This course introduces students to the principles and practice of Biblical interpretation during the Reformation period. Of special interest are the commentaries and scriptural arguments in support of important doctrines.

This course, which presupposes a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Hebrew, offers students an introduction to Mishnaic and Qumranic Hebrew and guides students through selected readings.

This course, which presupposes RELS 655, guides students through selected readings in Biblical, Qumranic, and Targumic Aramaic.

This course, which presupposes a minimum of 6 sem. hrs. of Biblical Hebrew, offers students an introduction to Biblical, Qumranic, and Targumic Aramaic.

The course offers students an introduction to Syriac. Although the emphasis falls on the Peshitta, students are exposed to other Syriac writings.

This course is scheduled as the Summer session study tour of Israel (cf. RELS 350). It offers students the opportunity to study important topographical and archaeological sites, including digs in progress, and to view several important finds in the Israel National Museum.

This course introduces the student to the most important rabbinic writings (e.g., Mishnah, Talmud, and the Midrashim). Sessions consist of readings and introductory lectures concerned with the origin and editing of this literature, its purposes, and the types of scriptural and logical arguments employed. Selected writings are studied in greater depth; depending on the makeup of the class, some passages are read in Hebrew and others in English.

This course introduces students to various technical features involved in the study of New Testament Greek. These studies include treatment of aspects of advanced Greek grammar, textual criticism, the influence of the Septuagint on the New Testament, the literary and linguistic influence of literary Greek on the New Testament, and the relevance of Greek study for New Testament exegesis.

This course surveys the Dead Sea Scrolls and the light they shed on Second Temple Judaism and early Christianity. Themes of major sectarian scrolls are studied; recently published scrolls and fragments are evaluated.

This course offers an analysis of the biblical and intertestamental wisdom literature with a special emphasis on the Book of Ecclesiastes, i.e. Qohelet.