Biblical Courses for the 2012 Fall Session

A study of the literary genres, the history of composition, and the canonization of the Old Testament texts. The course will examine various hermeneutical approaches to the Old Testament. The course will examine various hermeneutical approaches to the Old Testament, focusing on their implications for Christian theological interpretation. It will introduce some methods of teaching the Old Testament in various settings.

Introduction to modern historical criticism of the Old Testament, with special attention given to the formation of scripture from ancient traditions and its implications for history of Jewish and Christian interpretation. Short papers and a final exam.

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 at 13:00-13:50 before each class (no tutorial for the first class); research papers, application paper, class participation.

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.

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.

The course has two aims: first, to familiarize you with the context and the content of the four canonical Gospels, including information related to the production and subsequent transmission of these writings; and second, to introduce you to the role that different analytical methodologies or conscious "reading strategies" play in the interpretation of these texts. The course will cover redaction, literary, textual, and ideological criticism, as well as the political and social background of the Gospels. There will be both lecture and practical application. Attention will also be given to use of the Library and the Internet for New Testament research. Short written assignments and a final exam.

Introduction to the major methods and issues in New Testament interpretation: textual criticism; the world of the New Testament; the composition, structure and theologies of the Synoptic Gospels; traditions behind the Gospels; the Jesus of History and the Christ of Faith. Lectures; assigned papers and exam.

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, evaluation of Greek pronunication. Weekly assignments, midterm project, final exam.

This course will explore the Bible as the ongoing story of and for God and creation, paying special attention to the way in which 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.

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.

The course introduces the Hebrew Wisdom Literature in its Mediterranean setting and explores common literary genres and theological motifs. Close reading of Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), and wisdom psalms, with an eye on practical application today. Participation, seminars, quizzes, exegetical paper. Teaching methods: Lectures, seminars, and readings. Means of evaluation: Quizzes, final paper, attendance and class participation.

Apostolic preaching and its development in Gospel writing. A look at the Synoptic Question. Special introduction to first three gospels, with attention to the themes and theology of each tradition. Exegetical study of selected passages in Mark, completed with reference to accounts in Matthew and Luke. Lectures, discussion, midterm exam, paper, final exam. Prerequisite: An introduction to New Testament course.

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).

This course will survey the book of Isaiah to understand and appreciate its contribution to the faith of Israel and to develop skill in reading and interpreting a prophetic book. Particular attention will be given to major themes and dominant images.

The course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the role of emotion in Paul's communication with early Christian communities.  We will study emotional appeals as a rhetorical strategy of the letters as well as the effects of such emotions in human beings (including their cultural construction, biological and psychological effects, role in cognition). The overarching question of the course is how to cultivate emotional intelligence in our readings of Paul's letters.  Lectures, class discussions of assigned readings, graded presentations and writing assignments.

A significant reappraisal of Paul's theology is currently underway, involving not only particular aspects (e.g. justification by faith, atonement) and overall structure, but also the more basic question of how we might speak of Paul as a theological thinker. This course will study major theological themes in Paul's letters - including the nature of human existence; sin; the law; the death and resurrection of Christ; life "in Christ"; Israel and the Gentiles - with special emphasis on salvation as liberation (from "the powers" to the new solidarity of life "in Christ"). Three short resumes, final paper.

This course will trace the multi-faceted theme of justice as it unfolds throughout the biblical story. The way in which idolatry, economic justice, racial justice, justice for the land, food justice, justice for the stranger, justice for women, and peace and violence are interrelated will provide a biblical basis for reflecting on the issue of justice in our world today. Two short papers, one major research paper.

An exploration of contemporary hermeneutical theories, including those of Heidegger, Gadamer, Habermas, Ricoeur and Levinas.

This graduate seminar will consist of reading key Hebrew texts and especially engaging the recent literature dealing with the Book of the Twelve as editorially arranged. Older and opposing views will also be examined. Grade will be determined by one final paper on critical engagement with Twelve research.

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.

This course will survey the book of Isaiah to understand and appreciate its contribution to the faith of Israel and to develop skill in reading and interpreting a prophetic book. Particular attention will be given to major themes and dominant images.

The course offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the role of emotion in Paul's communication with early Christian communities.  We will study emotional appeals as a rhetorical strategy of the letters as well as the effects of such emotions in human beings (including their cultural construction, biological and psychological effects, role in cognition). The overarching question of the course is how to cultivate emotional intelligence in our readings of Paul's letters.  Lectures, class discussions of assigned readings, graded presentations and writing assignments.

A significant reappraisal of Paul's theology is currently underway, involving not only particular aspects (e.g. justification by faith, atonement) and overall structure, but also the more basic question of how we might speak of Paul as a theological thinker. This course will study major theological themes in Paul's letters - including the nature of human existence; sin; the law; the death and resurrection of Christ; life "in Christ"; Israel and the Gentiles - with special emphasis on salvation as liberation (from "the powers" to the new solidarity of life "in Christ").Three short resumes, final paper.

This course will trace the multi-faceted theme of justice as it unfolds throughout the biblical story. The way in which idolatry, economic justice, racial justice, justice for the land, food justice, justice for the stranger, justice for women, and peace and violence are interrelated will provide a biblical basis for reflecting on the issue of justice in our world today. Two short papers, one major research paper.

An exploration of contemporary hermeneutical theories, including those of Heidegger, Gadamer, Habermas, Ricoeur and Levinas.

This course traces the development of Catholic Social Teaching and action from an historical and theological perspective. A Christian concept of justice will be explored within Biblical and theological contexts. Cultural developments that have impacted, and those that continue to influence, social thought, teaching and action within the Church will be discussed. The primary texts for the course are the social documents of the Church beginning with the Encyclical of Pope Leo X111, Rerum Novarum (1891) and continuing to the present day. Students will become familiar with the content of such documents and they will be encouraged to analyse the theological and social foundations upon which the documents have been developed. Key principles of Catholic Social Teaching will be introduced. The course will also explore the Christian call to justice and ways in which the social teachings of the Church can be integrated into personal spirituality and ministry. To facilitate such integration, examples will be highlighted from the lives of social activists within the Church. Teaching and learning methods will include, lecture, discussion, media and biographical analysis.

This course is designed for first year AD students in Scripture and Theology. It seeks to acquaint the student with major questions about and appreoaches to the theological meaning of Scripture in contemporary scholarship in the fields of Scripture and Theology, through the study of two key figures and their context, Brevard Childs and Robert Jenson. Seminar format, with some lecture and significant discussion, based on common readings. Attendance, reading, weekly precis, discussion (55%) and a major research paper (45%).