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NE518: Winter 2008

Erickson

 

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NE518: ROMANS (English Text). (4 units) Richard J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New Testament.

DESCRIPTION:

A detailed English-text based study of Paul's epistle to Rome, which is, in some respects, the central document in the New Testament. Attention is focused primarily on the message and argument of the book itself and secondarily on exegetical method and certain significant aspects of Paul's ideas.

 

COURSE GOALS/LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students successfully completing this course will have (1) a knowledge and understanding of the Letter to the Romans; (2) understanding of the literary features of the letter; (3) understanding of the historical and cultural situations in which the letter was written; (4) increased ability in interpreting the Bible exegetically and theologically; (5) a sense of the nature of the Bible as both human word and divine revelation; (6) an appreciation of new ways of reading Scripture; (7) more enthusiasm for reading the Bible; (8) improved ability to use the Bible in ministry; and (9) motivation towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in their own lives.

 

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

Facility in these things can work to liberate the reader for life and ministry, through the devastating force of the law and the all-embracing, life-giving power of the gospel. The course intends that we ourselves be "studied" by the text and by Him who meets us in it.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller’s academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, web-based research, and weekly interactive discussion with other students and the instructor.

 

REQUIRED READING: (approximately 1,500 pages)

·          The book of Romans, at least six times, in at least four different translations

·          Weekly lectures, posted online

·          Cranfield, C. E. B. Romans: A Shorter Commentary. Eerdmans, 1985

·          Edwards, James R. Romans. NICB; Hendrickson, 1992

·          Greene, Graham. The Power and the Glory. Viking Penguin, 1991

·          Haacker, Klaus. The Theology of Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Cambridge University Press, 2003

·          Selected articles from G. F. Hawthorne et al., eds. Dictionary of Paul and His Letters. IVP, 1993

·          For the exegetical paper, use an additional two or three critical commentaries (see recommendations in syllabus) and at least three professional, scholarly journal articles relevant to your text/subject.

 

RECOMMENDED READING: See syllabus.

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1.        At least two rapid readings early on (each at one sitting) and three careful readings of Romans in its entirety, followed by at least one final rapid reading before writing final paper. Use at least four different translations. Submit a total of approximately 5 pages of journaled observations, in five stages (10%).

2.        Reading of required texts and novel. Weekly quizzes (15%) and a final exam (13.6%) on this reading.

3.        Weekly online interaction with instructor and students, plus web-based research (28%).

4.        A maximum 1000-word reflective comparison/contrast of the "messages" of Greene and Paul’s letter to Rome (8.3%).

5.        A maximum 1000-word discussion the "new perspective" on Paul and the Law (8.3%).

6.        A maximum 2500-word exegetically based interpretation, either (a) of any internally coherent, self-contained passage from Romans, or (b) of a treatment of a theological topic significant in Romans (16.6%).

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MA: Biblical Studies; MDiv/MAT-BS: Elective; MA in Global Leadership Ministry Focus Elective.

FINAL EXAM: Yes.                                                                                                                           

Updated October 2007