DESCRIPTION: This seminar introduces the various tools, including primary and secondary sources, available and necessary for advanced research in the New Testament. While the course is designed as a CATS seminar for ThM and PhD students, it offers MA/MDiv students an opportunity for exposure to advanced research in the NT. (Permission of the instructor is required.)

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) increased familiarity with the range of cultural and historical matters that inform our study of the NT; (2) increased skill in using the primary and secondary sources available for interpreting the NT; (3) deeper understanding of the NT as both human word and holy Scripture; and (4) increased awareness of the contributions and limitations of historical and critical research for understanding of the NT.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: NT801 prepares students primarily for the ministry of teaching and research. While the course focuses on the sources and tools for advanced historical research, it will also aim to help students grapple with the interpretation of the New Testament as Scripture.

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets three hours a week (Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.). There will be no class Wednesday, November 22, but we will make up the missed class session on Wednesday, December 6.

REQUIRED READING:

Alexander, Patrick H., et al., eds. The SBL Handbook of Style for Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early Christian Studies. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1999.

Danker, F. W. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Revised and expanded ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1993.

Evans, C. A. Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the Background Literature. Rev. ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2005.

Scholer, D. M. A Basic Bibliographic Guide for New Testament Exegesis. 3rd ed. Incomplete and working draft as of January 11, 2005.

1. Regular attendance, preparation for, and participation in class discussions, including completion of the assigned readings (20%).

2. Completion of New Testament Research Tools and Methods: Exercises (distributed in class; 30% of the grade).

3. A sample prospectus for a dissertation. Using the CATS Handbook Guidelines for drafting a dissertation proposal, prepare a prospectus on a topic of your choosing. You may use one of the topics from the handout "Dissertation Topics" (given in class) or another topic, approved by the professor (40% of the grade).