Religion 305 Advanced New Testament
Special focus: NT Patterns of Discipleship
Instructor: Dr. David C. Aune
Office: 41 Miller Hall Office phone: X5238 E-mail: daune@ashland.edu
Office hours: T-Th from 11AM-12 noon; Wed from 1:00-3:00PM ; other times by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides an in-depth study of selected New Testament (NT) writings and their interpretation. In particular, we will consider how the theme of “discipleship” is developed in the various NT writings. Since this is an advanced course, students must have some prior knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian teachings. Rel 106 (“Exploring the Bible”) or its equivalent is a prerequisite for this course.
OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES
The objectives and anticipated student outcomes of this course are as follows:
• 1.Become familiar with basic approaches for the interpretation of the NT documents, especially those approaches that take Scripture seriously. Students completing this course should be able to demonstrate their interpretive skills and to articulate the various principles that they use for the analysis and application of NT passages.
• 2. Demonstrate awareness of distinct voices and perspectives within the NT. By focusing on the theme of discipleship, students completing this course should come to an understanding of some of the diversity and continuity within the various NT writings.
• 3. Gain information about the history, culture and social world in which the NT was written. Again, by focusing on the theme of discipleship, students completing this course should become aware of relevant extra-Biblical writings as well as social and historical issues that pertain to this theme.
• 4. Research a specific topic by tracing a theme or analyzing particular NT texts pertaining to Christian discipleship. With guidance from the instructor, students should not only gain proficiency in research skills specific to NT studies but also gain an in-depth understanding of a particular topic of interest.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS (at the AU Bookstore)
How to Read the Bible for All its Worth , by G.D. Fee and D.S. Stuart (“Fee & Stuart”)
Patterns of Discipleship in the New Testament , ed by Richard Longenecker (“Longenecker”)
The Bible , in an accurate contemporary English translation. Especially recommended are the
NRSV and the NIV, but see the discussion on translations in Fee and Stuart, chap 2.
In addition, there will be occasional Reserve Readings (available at AU Library). Check the syllabus carefully. Some of these reserve readings are required and therefore should be copied and brought to class for group discussion. Other readings are recommended for those who want a fuller, more thorough understanding of the topic. Some smaller required readings will be handed out in class.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Careful study and preparation of all assignments . Make every effort to read both the secondary texts and especially the assigned Scripture passages prior to class time. Come to class ready to discuss issues derived from these and related readings.
2. Attendance and class participation (50 pts) . Especially in this course, much of the learning will take place in the classroom experience. Students will be expected to attend class regularly and enter into discussion at a serious level of engagement. There will be a “no-fault” attendance policy: an absence is an absence for any reason whatsoever.
Assessment of your class participation at the end of the semester will be as follows:
Grade A (45-50 points): Nearly perfect attendance (missed three classes or less), frequent substantial comments or questions, demonstration of serious interest in the course material.
Grade B (40-45 points): Regular attendance (missed less than five classes), occasionally raised substantial comments or questions in class, demonstration of some interest in the course readings.
Grade C (35-40 points): Sporadic attendance (missed more than five classes), sometimes raised comments or questions, demonstration of little, if any, interest in the course readings.
Grade D (30-35 points): Infrequent attendance (missed more than seven classes), and demonstrated very little interest in the class.
Grade F (29 points or lower): Infrequent attendance (missed more than eight classes) and demonstration no serious interest in the course. This failing grade for class participation is usually “achieved” only by working diligently to miss class consistently.
Lateness : Although we will generally spend the first few minutes of class taking attendance, making announcements and reviewing our assignments, this is an important part of the class. Every two classes that you are late will count as an absence. Excessive lateness will result in a deduction in your final grade.
3. One 2-3 page paper on basic methodological approaches to the NT (50 points). This important introductory assignment will help students reflect upon interpretive methods used when approaching NT texts. More information will be given in class.
4. Two in-class examinations (100 points each) , designed to help students integrate and synthesize class material. Most of the questions will be distributed ahead of time so that you can be prepared for the examinations. The exams will not be cumulative.
