Winter 2016/Pasadena

BI500

Thomas

BI500: INTERPRETIVE PRACTICES (4 Units: 160 hours). Matthew Thomas.

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces interpretive approaches and practices for students of the Bible. Students will consider the aims and assumptions of biblical interpretation, become familiar with major resources for study of the Bible, interpret a variety of biblical texts in both testaments, and reflect upon the manner in which the varied contexts (e.g., social, cultural, theological) of the biblical world and contemporary readers inform interpretation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) the capacity to engage in close study of a variety of passages in the Bible prior to engaging in conversation with various scholarly resources; (2) judicious use of critical tools and resources for the study of biblical texts; (3) critical reflection on the theory of interpretation; (4) practice with interpreting a variety of biblical texts from both testaments, with consideration of the varied contexts of both the biblical materials and contemporary readers; and (5) skill in developing interpretations that engage contemporary concerns, and that encourage and challenge the church to remain faithful to its mission.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING: [~900 pp. assigned]

Either CEB, TNIV, or NRSV. [~50 pp. assigned]

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Revised and expanded edition. Baker Academic, 2010. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $21.99 [250 pp.assigned].

Green, Joel B. (ed.). Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd Edition. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802864208, Pub. Price $30.00 [230 pp. assigned].

Levison, John R. and Priscilla Pope-Levison. Return to Babel: Global Perspectives on the Bible. Westminster John Knox, 1999. ISBN: 978-0664258238, Pub. Price $30.00 [220 pp. assigned].

Articles on e-Reserves by Brueggemann, Charleston, Chisholm, Enns, Goldingay, Kelly, Thomas, and others. [~150 pp. assigned]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Chisholm, Robert B. From Exegesis to Exposition: A Practical Guide to Using Biblical Hebrew. Baker, 1998. ISBN: 978-0801021718, Pub. Price $28.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 900 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3]. [60 hours].
  2. Online discussions (30%). Approximately bi-weekly discussions of scriptural texts (e.g., Deut 23:1-8; Isa 56; Matt 5:1-12; Acts 8:26-40) consisting of a 200 word initial post followed by 2 – 100 word responses to classmates and/or the instructor. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5]. [10 hours].
  3. Exegetical Exercises (40%). Approximately bi-weekly short, written exercises to practice various interpretive practices on a variety of biblical texts (e.g., Gen 11.1-9; Ps 23; Jer 27-28; Acts 2:1-42; 1 Cor 15:1-11). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4]. [20 hours].
  4. An Exegetical Paper on an assigned biblical passage [2,500-3,000 words] (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4, 5]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets a core requirement in the 120 MDiv and the 80 MAT, 80 MATM, 80 MAICS Programs (Fall 2015). Meets the HERM requirement in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.