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.

1. Class Preparation, Attendance, and Participation. Attendance at and readiness to participate in all sessions of the Seminar.

2. Seminar Presentation. Written and oral presentation (15%).

3. Weekly Assignments in primary sources. Weekly written exercises provide opportunities for working with selected primary texts throughout the seminar (35% together).

4. Final Paper. The preparation of a paper of about 7000-8000 words (including footnotes) on a text or issue relevant to this course (40%).

5. Critical Response. Critical response to a final paper prepared by a seminar member (10%).