Fall 2013/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.

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 READING:

Collins, John J., and Daniel C. Harlow. The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802825490, Pub. Price $95.00 [290 pp.]

Klauck, Hans-Josef. The Religious Context of Early Christianity: A Guide to Graeco-Roman Religions. Fortress Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0800635930, Pub. Price $34.00 [428 pp.].

Articles and chapters from books available on e-reserves.

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.

Students should also become familiar with and consult regularly these resources:

Alexander, Patrick H. et al., eds. The SBL Handbook of Style: For Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early Christian Studies. Hendrickson, 1999. ISBN: 978-1565634879, Pub. Price $29.95.

Evans, C. A. Ancient Texts for New Testament Studies: A Guide to the Background Literature. Rev. ed. Baker, 2005. ISBN: 978-0801046179,Pub. Price $34.99.

Strongly recommended (from Comprehensive Exam bibliography for CATS students):

Grabbe, Lester L. Judaic Religion in the Second Temple Period: Belief and Practice from the Exile to Yavneh. Routledge, 2000. ISBN: 978-0415212502, Pub. Price $138.00 [333 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Class Preparation, Attendance, and Participation. Attendance at and readiness to participate in all sessions of the Seminar. (10%)

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 (30%).

5. 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.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.