Fuller Online
NE567: Revelation - Spring 2009
Erickson
THIS ECD IS
FOR SPRING 2009 QUARTER ONLY!
If you are
viewing this after April 3, 2009 it serves as a SAMPLE ONLY
NE567: THE BOOK OF
REVELATION (English text) (4 units).
Richard
J. Erickson, Associate Professor of New
Testament.
DESCRIPTION:
An
Internet-based, detailed study Book of Revelation (English text) and of the way
it employs epistolary, prophetic, and apocalyptic perspectives to convey its
message. Primary attention is given to the text in its original setting and to
its theology, as well as to its relevance for the Church today.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students
successfully completing NE567 “Revelation” will have demonstrated (1) knowledge
and understanding of the Book of Revelation; (2) ability to interpret this
particular book, apocalyptic literature, and the Bible generally, through
reading and critical interaction, using historical, socio-cultural, literary
and other methods; (3) and skill in reading the Bible theologically in view of
diverse contexts.
RELEVANCE
FOR MINISTRY:
Like other biblical texts, this book as both
human word and Holy Scripture presents the divine perspective on creation,
human society, their fate and their future. But because of its nature as a
first-century apocalypse, Revelation has been often misunderstood and misused.
The course takes up relevant issues of its interpretation in ways consonant
with its first-century context and appropriate for the Church—and the
world—today.
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
·
Two rapid readings of Revelation, at
least one in the NRSV or the TNIV. [c. 40 pp.]
·
The books of (a) Daniel or Ezekiel (see
syllabus) and (b) IV Ezra. [c. 60 pp.]
·
Bauckham,
R. The Theology of the Book of Revelation.
·
Boring, M. E. Revelation.
Interpretation. WJKP, 1989 [236 pp.]
·
González,
J. For the Healing of the Nations: The
Book of Revelation in an Age of Cultural Conflict. Orbis,
1999. [117 pp.]
·
Mounce,
R. H. The Book of Revelation. Rev. ed. NICNT; Eerdmans, 1997. [439 pp.]
·
Selected dictionary articles (see
syllabus). [c. 40 columns]
RECOMMENDED
READING [See syllabus]
ASSIGNMENTS:
1.
Two "rapid" (single sitting)
readings of the entire Book of Revelation in two different versions, one being
either the NRSV or the TNIV, both are acceptable. Describe in two maximum
500-word essays your observations based on these readings, and submit them for
group discussion in Weeks 1 and 9. [10%]
2.
Major, 3000-5000-word team project due in Week 10: (1)
embracing an analysis of relations between Revelation and the Jewish Scriptures
(including Daniel and Ezekiel) and 4 Ezra, (2) identifying resultant guidelines
for interpreting Revelation, and (3) applying these insights and other
appropriate research to the exegesis of a well-chosen passage from Revelation. [20%]
3.
Maximum 1500-word sermon or Bible
study, individually produced, but based on the team project, due in Finals
Week. [10%]
4.
A seminar-style discussion of the González and Bauckham books,
focusing on the influence of culture and perspective on interpretation,
conducted in Weeks 6-8. [15%]
5.
Preparation of assigned passages,
web-based research, and collateral readings for weekly group discussion and
interaction. [20%]
6.
Five short bi-weekly journals for
individualized interaction with instructor. [8.3%]
7.
Five bi-weekly quizzes based on
assigned collateral material. [16.7%]
PREREQUISITES:
None, but NS501 (or even NS500) would be beneficial.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MA:
Biblical Studies; MDiv/MAT-BS: Elective; MA in Global
Leadership Ministry Focus Study elective course.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.
This
ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.
Updated January 2009