Winter 2009/Pasadena
NE567
Shaules

NE567: GALATIANS (ENGLISH TEXT). William J. Shaules.


DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of Paul's epistle to the Galatians using the English text.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will be able to

  1. demonstrate their understanding of Galatians within its historical circumstances and literary environment;

  2. employ basic exegetical strategies for the interpretation of Galatians;

  3. explain major trends in the scholarship surrounding Galatians;

  4. identify issues of theological and ethical concern brought to light by Galatians;

  5. methodologically incorporate the principle of the "incarnational" nature of the Bible, that is, the Bible as both divinely inspired and written by human authors.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: A thorough knowledge of Galatians and basic methods of interpretation are invaluable for ministry, especially teaching and preaching.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING:
Either the NRSV or TNIV translation of Galatians.

Barclay, John M. G. Obeying the Truth: Paul's Ethics in Galatians. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1991.

Dunn, James D. G. The Epistle to the Galatians. Black's New Testament Commentaries 9. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1993.

Gorman, M. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Rev. ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2008.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul the Apostle. Eerdmans, 1998.

Hay, David M., and Elizabeth E. Johnson, eds. Pauline Theology, Vol. 1: Thessalonians, Philippians, Galatians, Philemon. Fortress, 1991.

Hays, Richard B. Echoes of Scripture in the Letters of Paul. Yale University Press, 1989.

Longenecker, Richard, N. Galatians. WBC 41. Word Books, 1990.

Martyn, J. Louis. Galatians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. AB 33a. Doubleday, 1997.

Matera, Frank J. Galatians. Sacra Pagina 9. Liturgical Press, 1992.

Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison of Patterns of Religion. Fortress, 1977.

Wright, N. T. The Climax of the Covenant: Christ and the Law in Pauline Theology. Fortress, 1991.
See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Preparation of assigned reading for the class

  2. Completion of two short exegetical assignments of 3-5 pages in length assigned throughout the quarter (30%)

  3. Completion of an exegetical paper of 12-15 pages (40%)

  4. Completion of a final exam (30%)

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MA program requirements for New Testament book study (NTBK).

FINAL EXAMINATION: A final exam will be given during the last class meeting.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/08)