Fall 2013/Fuller Online
NE502
Erickson
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Richard J. Erickson.
DESCRIPTION: This online course introduces interpretive approaches 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, interpret a variety of NT texts, and discuss the manner in which the varied contexts (e.g., social, cultural, theological) of the biblical world and contemporary readers inform exegetical study.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The paramount role of ministers of the “gospel of God” (Rom 1:1) is the prophetic exposition of the Word of God from Holy Scripture to a contemporary audience (1 Tim 4:13). This can be done responsibly only when ministers have a clear understanding of the task to which they are called and of the tools for performing it. This course will demonstrate its own significance if it helps students to see themselves as both called to and capable of the task, imbued with more enthusiasm for reading the Bible and for a deeper obedience to Scripture.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) the capacity to engage in close study of a variety of passages in the Greek NT prior to engaging in conversation with various scholarly resources; (2) judicious use of critical tools and resources for study of biblical texts, including lexicons and concordances; (3) practice with interpreting a variety of NT genres, with consideration of the varied contexts of both the biblical materials and contemporary readers; and (4) skill in developing interpretations that engage contemporary concerns, and that encourage and challenge the church to remain faithful to its mission.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online over ten weeks, aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. The course involves reading, exercises in using Greek and various resources in exegesis, writing, and community dialog. Students and instructor will interact together with the material through weekly threaded discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
deSilva, David A. “The Culture and Social World of the Early Church.” In An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation. InterVarsity Press, 2004. Available on eReserves [pp. 111-144 assigned].
Erickson, Richard J. A Beginner’s Guide to New Testament Exegesis: Taking the Fear out of Critical Method. IVP, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830827718, Pub. Price $20.00 [239 pp.].
Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Revised and expanded edition. Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $21.99 [304 pp.].
Rodgers, Peter R. Exploring the Old Testament in the New. Wipf & Stock, 2012. ISBN: 978-16020322574, Pub. Price $14.00 [91 pp.].
Tamez, Elsa, ed. Through Her Eyes: Women’s Theology from Latin America. Orbis, 1989; repr. Wipf & Stock, 2006. ISBN: 978-1597524995, Pub. Price $21.00 [168 pp.]
Students will be expected to consult the following throughout the quarter (which they should already have from LG512, or can use in the library):
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.
Bauer, W., F. W. Danker, W. F. Arndt, and F. W. Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. University of Chicago Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0226039336, Pub. Price $165.00.
Wallace, D. B.Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Enlarged ed. Zondervan, 1997. ISBN: 978-0310218951, Pub. Price $44.99.
See also “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:
Reading of all assigned books and lectures, subject to regular honor accounting (20%).
Translations of Greek texts (20%).
Participation in online forums, focused mainly on lectures, translations, and readings (20%).
Three interpretive exercises on assigned texts (1200 words each, or about 4-5 pages double-spaced) (40%).
PREREQUISITE: LG512.
RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Hermeneutics (HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.