiah traditions in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament.

This course studies the Hebrew Psalter as a literary composition of the Second Temple Period. The literary forms of specific psalms are analyzed according to the main categories of Lament, Trust, Declarative and Descriptive Praise (C. Westermann). Contemporary studies on the Psalms are explored in order to evaluate the structures proposed by Westermann. Finally the structure of the Psalter as a whole, and individual collections from within the Psalter are studied in light of the socio-religious context of the Second Temple Period. Lectures, seminars.

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.

Several issues in Johannine scholarship will be explored in depth, among them the following: (1) the Fourth Gospel and the Synoptics; (2) historicity of the Fourth Gospel; (3) the Johannine community and its historical situation; (4) the Fourth Gospel and other Christian traditions; (5) Johannine language and symbolism; (6) post-modern interpretations of the FG; (7) the FG and "the Jews"; (8) the FG and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Lectures, discussions and class participation; final paper. Requirements: Reading knowledge of koine Greek.

Seminar designed to enlarge students' understanding of Paul, of scholarship on Paul, and the letter he wrote to the Galatians. This course is designed both to deepen knowledge about Paul, Pauline scholarship and Galatians; and to sharpen students' research abilities and to provide an opportunity to prepare a trial thesis proposal. Teaching methods include lectures and seminar leadership. Evaluation is based on class presentations and a final project.

Over the last decades biblical studies has accomplished a great deal of historical and cultural description of texts. More recently interdisciplinary efforts have been made to explain some aspects of religious ideas and practices as the products of human minds (and bodies). The course will introduce a number of recent approaches to the study of human aspects of social-religious organization, metaphoric language, and religious experience. We will explore the relevance and the limits of these approaches for early Christian texts (including contemporaneous extra-biblical writings) and communities. Seminar presentations, final paper.

This course will examine selected Greek texts written under the early Roman Empire (200 B.C.E. - 180 C.E.) for the sake of comparison with writings of earliest Christianity. The purpose is twofold: to familiarize the student with the larger literary context (Greek) of earliest Christianity and to develop the analysis of ancient literary style.

The course is designed to introduce a critical study of the book of Psalms, its problems and methods. It will combine an investigation into the structure, design and theology of the Psalter with the exegesis of many individual psalms. Careful attention will be paid to their forms and settings in life, particularly their place in ancient liturgies. Basic Degree students will write three reports about 15:00 words in length and a final examination. Advanced students will write a publishable research paper and final examination. Advanced Degree biblical students will be expected to have competency in both Greek and Hebrew.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the use of the Torah, or Pentateuch, in the Jewish and Christian traditions. Particular attention will be paid to recent Jewish-Christian dialogue (primarily in biblical scholarship) in light of the Shoah, or Holocaust. The student will engage the topic through various readings from key contributors to the current dialogue and through comparing Jewish and Christian interpretations of specific passages of the Torah. Readings, lectures, and seminars. Course evaluations: reading assignments, book review, final 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.

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.

The course will study the passion narratives of the synoptic gospels, John and the extra-canonical gospels. It will examine the question of a premarkan passion narrative, compositional theories and the influence of the Old Testament on the traditions of the passion and death of Jesus.

An examination of diverse biblical views of peace in relation to war, justice, and salvation with attention to their relevance for the contemporary quest for peace. Taught in Waterloo

This textually-focused seminar course explores the multi-faceted role of creation (land, seas, animals) in the biblical story, including the character of humanity's calling in relation to creation. The way in which idolatry and imperial powers control the land and their inhabitants as the story unfolds, and sabbath and jubilee as a faithful response to such powers, will provide a biblical basis for reflecting on our current ecological context. Participation in all seminars required; three short papers; major research paper. Off-campus site.

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.

This course explores the activity of God from creation to new creation, with special emphasis on the Spirit's work in the Church. We also examine the image of God in the human person and the nature of sin. This course presupposes Systematic Theology I. Lectures. Tutorial 6:45 - 7:15 p.m. Short papers, final exam.