Fall 2013/Pasadena
NE502
Hill
NE502: EXEGETICAL METHOD AND PRACTICE. Craig Allen Hill.
DESCRIPTION: This course introduces basic interpretive principles and practices for students of the Greek New Testament. Students will discuss exegetical aims and assumptions, become familiar with major resources for study of the New Testament, and practice a range of interpretive methods.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Central to Christian discipleship and the various forms of Christian ministry is serious and faithful engagement with the biblical texts. This course focuses on the development of competence among readers of the New Testament for this essential task.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having completed this course, students will have demonstrated, (1) skills in the exegesis of various New Testament texts at a level appropriate for effective leadership in Christian communities; (2) use of critical tools and resources for interpreting biblical texts; (3) the capacity to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of a range of approaches in New Testament interpretation.
COURSE FORMAT: Because this course seeks to provide instruction and practice in doing exegesis, extensive student preparation and participation are expected. This course will meet for ten weeks, twice weekly for two hours each session.
REQUIRED READING:
Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th ed. American Bible Society, 2000 [UBS4]. ISBN: 978-3438051103, Pub. Price $43.99; OR Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 28th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012 [NA28]. ISBN 978-3438051400, Pub. Price $45.99. Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece. 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1998 [NA27] ISBN: 978-3438051004, Pub. Price $40.99 is also allowed.
Fee, G. D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd ed. Westminster John Knox, 2002. ISBN: 978-0664223168, Pub. Price $25.00 [195 pp.].
Green, Joel B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802864208, Pub. Price $28.00 [432 pp.].
Some of the following resources will be required for assignments throughout the quarter.
Bauer, W., F. W. Danker, W. F. Arndt, and F. W. Gingrich. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. University of Chicago Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0226039336, Pub. Price $165.00 (Also available in full-text on many Bible software programs).
Metzger, Bruce M. A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. American Bible Society, 1994. ISBN: 978-1598561647, Pub. Price $39.95.
Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996. ISBN: 978-0310218951, Pub. Price $44.99.
See the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs” available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT:
Completion of assigned reading and preparation for class discussion (5%).
Exegetical exercises and study of various biblical passages, with short written assignments (2 pages each); three Interpretive Assignments (30%).
Midterm exegetical assignments (5-7 pages) (25%).
FINAL exegesis paper (8-10 page) due at the end of the term (40%).
PREREQUISITES: LG512
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in “Hermeneutics” (HERM).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.