[Note: All courses are numbered from 100 to
699, with a prefix code of two letters that indicates the department
or discipline in which the course is taught. The first numerical
digit indicates the level of difficulty or advancement of the
course. The 100 to 300 level are undergraduate courses. Courses
numbered 400 and above are graduate level courses. The second
and third digits may have significance within their particular
departments. Not all courses will be offered each semester; course
offerings may vary.]
Biblical and Theological Studies
Biblical Studies – Old Testament / Hebrew Bible
OT100 Intro to the OT (3 units)
An introductory survey into the literature
of the First Testament, as it is conceptualized as both the Hebrew
Bible and the Old Testament of the Christian canon. The course will
focus on the historical-critical method and will also explore the
role of canonical and textual criticism, teaching the students basic
interpretive and exegetical methods for usage in Biblical Criticism.
OT110 Intro to the Torah (3 units)
An introduction to the first five books of
Moses in the Hebrew Bible. Course will focus on the texts individually
as well as corporately within the canon.
OT220 Historical Literature of the Old Testament (3 units)
A study of Joshua through II Kings and the
history, ideology, and theology found there.
OT210 Pentateuch (3 units)
This course examines creation, fall, Israel's
ancestors, exodus, and the Law using literary and historical analysis.
Theological issues explored include the character of God, human nature,
and covenantal relationship with God.
OT331 Prophets: Major and Minor (3 units)
A general literary and historical analysis
of the prophetic books of the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible. Attention
paid to their function and purpose in both the Jewish and Christian
canons.
OT333 Minor Prophets (3 units)
A study of the historical backgrounds, the
theological aspect, time, and place of ministry, and personality
of each of the authors of the books from Hosea through Malachi.
OT340 Psalms and Wisdom (3 units)
This course will explore the Psalms and the
Wisdom books of the Hebrew Bible, both as literary products of the
ancient world, and as Scripture for both Christian and Jewish communities.
The Psalms will be given particular attention, both as aids to prayer
and spiritual practice, and for their role in Christian liturgy,
past and present. We will also examine Ecclesiastes, Job, and Proverbs
in some detail, with careful attention to each book as an expression
of people of faith in light of the joys and sorrows of daily living.
OT341 The Book of Job (3 units)
The Book of Job has given expression to the
pain of countless people over the course of time and expresses the
early Israelites’ treatment of the age-old question of why
bad things happen to good people. This course provides an in depth
study of the Book of Job in its literary-historical context, treating
various theories of composition and meaning.
OT342 Wisdom Literature (3 units)
A study on the basis of the English language
of the various books of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, including
Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.
OT360 Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (3 units)
A survey of the corpus of texts that were omitted
from the Protestant canon, and their historical and literary significance
to the Jews that composed and read them.
OT371 The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Impact on Biblical Scholarship
(3 units)
This course deals with the ways in which the
discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has impacted Biblical Studies, particularly
textual criticism and canonical criticism.
OT372 The Old Testament and Archaeology (3 units)
A study of the history of the OT from Abraham
to the Exile with special attention given to archaeology in relationship
to history.
OT385 Canonical Criticism (3 units)
A reading of biblical texts with its emphasis
on the corporate faith and responsibility of early believing communities
that read and transmit the biblical texts and the thrust of their
hermeneutical modes.
OT401 Bible Exposition (3 units)
A thorough preparation for the exegesis and
exposition of the English Bible. After a survey of the historical
schools of hermeneutics, different methods of interpretation will
be studied.
OT400 History of the Old Testament (3 units)
A general study of the Old Testament with special
attention given to the history and message as well as literary features.
This course is intended as an entry level, or refresher, course for
masters level students.
OT410 Pentateuch (3 units)
This course examines creation, fall, Israel's
ancestors, exodus, and the Law using literary and historical analysis.
Theological issues explored include the character of God, human nature,
and covenantal relationship with God.
OT447 Selected Psalms (3 units)
A study on the basis of the English language
to acquaint the student with the nature of Hebrew poetry, the various
types of Psalms with special reference to their theology.
OT445 Wisdom Literature (3 units)
A study on the basis of the English language
of the various books of wisdom literature in the Old Testament, including
Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.
OT460 Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (3 units)
A survey of the corpus of texts that were omitted
from the Protestant canon, and their historical and literary significance
to the Jews that composed and read them.
OT470 Geography and Archaeology of the Bible (3 units)
A survey of the topography, climate, historical
times, and archaeology of the Bible lands designed to provide background
for Bible study.
