Courses

New Testament Seminar presupposes RELS 621 (or equivalent) and is offered every spring semester. Seminar topics are selected from the following: Matthew, Luke-Acts, Prison Epistles, Hebrews, Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, Apocryphal Gospels and the New Testament, the Septuagint and the New Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls and the New Testament, the Targums and the New Testament, Anti-Semitism and the New Testament, and New Testament Theology. Students are asked to research various aspects of the seminar topic and report back to the seminar. One of the purposes of the course is to acquaint students with current issues in the field and to encourage the development of critical thinking.

This course reviews the emergence, aims, and interpretive techniques of the Deuteronomistic history, including the (re)interpretation of Mosaic, conquest and royal traditions. Of special interest is the presentation of the founding and confirming of the Davidic dynasty.

This course reviews several of the most promising recent developments in Jesus research. Sources, the criteria of authenticity, Jesus' contemporaries, and Jesus' understanding of the Kingdom receive emphasis. Special attention is given to the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance for Jesus research.

This course reviews the principal themes of the Pentateuch, emphasizing the presentation of Yahweh as Creator and covenant Maker. Critical interpretation of the Pentateuch, including the classic statement of the Documentary Hypothesis, is assessed.

This course reviews recent research in the Gospel of Mark as it pertains to Mark's community and its interpretation of the Jesus tradition, as well as to the question of the historicity of Mark's presentation of the story of Jesus.

This course exposes students to a variety of Greek texts that are important for understanding the language and literature of the Greek New Testament. These texts include the Septuagint, papyri, inscriptions, and various extra-biblical writings such as the apocryphal gospels. Students are led to appreciate the literary conventions and genres of the Greco-Roman world.

This course reviews the historical prophet Isaiah and the political circumstances in which he lived. It also considers the subsequent formation of the Book of Isaiah, including its various components and perspectives, its unified message and various features of inner-interpretation.

This course explores the nature of Paul's argument in his letter to the Roman Christians, with special emphasis on the apostle's scriptural defence of the Christian gospel and his understanding of the relationship of Gentiles to Israel.

This course examines the Psalms as the primary window into Israel's worship, especially during the pre-exilic period. Features of both corporate and individual faith are brought to light.