5. One 3-4 page literature review (75 points). For this assignment, students will be required to summarize the main thesis and overall significance of one substantial scholarly article (or two smaller articles) dealing with the theme of discipleship. Articles for review must be approved by Dr. Aune. Choose your articles wisely so that they can be used for your larger research project. More information will be given in class.
6. One major research project on a topic chosen in consultation with Dr. Aune. Most likely, you will explore a particular NT passage or a series of passages that deal with some aspect of discipleship. The project includes three components (more information will be given in class):
Paper précis, due Thursday, April 1 (25 points). This is a brief (1 page) summary of your proposed research plan, including a clear statement of your topic, the central questions you want to pursue and at least three bibliographical sources beyond those covered in class. This précis will be returned to you with comments; it must be handed in with the final draft of your paper. Late assignments, for whatever reason, will be penalized 5 points for every day that they are late .
Class presentation during the final week of classes (50 points). You will be required to make an 8-10 minute presentation dealing with your central thesis and significant findings from your research. It will be helpful to have a brief outline or hand-out to share with class members. More info will be given.
Final paper of 8-10 pages; approx 2500 words in length (150 points). This is a research paper that must be carefully documented and thoughtfully written. Use either the APA or, preferably, the MLA style for documentation. The final version of this paper is due no later than Tuesday, May 4 th at 3:00PM. Late papers, for whatever reason, will be penalized 10 points for every day they are late.
561-600 points A
Grading: Class Participation 50 points 540-560 points A-
Methodology paper 50 points 525-539 points B+
Exam #1 100 points 501-524 points B
Exam #2 100 points 480-500 points B-
Literature review 75 points 465-479 points C+
Paper précis 25 points 442-464 points C
Class presentation 50 points 420-441 points C-
Final paper 150 points 405-419 points D+
Total 600 points etc.
359 or lower F
Reasonable accommodations shall be made for students with documented learning disabilities. It is the student's responsibility to contact the “Classroom Support” office and inform the instructor of his/her needs.
All students are bound by the academic integrity policy in the most recent AU student handbook. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to plagiarism (the intentional or unintentional presentation of someone else's words or ideas as one's own without proper documentation), fabrication (the intentional falsification or invention of research, citations or other information) and cheating (an act of deception in which a student represents mastery of information that s/he has not mastered). The process for dealing with violations and the appeals process are detailed in the student handbook.
CLASS SCHEDULE (subject to change if necessary)
Date Topic Readings
Tues 1/13 Introduction (Longenecker, 1-7; Fee & Stuart, 11-16) What are the central questions that frame this course?
What methodology will we be using for our approach to the New Testament?
Thurs 1/15 Basic Principles of Biblical Interpretation Fee & Stuart, chap 1 (pp. 17-31)
Recommended additional reading:
R. Martin, “Approaches to NT Exegesis,” in the folder, “Martin, NT Exegesis” for NT 305
Tues 1/20 Issues of Text and Translation for NT Interpretation Fee & Stuart, chap 2 (pp. 33-53) Please bring at least two different Bible to class on this day (if possible)
Thurs 1/22 Interpreting the Gospels: Special Considerations Fee & Stuart, chap 7 (pp. 127-148)
Interpreting the Parables Fee & Stuart, chap 8 (pp. 149-162)
Tues 1/27 Discipleship in Mark's Gospel, part 1 Longenecker, pp. 9-17 [Paper on Methodology is due]
Gospel of Mark: focus on chaps 2-3, 8-10, 13
Thurs 1/29 Discipleship in Mark's Gospel, part 2 Longenecker, pp. 17-28
Gospel of Mark: focus on chaps 14-16