OT485 Technology and the Dead Sea Scrolls (3 units)
Course discusses the various stages of preservation,
conservation, and dissemination of the Dead Sea Scrolls throughout
the last century. Beginning with the photography of John C. Trever,
through the multi-spectral imaging projects of Jet Propulsion Laboratories
and the Ancient Biblical Manuscripts Center, this course offers the
student a glimpse into how technology can assist the scholar in reconstructing
the past.
OT531 Former Prophets: Joshua - 2 Kings (3 units)
A study of the historical background and theological
purposes, and personages behind each of these prophetic books of
the Old Testament.
OT532 Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel (3 units)
A study of the historical background and theological
purposes, and personages behind each of these prophetic books of
the Old Testament.
OT533 Minor Prophets (3 units)
A study of the historical background, the theological
aspect, time, and place of ministry, and personality of each of the
authors of the books from Hosea through Malachi.
OT535 OT Prophets: Jeremiah (3 units)
A study of prophetic literatures in Hebrew
Bible in general and Book of Jeremiah in particular.
OT536 True or False Prophets (3 units)
An understanding of hermeneutical modes and
its validity adopted and used by the early believing community attested
within the Bible.
OT541 The Book of Job (3 units)
The Book of Job has given expression to the
pain of countless people over the course of time and expresses the
early Israelites’ treatment of the age-old question of why
bad things happen to good people. This course provides an in depth
study of the Book of Job in its literary-historical context, treating
various theories of composition and meaning.
OT561 The Books of the Maccabees (3 units)
An in depth study of the literary occasion
and purposes of each of the books 1-4 Maccabees. Attention will be
paid to the historical context, genre, and the employment of the
Jewish martyrdom stories as a topos in this literature.
OT571 The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Impact on Biblical Scholarship
(3 units)
This course deals with the ways in which the
discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has impacted Biblical Studies, particularly
textual criticism and canonical criticism.
OT572 The Septuagint (3 units)
An overview of the most well-known codification
of the Greek translation of the Torah, and subsequent translations
of the rest of the Hebrew Bible. Focus will include a comparative
analysis of the text with the Masoretic Text, emphasizing variations.
OT583 Hermeneutics: Exodus (3 units)
A detailed study of the book of Exodus with
emphasis on the development of theological issues in the demarcation
of texts.
OT595 Hebrew Exegesis (3 units)
Cross listed as BL505. See the section on Biblical
Languages.
OT611 Reading in Genesis (3 units)
A reading of Genesis in general and Genesis
1-11 in particular with the emphasis on its smaller and larger literary
blocks.
OT620 Deuteronomistic theory and the Historical Books of Hebrew Bible
(3 units)
A reading of Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel, and I & II Kings
with emphasis on the intent of deuteronomistic writers who attempted
to explain the fall of Israel during or after the exile. The merits
and critiques of the deuteronomistic theory will be discussed.
OT621 I Kings: Social-Political Contexts of Ancient Israel (3 units)
A reading of I Kings in Hebrew Bible with the
emphasis on its social political background behind the texts
OT636 Book of Jonah: Rhetorical Criticism and Beyond (3 units)
A reading of Jonah by using form critical analysis
and rhetorical analysis.
OT645 Ecclesiastes (3 units)
A detailed reading of Ecclesiastes and wisdom
literature and its influence in Hebrew Bible.
OT685 Canonical Criticism (3 units)
A reading of biblical texts with its emphasis
on the corporate faith and responsibility of early believing communities
that read and transmit the biblical texts and the thrust of their
hermeneutical modes.
OT691 Pentateuch: Exegesis, Theology and Hermeneutics (3 units)
A study of first five books in Hebrew Bible
and its composition, structure and overarching theological issues.
OT695 Advanced Hebrew Exegesis (3 units)
Cross listed as BL605. See the section on Biblical
Languages.
Biblical Studies – New Testament / Early Christianity
NT101 Introduction to New Testament (3 units)
A study of the New Testament with emphasis
on the historical, theological and literary features.
NT171 Late Second Temple Judaism / Judaism of Jesus’ Day
(3 units)
A survey of the strains, sects and movements
within Palestinian and diaspora Judaism during Jesus’ time. Focuses
on the variety of “Judaisms” and their socio-political
standpoints, as well as the state of religious literature at the time.
Emphasis on the Council of Yavneh, the destruction of the Temple at
Jerusalem, and the Bar Kochba Rebellion, and the cultural and religious
ramifications of these events.
NT172 Religions of the Greco-Roman World: The New Testament in Context
(3 units)
A survey of the various religious strains and
cults of the Greco-Roman world and their significance to the development
of Christianity and Late Second Temple Judaism.
