Fall 2011/Pasadena
NT860/560
Thompson
NT860/560: THE NEW TESTAMENT IN ITS ANCIENT CONTEXTS. Marianne Meye
Thompson.
DESCRIPTION: This doctoral level seminar, open at the 500 level to a limited
number of advanced master's level students by permission, focuses on specific
topics in the study of the NT in its ancient contexts. In the Fall 2011, the
topic will be the understanding of God and the gods in antiquity.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: NT860/560 prepares students primarily for
the ministry of teaching and research. While the course focuses on the sources
and tools for advanced historical research, it also grapples with various
theological issues involved in interpretation of the New Testament.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1)
familiarity with a range of cultural and historical matters that inform study
of the NT; (2) skill in using primary and secondary sources available for
interpreting the NT in its ancient contexts; and (3) the ability to identify
important issues in the portrayal and understanding of God in antiquity.
COURSE FORMAT: The class meets three hours a week for discussion of primary
and secondary sources.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
- Alexander, Patrick H. et al., eds. The SBL Handbook of Style:
For Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early Christian Studies. Peabody:
Hendrickson, 1999. ISBN 978-1565634879. $29.95.
- Evans, C. A. Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the
Background Literature. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005. ISBN
978-0801046179. $34.99.
- Grabbe, Lester L. Judaic Religion in the Second Temple Period: Belief
and Practice from the Exile to Yavneh. London: Routledge, 2000. ISBN
978-0415212502. $138.00.
- Grant, Robert M. Gods and the One God. Library of Early Christianity
1. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1986. ISBN 978-066425011. $30.00.
- Klauck, Hans-Josef. The Religious Context of Early Christianity: A Guide
to Graeco-Roman Religions. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003. ISBN
978-0800635930. $34.00.
- Nickelsburg, George W. E., Jr. Jewish Literature between the Bible and
the Mishnah. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005. ISBN 978-0800637798.
$30.00.
- Students will also need access to selected primary texts, including
the Septuagint, the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Philo,
Josephus, and a selection of classical authors. Many of these sources are
available on line or electronically in Bible software programs. Details in the
syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Class Preparation, Attendance, and Participation. Attendance at and
readiness to participate in all sessions of the Seminar.
- Seminar Presentation. Written and oral presentation (15%).
- Weekly Assignments in primary sources. Weekly written exercises
provide opportunities for working with selected primary texts throughout the
seminar (35% together).
- Final Paper. The preparation of a paper of about 7000-8000 words
(including footnotes) on a text or issue relevant to this course (40%).
- Critical Response. Critical response to a final paper prepared by a
seminar member (10%).
PREREQUISITES: Admission into the ThM or PhD program. Open to a limited number
of master's level students with the following prerequisites: LG502, LG512,
NE502, NS500, and NS501, and written permission of instructor.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for the PhD in New Testament; elective
for MA/MDiv students.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2011)