Spring 2014/Pasadena
NE517
Lappenga
NE517: GALATIANS (English Text) (4 Units). Benjamin J. Lappenga.
DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of Galatians using the English text. The course considers the intricacies of individual passages and the larger coherence of the letter within its ancient historical and literary contexts, but also focuses on the reception of the letter throughout Christian history and its ongoing appropriation in academic and confessional settings.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) the ability to articulate the structure, main themes, and message of Galatians; (2) the capacity to engage in close study of selected passages of Galatians prior to engaging in conversation with various scholarly resources; (3) the ability to marshal, with literary, historical, and theological sensitivity, an exegetical argument for a coherent reading of a passage of Galatians in dialogue with past and current scholarship; (4) skill in developing and interacting with interpretations that engage contemporary concerns, and that encourage and challenge the church to remain faithful to its mission.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets weekly for three-hour sessions for ten weeks. Classes combine lecture, student-facilitated discussion, and response to readings and other questions. Weekly preparation involves reading of textbooks and other materials, preparation of exegetical and reflection papers, and work toward a final research project.
REQUIRED READING: [approx. 1000 pages assigned]
Either the CEB, NRSV, or TNIV translation of the New Testament.
Dunn, James D. G. The Theology of Paul's Letter to the Galatians. Cambridge [England]: Cambridge University Press, 1993. ISBN: 978-0521359535, Pub. Price $30.99 [145 pp. assigned].
Course reader available on Moodle. Includes articles/chapters by Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Brad R. Braxton, N.T. Wright, G. Daan Cloete, and others [approx. 300 pp. assigned].
Choose ONE of the following:
De Boer, Martinus C. Galatians. New Testament Library. Westminster John Knox Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0664221232, Pub. Price $50.00 [411 pp. assigned]. OR
Martyn, J. Louis. Galatians: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Doubleday, 1997. ISBN: 978-0300139853, Pub. Price $50.00 [577 pp. assigned].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Rev. and exp. ed. Baker Academic, 2009. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $21.99.
Riches, John K. Galatians Through the Centuries. Wiley-Blackwell, 2013. ISBN: 978-1118472668, Pub. Price $44.95.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Reading Log: Students will keep a log of notes/observations/outlines based on multiple readings of Galatians according to provided guidelines (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #2].
Reading Responses (2): 1,000 pages of required reading and completion of two 1000-word reading responses (15% each = 30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #4].
Interpretive Working Paper: Students will choose a passage and prepare a three-page single-spaced summary of the exegetical and theological issues in that passage according to guidelines given in class, and will lead the class discussion of these issues (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2].
Exegetical Research Paper: Beginning with the working paper above, students will prepare a 3,000-word exegetical paper on the same passage (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3].
PREREQUISITES: NS501 or NT500.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MA program requirements for New Testament book study (NTBK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.