NT201 An Introduction to the Synoptic Problem (3 units)
An overview of the classic problem of the Synoptic
Gospels, their literary and traditional relationship, and the numerous
solutions to the problem. Course will focus on the Two and Four Source
Hypotheses and the postulated existence and reconstruction of a Q
Source.
NT210 The Four Gospels (3 units)
A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John with emphasis on content, similarities, and differences.
Critical methodologies are studied and evaluated. Occasional comparison
will be made to a few of the more significant non-canonical gospels,
on the basis of theology and socio-historical significance.
NT220 Pauline Epistles (3 units)
A study of the letters attributed to Paul in
terms of their literary and theological issues and in the context
of early Christianity. Attention will be paid to the issue of pseudepigraphy
and pseudonymity of the Deutero-Pauline and Pastoral Epistles.
NT230 Acts (3 units)
A detailed study of the Book of Acts with emphasis
on the development of the early church and on the life and missionary
journey of Paul. Its relationship to the Gospel of Luke will be highlighted,
on both a literary and thematic level as well as a theological one.
NT241 The Book of Revelation in Context (3 units)
The Revelation to John will be studied in its
socio-historical context, with emphasis on the significance and meaning
to its authors and intended readership.
NT305 The Early Christian Martyrs (3 units)
An overview of the martyrological literature
of the first several centuries prior to Constantine. Addresses the
common scholarly definitions of martyrdom in comparison with Jewish
martyrs and pagan and Noble Deaths. Emphasis will be placed on the
theological diversity represented in the Christian martyrologies,
particularly with respect to their views of the afterlife.
NT307 Women in Early Christianity (Images of the Feminine in Early
Christian Literature) (3 units)
This course will briefly explore the role of
women, and views on femininity in the Greco-Roman world and Judaism,
in comparison with the roles of women in the early church. Emphasis
will also be placed on female deities in Greco-Roman religion and feminine
aspects of God in Judaism. Female personages in the gospels and in
early Christian literature will be studied, including the Syro-Phoenician
woman, Thecla, Phoebe, and Mary Magdalene. Focus will be placed on
the controversy over women’s roles and leadership in the late
first and early second century, particularly in the Pauline churches
and with respect to the Mary Magdalene traditions.
NT320 Theology of Paul (3 units)
A study of the theology of Paul’s undisputed epistles with an
eye toward the coherency of his theology. It will entail a close reading
and exegetical study of key passages in the primary texts, as well
as readings in standard text books.
NT321 Romans (3 units)
Interpretation of key passages of the epistle
with special attention to its theological teaching and its relation
to other Pauline letters.
NT325 Deutero-Pauline and Pastoral Epistles (3 units)
In depth study of the disputed letters of Paul
in their historical and literary context. Theological, thematic,
and communal issues will be addressed mainly, as well as the issue
of possible pseudonymous authorship.
NT365 Writings of the Apostolic Fathers (3 units)
This course will emphasize readings in the
primary texts of the Apostolic Fathers: Clement of Rome, Ignatius
of Antioch, Barnabas, Polycarp, Papias, and the Didache.
NT381 Comparative Christology in the New Testament and Beyond (3 units)
Compares the various Christological depictions
of Jesus in the major texts of the New Testament, highlighting both
similarities and differences in portrayal. Emphasis is placed on
canonical texts, with additional focus on significant non-canonical
traditions.
NT400 New Testament Introduction (3 units)
A study of the New Testament with emphasis
on the historical, theological and literary features.
NT410 The Four Gospels (3 units)
A study of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John with emphasis on content, similarities, and differences.
Critical methodologies are studied and evaluated.
NT412 A Study of Mark (3 units)
A study of the Gospel of Mark in socio-historical
context, with an eye toward thematic and theological analysis. It
will touch on the theory of Markan Priority and will analyze Mark’s
Christological and Eschatological ideologies.
NT420 Pauline Epistles (3 units) (3 units)
A study of the letters attributed to Paul in
terms of their literary and theological issues and in the context
of early Christianity. Attention will be paid to the issue of pseudepigraphy
and pseudonymity of the Deutero-Pauline and Pastoral Epistles.
NT425 Deutero-Pauline and Pastoral Epistles (3 units)
In depth study of the disputed letters of Paul
in their historical and literary context. Theological, thematic,
and communal issues will be addressed mainly, as well as the issue
of possible pseudonymous authorship.