Tues 2/3 Discipleship in Matthew's Gospel, part 1 Longenecker , pp. 30-41
Gospel of Matthew: Chaps 1-28
(Focus on narrative development)
Thurs 2/5 Discipleship in Matthew's Gospel, part 2 Gospel of Matthew: focus on chaps 5-7 Required additional reading: Yoder, ”Political Axioms of the Sermon on the Mount”
In the folder, “Yoder, Sermon on Mount” for NT 305
Tues 2/10 Discipleship in Matthew's Gospel, part 3 Longenecker , pp. 41-48
Gospel of Matthew: focus on chaps 13, 16, 18, 25-28
Thurs 2/12 Discipleship in Luke-Acts, part 1 Longenecker, pp. 50-70
Tues 2/17 Interpreting Acts: Special Considerations Fee & Stuart, chap 6 (pp. 107-25 )
Discipleship in Luke-Acts, part 2 Longenecker, pp. 71-75
Acts of the Apostles: focus on chaps 1-6, 13, 26-28
Thurs 2/19 Discipleship in Luke-Acts, part 3
Required additional reading: Selections from L. Johnson, Sharing Possessions
In the folder, “Johnson, Sharing Possessions“ for NT 305
Tues, 2/24 Discipleship in John's Gospel, part 1 Longenecker, pp. 77-89 Gospel of John: focus on chaps 3-4, 6, 10
Required additional reading: Selections from R. Brown, Community of the Beloved Disciple
In the folder, “Brown, Community“ for NT 305
Thurs, 2/26 Discipleship in John's Gospel, part 2 Longenecker, pp. 89-93
Gospel of John: focus on chaps 15-17
Tues 3/2 Discipleship in John's Gospel and Letters Longenecker, pp. 93-96
Epistles of John: 1, 2, 3 John
Review for exam #1
Thurs 3/4 Exam #1
Remainder of the class schedule will be provided in early March.
Literature review is due Thurs, March 25
Paper précis is due Thurs, April 8 (note change from page 2 of syllabus)
Exam #2 will be Thurs, April 22
Class presentations will be Tues April 27 and Thurs April 29
Final paper is due Tues, May 4
Thurs 3/18 Interpreting Paul's Letters: Special Considerations Fee & Stuart, chaps 3-4 (pp. 55-87)
Discipleship in 1 Thessalonians Longenecker, pp. 98-118
Special focus: 1 Thessalonians 4
Question to consider: Why is “holiness” emphasized as an important concept for discipleship?
Tues 3/23 Discipleship in 1-2 Corinthians, part 1 Longenecker, pp. 120-126
Special focus: 1 Corinthians 1-4, 9-11
Questions to consider: How should the Corinthians imitate Paul? What virtues does Paul exemplify?
In 1 Corinthians, why doesn't Paul tell others to imitate Christ directly?
Thurs 3/25 1-2 Corinthians, part 2 Longenecker, pp. 126-141
Questions to consider: What aspects of Christ's life does Paul emphasize in 2 Corinthians?
What does it mean to “carry around the dying of Jesus” (2 Cor 4:10)?
How do Paul and the Macedonian churches function as positive examples?
Tues 3/30 Philippians (Literature review is due) Longenecker, pp. 163-179
Questions to consider: How does the “Christ Hymn” (Phil 2:5-11) function as a central theme?
What are the positive or negative examples of Paul and his co-workers?
Questions to consider: What is significant about Christ as revealing God's plan for the world?
What are the “competing visions” of discipleship in Col 2:8?
What does it mean to “follow Christ” in his death and resurrection?
Tues 4/5 Hebrews (Paper précis is due) Longeckecker, pp. 203-223
Questions to consider: What challenges are facing the community addressed by the letter of Hebrews?
What does it mean to be “faithful” in this context?
What models and examples for discipleship are provided?
Thurs 4/8 1 Peter Longenecker, pp. 248-267
Questions to consider: What is significant about the concepts of “pilgrimage” and “journeying?”
In what ways are disciples called upon to imitate Christ's sufferings?
What are the most dangerous threats to Christians and their community?
Tues 4/13 James Longenecker, pp. 225-240
Questions to consider: What issues are facing the community addressed by the letter of James?
What attitudes should disciples have toward wealth and poverty?
What are the positive and negative aspects of speech?
Tues 4/20 James, conclusion and review Longenecker, pp. 241-246
Question to consider: How do the teachings of James connect with other parts of the NT?
Thurs 4/22 Exam #2
Tues 4/27 Presentations
Thurs 4/29 Presentations
Final paper due no later than Tuesday, May 4 at 5:00 PM.