NS540/NT821
Scholer
NS540/NT821: APOSTOLIC FATHERS. David M. Scholer.
DESCRIPTION:
- This CATS graduate seminar, open to three masters level students,
is a literary, historical, and theological study of the corpus of early
Christian literature known as the Apostolic Fathers. The texts included will be
1 Clement, 2 Clement, the Letters of Ignatius, the Letter of Polycarp to the
Philippians, the Martyrdom of Polycarp, the Didache, Barnabas, the Shepherd of
Hermas, the Epistle to Diognetus, and the fragments of Papias. Special
attention will be given to the following topics: christology; Church-Judaism
relationships; authority and heresy; church order and worship; and Church-state
relationships.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- This seminar contributes to the academic preparation of persons
called to the ministry of teaching in the fields of New Testament and early
Church history. Knowledge of the Apostolic Fathers also contributes to one's
understanding of the theological and spiritual heritage of the church.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This is a working graduate seminar. There will be lectures, student
research reports, and considerable discussion among the seminar members. The
seminar meets weekly, Wednesdays, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
REQUIRED READING:
- Goodspeed, E. J. Index Patristicus. . . .
Peabody: Hendrickson, 1993 [reprint of the 1907 edition].
- Holmes, M. W. The Apostolic Fathers: Greek Texts and English
Translations of Their Writings. 2d. ed. Trans. J. B. Lightfoot and J. R.
Harmer. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992 [based on an 1891 edition].
- Jefford, C. N. Reading the Apostolic Fathers: An Introduction.
Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996.
- Tugwell, S. The Apostolic Fathers. (Outstanding Christian Thinkers.)
Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse, 1990 [original British publication, 1989].
RECOMMENDED READING:
- There will be extensive bibliographies provided for further reading
in the scholarly literature on the Apostolic Fathers.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- In accordance with a graduate seminar, numerous reading and research
assignments negotiated at each meeting of the seminar.
- At least one oral and written report on assigned research.
- Reading of the required text books.
- Preparation of a major research paper (about 30 pages) on an approved
topic.
PREREQUISITES:
- For master's level students: LG512; three of the following five:
NS500, NS501, NE502, any NTT, any NTE; and permission of the
instructor.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- No.