NT427 General Epistles (3 units)
Respectful study of the oft-forgotten epistles
of the New Testament and their importance to the early communities
that championed their inclusion in the canon. Their theological and
socio-historical significance will be addressed.
NT430 Acts (3 units)
A detailed study of the Book of Acts with emphasis
on the development of the early church and on the life and missionary
journey of Paul.
NT431 Luke-Acts (3 units)
An exegetical, theological and hermeneutical
reading of Luke and Acts with emphasis on their theological concepts
NT471 Late Second Temple Judaism / Judaism of Jesus’ Day
(3 units)
A survey of the strains, sects and movements
within Palestinian and diaspora Judaism during Jesus’ time. Focuses
on the variety of “Judaisms” and their socio-political
standpoints, as well as the state of religious literature at the time.
Emphasis on the Council of Yavneh, the destruction of the Temple at
Jerusalem, and the Bar Kochba Rebellion, and the cultural and religious
ramifications of these events.
NT472 Religions of the Greco-Roman World: The New Testament in Context
(3 units)
A survey of the various religious strains and
cults of the Greco-Roman world and their significance to the development
of Christianity and Late Second Temple Judaism.
NT505 The Early Christian Martyrs (3 units)
An overview of the martyrological literature
of the first several centuries prior to Constantine. Addresses the
common scholarly definitions of martyrdom in comparison with Jewish
martyrs and pagan and Noble Deaths. Emphasis will be placed on the
theological diversity represented in the Christian martyrologies,
particularly with respect to their views of the afterlife.
NT507 Women in Early Christianity (Images of the Feminine in Early
Christian Literature) (3 units)
This course will briefly explore the role of
women, and views on femininity in the Greco-Roman world and Judaism,
in comparison with the roles of women in the early church. Emphasis
will also be placed on female deities in Greco-Roman religion and feminine
aspects of God in Judaism. Female personages in the gospels and in
early Christian literature will be studied, including the Syro-Phoenician
woman, Thecla, Phoebe, and Mary Magdalene. Focus will be placed on
the controversy over women’s roles and leadership in the late
first and early second century, particularly in the Pauline churches
and with respect to the Mary Magdalene traditions.
NT511 The Synoptic Traditions (3 units)
An overview of the classic problem of the Synoptic
Gospels, their literary and traditional relationship, and the numerous
solutions to the problem. Course will focus on the Two and Four Source
Hypotheses and the postulated existence and reconstruction of a Q
Source. Emphasis on the proposed reconstructions and content of Q.
NT515 John and Johannine Tradition in Context (3 units)
A study of the Gospel of John with emphasis
on its historical, literary and theological aspects in view of modern
scholarship. Emphasis will be placed on its Christological innovations,
as well as its relationship to Stoic, Platonic, and Proto-Gnostic
thought. The Johannine epistles will be studied in the context of
the overall tradition of the Beloved Disciple.
NT520 Theology of Paul (3 units)
A study of the theology of Paul’s undisputed epistles with an
eye toward the coherency of his theology. It will entail a close reading
and exegetical study of key passages in the primary texts, as well
as readings in standard text books.
NT540 The Book of Revelation and Christian Apocalypses (3 units)
The Revelation to John will be studied in its
socio-historical context, with emphasis on the significance and meaning
to its authors and intended readership. Comparison will be made with
other apocalyptic texts of the period, such as the Shepherd of Hermas.
NT555 Thomas Traditions (3 units)
An introduction to the literature attributed
to the Apostle Thomas and his schools. Focuses on traditions from
the Nag Hammadi Library, other Gnostic and non-canonical literature,
with special emphasis on the Gospel of Thomas. Addresses the relationship
of these to canonical traditions about him.
NT565 Writings of the Apostolic Fathers (3 units)
This course will emphasize readings in the
primary texts of the Apostolic Fathers: Clement of Rome, Ignatius
of Antioch, Barnabas, Polycarp, Papias, and the Didache.
NT581 Comparative Christology in the New Testament and Beyond (3 units)
Compares the various Christological depictions
of Jesus in the major texts of the New Testament, highlighting both
similarities and differences in portrayal. Emphasis is placed on
canonical texts, with additional focus on significant non-canonical
traditions.
NT611 Synoptic Gospels (3 units)
A critical reading of first three gospels in
the New Testament with emphasis on its literary features and theological
message.
NT615 John (3 units)
A study of the Greek text of the Gospel of
John with emphasis on its historical, literary and theological aspects
in view of modern scholarship.
