DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the exegesis of the Greek New Testament, this course seeks to equip the student with knowledge of the various tools and techniques of exegesis. Special attention will be given to the basis upon which exegetical decisions are made and to the fundamental hermeneutical questions involved in moving from exegesis to sermon. In addition, we will consider the manner in which theological commitments and social location inform exegetical study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should (1) be familiar with the tools and techniques of exegesis; (2) develop skill in making exegetical decisions; and (3) be able to handle Scripture wisely in preaching and in pastoral contexts.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Skillful exegesis is essential to one's understanding of the New Testament and is foundational to responsible teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: While the course will involve some lectures, the primary focus will be upon student preparation and presentation of assigned material. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

TEXTBOOKS

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis. Hendrickson, 2001.

COURSE PACK that includes readings from the following:

Brown, Michael Joseph. Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African American Biblical Hermeneutics. Trinity Press International, 2004.

Dube, Musa. Postcolonial Feminist Biblical Interpretation. Chalice Press, 2000.

Green, J. B. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. Eerdmans, 1995.

Levine, Amy-Jill, et al., "Roundtable Discussion: Anti-Judaism and Postcolonial Biblical Interpretation," Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion 20/1 (Spr 2004): 91-132; 189-92.

Liew, Tat-siong Benny & Gale A. Yee, eds. "The Bible in Asian America," Semeia no. 90-91, 1-337.

Polaski, Sandra Hack. A Feminist Introduction to Paul. Chalice Press, 2005.

Segovia, Fernando & Mary Ann Tolbert, eds. Reading from This Place: Social Location and Biblical Interpretation in the United States. Vol. 1. Augsburg Fortress, 1995.

EXEGETICAL TOOLS from the Biblical Division bibliography: See "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" (available online and in the SOT Academic Advising office); some of these tools are required for assignments throughout the quarter.

Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Rev. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1993.

Zerwick, M. and M. Grosvenor. A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New Testament. 5th ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1996.

1. Very short typewritten responses to readings in the course pack (10%).

2. Regular assignments in preparation for class (15%).

3. Three short exegetical working papers on texts assigned in class (15% each = 45%).

4. A final exegesis paper (2500 words; 30%).