Fall 2016/Pasadena
NS570
Downs
NS570: Traditions of Jesus, Peter, and Paul in Early Christian Literature (4 Units: 160 hours). David J. Downs
DESCRIPTION: This course offers an introduction to the reception of traditions of Jesus, Peter, and Paul in early Christian literature, particularly the collection of writings known as the “Apostolic Fathers” (i.e., 1 Clement, 2 Clement, the letters of Ignatius, The Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians, The Martyrdom of Polycarp, The Didache, The Epistle of Barnabas, The Shepherd of Hermas, The Epistle to Diognetus, The Fragment of Quadratus, and the fragments of Papias). In studying how images of Jesus, Peter, and Paul were received and constructed in these second-century texts, students will encounter a host of topics relevant to present-day Christian faith and practice, including practices of scriptural interpretation among the church fathers, early Christian experiences of persecution and martyrdom, Christian engagement with the pagan world and its imperial structures, the development of distinctively Christian identities, the church’s relationship with Judaism, emerging debates about ecclesiastical organization (including questions of gender, power, and the role of the Holy Spirit), perspectives on wealth and poverty, and views and practices of marriage and sexuality.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) knowledge of the contents and contexts of the Apostolic Fathers; (2) critical reflection on the reception of New Testament figures and texts in Christian literature of the second century; and (3) the capacity to produce a close reading of a New Testament text informed by the practice of reception history.
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: 1,100 pp. required
Articles or chapters on e-reserves by Bowe, Brent, Crossley, Downs, Holmes, Kelhoffer, Lipsett, Luz, Moss, Osiek, and Roberts [255 pp. assigned].
Either the CEB, NRSV, or TNIV translation of the New Testament. [ca. 55 pp. assigned]
Either:
Ehrman, Bart. The Apostolic Fathers. 2 vols. Loeb Classical Library. Harvard University Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0674996076; 978-0674996083, Pub. Price $26.00 and $26.00 [200 pp. assigned].
Holmes, Michael W. The Apostolic Fathers in English. 3d ed. Baker, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801031083, Pub. Price $28.00 [200 pp. assigned]; or
Holmes, Michael W. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English Translations. 3d ed. Baker, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801034688, Pub Price $44.99 [200 pp. assigned].
Bockmuehl, Markus. Simon Peter in Scripture and Memory: The New Testament Apostle in the Early Church. Baker Academic, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801048647, Pub. Price $26.00 [185 pp. assigned].
Jefford, Clayton N. The Apostolic Fathers and the New Testament. Hendrickson, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801046681, Pub. Price $27.00 [250 pp. assigned].
Foster, Paul, ed. The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers. T&T Clark, 2007. ISBN: 978-0567031068, Pub. Price $35.95 [155 pp. assigned].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
1,100 pages of required reading (10% total; assessed via a reading log) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3]. [73 hours].
Four written responses to assigned readings from the Apostolic Fathers (ca. 750 words each) (40% total; 10% each) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-2] [12 hours].
A critical book review (ca. 1500 words) (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2] [8 hours].
An exegetical paper that offers a close reading of a NT text in light of its reception in the second century [3,000-4000 words] (35%) [This assignment is related to outcome #3] [27 hours].
PREREQUISITES: OT500 or NT500; BI500 or NE502
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Biblical Studies Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None