NT621 Exposition of Romans (3 units)
In a study of the Greek text, students apply
linguistic and exegetical methods for the exposition of the book
of Romans. Attention is given to developing a series of lessons or
sermons from Romans.
NT622 Corinthian Correspondence (3 units)
An overview of Paul’s epistles to the Corinthians within their
socio-historical context. Focuses on the relationship of Paul to the
community, the evident problems and Paul’s admonitions. Literary
analysis of composition will also be discussed.
NT624 Galatians (3 units)
An exegetical, theological and hermeneutical
reading of Galatians.
NT625 Ephesians: Bearing the Image of Christ (3 units)
A critical understanding of composition, literary
feature and theological concepts of the New Testament.
NT626 Philippians (3 units)
An exegetical reading of Philippians with the
emphasis on its structure and theological issues.
NT627 Philippians and Colossians (3 units)
An in depth study of two of Paul’s “prison letters”.
Explores the occasion, theology, and purpose of both letters, as well
as the possibility that Colossians was written pseudonymously at a
later time.
NT650 Gnosticism and Heterodox Traditions (3 units)
Seeks to explore the varying definitions of “Gnosticism” and
place it amid the various heterodox traditions reported by the heresiologists
and represented by many of the heterodox non-canonical writings. Attention
will be paid to the Nag Hammadi Library and such scholarly works as
Walter Bauer ’s Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity.
NT681 Son of God (3 units)
Course addresses the most significant Christological
term in the New Testament, studying its background in Jewish literature
throughout the First and Second Temple Periods, its connection to
messianic thought, and its significance in the Greco-Roman world.
NT682 Son of Man (3 units)
Course addresses one of the most enigmatic
Christological terms in the New Testament, studying its background
in Jewish literature throughout the First and Second Temple Periods,
as well as its presence in various non-canonoical literature like
Enoch and Nag Hammadi. Special emphasis on the various scholarly
opinions about the nature of the term and its possible apocalyptic
meaning in contrast to its idiomatic meaning.
NT683 Biblical Interpretation: Luke and Scripture (3 units)
An in-depth study of intertextuality in Scripture
in general and Luke in particular
General Biblical Studies
BS101 History of Christian Biblical Interpretation (3 units)
This course will examine the range of Christian
modes and methods of biblical interpretation, from biblical times
to the present. Particular attention will be paid to: (1) The interpretation
of the First Testament by writers of the New Testament, including
Paul and the Gospel writers; (2) the foundational work of the Church
leaders of the first five centuries of Church life, including both
Western and Eastern traditions; (3) forms of medieval exegesis, including
allegorical and mystical methods of reading; (4) the development
of modern methods of interpretation, examining Protestant, Catholic,
and Orthodox procedures; and (5) the wide diversity of hermeneutical
approaches to Scriptures current today, including liberationist,
literary, post-colonial, and canonical methods, among others.
BS103 Biblical Interpretation (3 units)
A study of the methods of interpretation of
the Bible with special attention to textual, historical and theological
issues.
BS585 Bible as Canon (3 units)
A critical reading of the Bible as canon and
its understanding of early believing communities.
BS692 Hermeneutics and Bible Exposition (3 units)
A detailed exposition of hermeneutics (or interpretation)
as a discipline and endeavor, dealing with modern methodological
issues in understanding the Bible.
BS699 Biblical Understanding of Peace (3 units)
An understanding of peace in the Bible and
its applicability in modern contexts.
Biblical Languages
BL101 Hebrew I (3 units)
An introduction to O.T. Hebrew with emphasis
on vocabulary, syntax and grammar.
BL102 Hebrew II (3 units)
Advanced study of Hebrew grammar with emphasis
an improvement of vocabulary.
BL103 Greek I (3 units)
An introduction to the grammatical forms, syntax
and vocabulary of N.T. Greek.
BL104 Greek II (3 units)
Continued study of vocabulary and advanced
grammar with translation of portions of the N.T.
BL401 Hebrew I (3 units)
An introduction to the elements of Biblical
Hebrew with emphasis on equipping the student to be able to read the
Hebrew text.
BL402 Hebrew II
Advanced study of Hebrew grammar with emphasis
an improvement of vocabulary.
BL403 Greek I (3 units)
A study of basic vocabulary and an analysis
of the grammar of New Testament Greek. The student will learn to
use Greek through an inductive study of the Gospel of John.
BL404 Greek II (3 units)
This course continues the study of grammar
and vocabulary and develops techniques for reading and exposition
of the Greek text. The principles of interpretation are studied and
applied as the student develops insights from the Gospel of John
for production of sermons and Bible studies.
