Spring 2014/Fuller Online
NS501
Erickson
NS501: NEW TESTAMENT 2: ROMANS–REVELATION (4 Units). Richard J. Erickson.
DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the nature, structure, and message of the New Testament documents from Romans to Revelation in their historical, literary, and canonical contexts and considers their relevance to subsequent socio-cultural contexts. The course is a companion to (though independent of) NS500, which introduces the four Gospels and Acts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: A student successfully completing this course will be able to (1) demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, genre, content, structure, and message of the writings from Romans through Revelation; (2) demonstrate skill in the interpretation of these writings as appropriate for effective leadership in various social and cultural contexts; and (3) articulate the character of the NT letters and the Apocalypse of John as witnesses to the significance of Jesus Christ for the life and mission of his church.
COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller’s academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, research, and weekly interactive discussion with other students and the instructor.
REQUIRED READING (List of recommended reading provided in the syllabus):
Careful reading of all twenty-two New Testament documents, Romans through Revelation, in either the TNIV or the NRSV. [c. 180 pp.]
deSilva, David A. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation. IVP, 2004. ISBN: 978-0830827466, Pub. Price $50.00 [618 pp. assigned].
Tamez, Elsa. The Scandalous Message of James: Faith Without Works is Dead. Rev. ed.; Crossroad, 2002. ISBN: 978-0824519414, Pub. Price $19.95 [192 pp.].
Yinger, Kent L. The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction. Cascade Books, 2011. ISBN: 978-1608994632, Pub. Price $16.00 [120 pp. assigned].
Articles on eReserve by (or about) J. Dunn, K. Essex, D. Hagner, B. Metzger, P. Payne, B. Rossing.
Written lectures.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Reading of all assigned material, subject to bi-weekly “honor” reports (30%).
Weekly threaded online discussion, based on and designed to aid comprehension of assigned reading (20%).
Two papers on assigned topics (2500 words each, maximum) (50%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 2 (NT2); meets MAT (2010) program requirement; Ministry Focus Elective in MA in Global Leadership program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.