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.

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 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).

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.

Introduction to the literary structure, rhetorical argument, and certain social issues from Romans to Revelation. Emphasis is placed on acquiring familiarity with the texts and ability to converse critically about the particular problems that these texts both seek to solve and have created. Readings, small group discussion, short papers.

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 pronunciation.  Weekly assignments midterm project, final exam. Prerequisite: New Testament Greek 1 or equivalent.

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.

An interactive investigation of the psalms which includes seminars, drama, and exegetical workshops in addition to lectures. Emphasis will be placed on the editorial shaping of the Psalter and on preaching the Psalms within the church. Weekly assignments and two sermons.

Introduction to the gospel and letters of John concerning authorship, unity, historicity and the situation of the Johannine church. Exploration of basic themes in this tradition and what they reveal about the life of Jesus and believing in him. Exegesis of selected passages from the Gospel and 1 John. Lectures, discussions, midterm exam, paper, final exam. Prerequisite: An Introduction to New Testament course.

Various traditional and modern approaches to the methodology and development of the Hebrew Bible (in English translation) are discussed, including views of authorship, redaction, structure and intent. But what does the Hebrew Bible say about itself? Students will consider the biblical portrayal of Israelite history and governance models (Patriarchal pre-settlement, Great leader settlement, Monarchy, Post-exilic hierocracy), testing the relationship between the Pentateuch and the subsequent biblical books. Through the course, students find an ancient Jewish view that is “modern” (answering the problems modern theories seek to solve) and at the same time that solves the problems the modern theories themselves engender. The course uses enquiry and deep reading, partnered study (havruta), and class discussion with some lecture providing value-added background and explanations. Collateral reading, class participation, two short reflections and one research paper are required. Evaluation will be based on class participation (40%), research paper (30%) and final exam (30%).

This course uses the book of Amos as a means of introducing the covenantal values that lay beneath Israel's approach to social justice. Through a site visit and classroom activities, students will reflect on the Church's call to social justice and the way in which this can be realised in the lives of individuals and congregations. Additional emphasis will be placed on the content and shape of the book of Amos and the task of interpreting it as Scripture of the Church. Lecture. Written assignments, site visit, and final paper. Intro to OT (KNB1006) or equivalent, plus any 2000 level Bible course.

Study of the covenant formulary as a key to unfolding the synthesis of covenant theology represented in the Book of Deuteronomy. Major essay.

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.

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.

An introduction to Paul's ethical thinking through looking at the context in which he wrote and the specific things he said. Reading ancient ethical perspectives and studying the ethical views in Paul. Lectures and seminar discussions.  Evaluation: seminar presentations and final assignment (paper, or alternative).

This course will examine the methods of biblical interpretation used in the Church from NT times through the 4th century. Areas covered will include the Jewish forms of exegesis found in the NT, the ellegorical method, the schools of Antioch and Alexandria, as well as interpreters such as Origen, Theodore of Mopsuestia, and St. Augustine. Course will consist of lectures, the reading of some introductory secondary works, and selected readings from Patristic commentaries. There will be two short essays and one longer final essay.

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 uses the book of Amos as a means of introducing the covenantal values that lay beneath Israel's approach to social justice. Through a site visit and classroom activities, students will reflect on the Church's call to social justice and the way in which this can be realised in the lives of individuals and congregations. Additional emphasis will be placed on the content and shape of the book of Amos and the task of interpreting it as Scripture of the Church. Lecture. Written assignments, site visit, and final paper. Intro to OT (KNB1006) or equivalent, plus any 2000 level Bible course, plus a year long introductory course in Hebrew.

This course presents an overview of the geography, culture, and history of Israel and its place in the ancient Near East from the emergence of Israel in Canaan to the beginning of the Roman period.  Students will also be introduced to the major issues relating to historiography.  Lectures and workshops.  Evaluative exercises include regular assignments, a test, and a major paper.

A critical analysis of New Testament Resurrection texts in the context of Jewish and Greco-Roman Traditions. Book review, research paper, final colloquium.

Investigation of Mark's overarching rhetorical strategy and theological purpose: attention will be paid to questions of original life-situation, source and redaction criticism, relationship to Q, literary structure and ideological criticism.

It is often said that religious texts provoke and sanction violence, and even that religion itself is inherently violent. Utilizing the mimetic violence model, we will analyze representative texts from both Old and New Testaments in dialogue with the works of Ren

This course traces the history of the interpretation of the Bible from the time of the early church to the present. We will examine major figures and major forms of biblical interpretation and also give attention to a consideration of popular and forgotten voices. The course will include lectures, small group discussions and presentations. Each student will do a class presentation and submit a final paper.

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, tutorials. Short papers, final exam. Tutorial 10-11 am