Winter 2009/Pasadena
NE502
Sechrest
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Love Sechrest.
DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the exegesis of the Greek New Testament, this
course seeks to equip the student with knowledge of the various tools and
techniques of exegesis. Special attention will be given to the basis upon which
exegetical decisions are made and to the fundamental hermeneutical questions
involved in moving from exegesis to sermon. In addition, we will consider the
manner in which theological commitments and social location inform exegetical
study.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should (1) be
familiar with the tools and techniques of exegesis; (2) develop skill in making
exegetical decisions; and (3) be able to handle Scripture wisely in preaching
and in pastoral contexts.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Skillful exegesis is essential to one's understanding
of the New Testament and is foundational to responsible teaching and
preaching.
COURSE FORMAT: While the course will involve some lectures, the primary focus
will be upon student preparation and presentation of assigned material. Class
will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- TEXTBOOKS
- Black, David A. Textual Criticism: A Concise
Guide. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994.
- Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and
Pastors. 3rd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2002.
- Green, J. B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for
Interpretation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
- COURSE PACK that includes readings from the following:
- Beale, G. K. The Book of Revelation. NIGTC.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
- Blount, Brian. Can I Get a Witness? Reading Revelation through African
American Culture. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2005.
- Dunn, James D. G. Romans 1-8. Word Biblical Commentary 38a. Dallas:
Word.
- Porter, Stanley. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed.
Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1992.
- EXEGETICAL TOOLS from "Linguistic and Exegetical
Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" (available online http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/091/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html and in the SOT Academic Advising office); some of these tools
are required for assignments throughout the quarter.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical
Exegesis. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2001.
- Zerwick, M., and M. Grosvenor. A Grammatical Analysis of the Greek New
Testament. 5th ed. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1996.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular assignments in preparation for class (25%)
- A short exegetical working paper on a text assigned in class (35%)
- A 10-15 page final exegesis paper (40%)
PREREQUISITES: LG512.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Hermeneutics
(HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/08)