10-10-2012 IMPORTANT: See Exam Preparation at the end of Syllabus!!! You are responsible for bringing textbooks and Bible to every class. Email me a clearly identifiable digital photo of you (only you—no group photos, phone pix acceptable) before the second day of class…save the file in the following format: first last name (U247 001). SYLLABUS RELS U247-001: New Testament as Literature 8:05-9:20 am (Mon-Wed) Spring 2013 Location Pending Instructor: Sister Terri Bednarz, R.S.M., Ph.D. Office Hours: MW 9:30-11:30 am Email: [email protected] MW 1:00-2:30 pm Phone: 504-343-9474 *appointment recommended Office: 402 Bobet Hall NOTE: When emailing me, please indicate your full name and the section number of your course. I do not respond to emails unless this information is provided in the email. Course Description: In this introductory course to the New Testament literature, we learn the fundamentals of how the Christian Scriptures came to be, and we identify the critical issues that challenge our interpretations of biblical texts. Our studies cover the basic structure, background, content and theologies of New Testament literature with insights into the social, cultural, literary, and religious contexts in which the early Christian texts arose. We apply critical approaches to biblical texts, and we learn how these approaches produce various interpretations of biblical texts. We explore how our own cultural assumptions affect how we view and understand NT texts. Course Goals: To understand the background, structure, content and distinctive literary features of each NT book. To gain insights into the social, cultural, literary, and religious contexts out of which early Christianity and early Christian literature arose. To discuss the complexities of interpreting NT texts. To apply critical approaches to biblical texts. To understand how biblical approaches shape modern Christian theologies and faiths. To explore cultural assumptions in biblical interpretations. To develop higher level skills in researching and discussing interpretations of NT texts. Course Objectives: Each student will be able: 1. To explain how the NT canon came to be. 2. To discuss the problematic nature of literalism in biblical interpretation. 3. To distinguish the fundamental differences between the KJV and the NRSV. 4. To describe the basic structure of the NT. 5. To give a description of the background, basic content (including genres and forms) and 1 10-10-2012 theology of each book in the NT. 6. To demonstrate insights into the ancient social, cultural and religious contexts from which biblical texts arose. 7. To apply contemporary models of interpretation to a NT text (e.g., textual criticism, literary- criticism, narrative-critical, and social-scientific criticism, etc.). 8. To use basic resources of NT study and develop basic research skills important for the study of the New Testament. [This course addresses the following departmental goals as they relate to New Testament literature: I.A.,B.,C.,D., E., F., G., H.; II. B., C.; III. A.] Required Materials/Media: iclicker. Polls will be an essential part of the learning and discussion in this class. Bible. Since this course is a critical introduction to the Christian New Testament, all students must bring to every class a hardcopy critical study version of the Bible. You will need to order the Bible you want on your own, or visit a bookstore. Be sure you can mark up and take notes in your copy of the Bible. Mobile phone versions of the Bible are absolutely not permitted! Due to the complexities of footnotes in study editions of the Bible, ipads and laptops are not permitted. Excellent study versions are: * Harper Catholic Bible (NRSV)—provides Greek and Hebrew textual discrepancies in English, but no footnotes. Lightweight and compact. * Catholic Study Bible (NAB)—provides extensive footnotes. * New Interpreter’s Bible (NIB)—provides extensive footnotes. * HarperCollins Study Bible (NRSV)—provides extensive footnotes. * Oxford Annotated Bible (NSRV)—provides extensive footnotes. Students of Christian denominations other than Catholic may bring bibles from their own religious traditions as long as they are critical study versions (not paraphrased editions). Note: Please note the KJV or NKJV (King James Version) is generally very difficult to understand. I recommend the NIV (New International Version) in place of the KJV—it uses the same manuscripts, but the English is easier to understand. Ehrman, Bart D. The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings. New York, Oxford University Press, 2011. 5th edition. ISBN- 13: 978-0199757534. $ 58.19. Synopsis of the Four Gospels RSV. American Bible Society, revised 1985. ISBN 978-1-58516-942-9. $ 31.49. Erhman, Bart. Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why. HarperOne, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0060859510. $ 10.19 [Kindle Edition $9.68]. 2 10-10-2012 Recommended for Religious Studies Majors: Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. English Edition. United Bible Societies, 2006. Black, David A. & David S. Dockery. Interpreting the NT Essays on Methods and Issues. Nashville, TN. Broadman & Holman Publishing, 2001. Ferguson, Everett. Backgrounds of Early Christianity. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 2003. Shiner, Whitney. Proclaiming the Gospel: First Century Performance of Mark. New York: Trinity Press, 2003. Malina, Bruce. The New Testament World: Insights from Cultural Anthropology. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001. Other Helpful Introductions to the NT: Achtemeier, Paul J. and et. al., Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 2001. Brown, Raymond. An Introduction to the New Testament. Doubleday, New York, 1997. Perkins, Pheme. Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing, 2007. Powell, Mark Allan. Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey. Baker Academic, 2009. Critical Reference Works: The Anchor Bible Dictionary. 6 vols. New York: Doubleday, 1992. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1990. The Anchor Bible Commentary Series. New York: Doubleday. Hermeneia series (Fortress Press) Sacra Pagina series (The Liturgical Press) Westminster Bible Companion series (Westminster John Knox Press) The New Testament Library series (Westminster John Knox Press) The International Critical Commentary series (T&T Clark) Social Science Commentary on the Synoptic Gospels, Bruce J. Malina and Richard L. Rohrbaugh (Fortress Press). BS 2555.2.M29 1992; ISBN 0800629922. Social Science Commentary on Revelation, Bruce J. Malina and John J. Pilch (Fortress Press). ISBN 0800632273. Social Science Commentary on John, Bruce J. Malina and Richard L. Rohrbaugh (Fortress Press). BS 2615.3 M29 1998; ISBN 0800629922. Social Science Commentary of the Letters of Paul, Bruce J. Malina and John J. Pilch (Fortress Press). ISBN 080063640-6. Social-science Commentary on the Book of Acts, Bruce J. Malina and John J. Pilch (Fortress Press). ISBN 080063845X. 3 10-10-2012 Software: Although not required for class, students interested in biblical software programs or working with Greek or Hebrew biblical texts should consider Bibleworks for PC; and Accordance for Mac. These are excellent research software programs that allow you to search multiple translations of the bible (NRSV, NAB, NIV, NKJV, etc.). They also have add-on modules such as the TDNT (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) and the BDAG (a Greek Lexicon), HALOT (a Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon) and other research tools. Both software programs have good maps, but Accordance has an added ability to edit and paste maps into Powerpoint. Bibleworks also has a notes feature for adding your own comments to specific biblical chapters and verses. Olive Tree is probably the most affordable for Ipad users. I recommend one of the following for the Ipad: the New Revised Standard Version (17.00); HarperCollins Study Bible (24.95); the New English Translation NET Bible (13.99); the New American Bible (24.95); and the Orthodox Study Bible (31.99). You should go online at www.olivetree.com to determine which Bible is most suitable for your denomination. Keep in mind—you cannot use ipad, iphone or other digital devices in class. Methods/Class Procedures: Lectures & Media Lectures will include 1) presentations on material, 2) discussions on assigned readings, and 3) media presentations. Media presentations consist of PowerPoint illustrations, audio/visual programs, and hands-on exercises with various mediums. Participation Polls/Discussions Quizzes Midterm & Final Exam Course Work & Policies Absolutely NO cell phones, mobile devices, or laptops are permitted in class. These must be turned off and stored inside bags (not in laps, etc.) before entry into class!!! Active Participation: This class will push you to think critically. I expect you to research and consider carefully the material you engage, and to articulate your learnings and insights. I DO NOT expect you to agree with all materials that are presented to you. It is important that you grow in self-expression and that you develop your academic skills. Please know that your grades will not suffer because you disagree with the materials or because you raise questions or objections! Students should come to class prepared to critically discuss assigned readings. Read assigned material before the class in which it is due. At the beginning