Winter 2014/Pasadena
NE502
M. Thompson
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Marianne Meye Thompson.
DESCRIPTION: This course introduces basic interpretive principles and practices for students of the Greek New Testament. Students will discuss exegetical aims and assumptions, become familiar with major resources for study of the New Testament, and practice a range of interpretive methods.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Central to Christian discipleship and the various forms of Christian ministry is serious and faithful engagement with the biblical texts read as Christian Scripture. This course focuses on the development of competence among readers of the New Testament for this essential task.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) skills in the exegesis of various New Testament texts at a level appropriate for effective leadership in Christian communities; (2) use of critical tools and resources for interpreting biblical texts; and (3) the capacity to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of a range of approaches in New Testament interpretation.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions for lectures and regular discussion. Because this course seeks to provide instruction and practice in doing exegesis, extensive student preparation and participation is expected.
REQUIRED READING:
Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. American Bible Society, 2000 [UBS4]. ISBN: 978-3438051103, Pub. Price $43.99; OR Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 28th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012 [NA28]. ISBN 978-3438051400, Pub. Price $45.99. Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1998 [NA27] ISBN: 978-3438051004, Pub. Price $40.99 is also allowed.
Dietrich, Walter, and Ulrich Luz, eds. The Bible in a World Context: An Experiment in Contextual Hermeneutics. Eerdmans, 2002. ISBN: 978-0802849885, Pub. Price $13.50 [83 pp.].
Green, Joel B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2d ed. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN 978-0802864208, Pub. Price $28.00 [432 pp.].
Green, Joel B. Seized by Truth: The Bible as Christian Scripture. Abingdon, 2007. ISBN 978-0687023554, Pub. Price $25.00 [185 pp.].
Various articles on eReserves.
Some of the following resources will be required for assignments throughout the quarter.
Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3d ed. Based on Walter Bauer. University of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG]. ISBN: 978-0226039336, Pub. Price $165.00.
Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996. ISBN: 978-0310218951, Pub. Price $30.49.
For further resources, see the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Completion of assigned reading for class discussion.
5 short one-page assignments engaging the secondary reading [20% of the grade].
Three interpretative assignments of approximately 1200 words focusing on the various components of exegesis [60% of the grade].
A short review essay of 1200-1500 words on The Bible in a World Context: An Experiment in Contextual Hermeneutics [20% of the grade].
PREREQUISITES: LG512.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in “Hermeneutics” (HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.