The Nature of the Course:
This course aims to introduce and develop issues related to the life and letters of Paul. Through this course the student will learn about the literary and historical context of the Pauline Epistles. The course will deal exclusively with the literary material found in the Pauline Epistles and the historical material found in the book of Acts. In addition to the biblical material the historical context of the Greco-Roman world and Judaism in Antiquity will be studied as it pertains to the world of Paul. This course will introduce the beginning student to the New Testament figure of Paul and will allow the student to explore critical issues within this field. The class will study the role of Paul in the establishment of the early church and the role of his writings in the development of theology and doctrine of the early church.
The approach to this class is academic rather than religious in scope and will deal with the theology and doctrine as it relates to the scholarly study of Paul. Critical issues such as authorship and historicity will also be discussed within this academic framework. This approach aims at providing a free atmosphere of learning for the religious and non-religious student.
In addition to the scholarly understanding of Paul students are encouraged to have open discussions in class concerning critical issues within the text and historical material.
Objectives:
-To provide an understanding of the Pauline Epistles and the world which they emerged to the beginning student.
-To provide the foundation for further and advanced study of the Pauline material.
-To help students develop scholarly method within the Pauline material.
-To help students develop an appreciation for the Pauline Epistles and historicity regardless of religious preference or belief.
Assigned Texts:
Roetzel, Calvin J., The Letters of Paul: Conversations in Context. Fourth Edition. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1998 (Paperback).
Bible (suggested versions):
The New Oxford Annotated Bible (with the Apocrypha). New Revised Standard Version.
Third Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001 (Paperback).
HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version
New American Standard Version (NASB)
Requirements:
The student will be evaluated on the lectures and required reading in a Mid-term and final examination. These examinations will consist of objective (multiple choice, short answer, etc.) and essay questions. In addition to the exams students are required to write 2 short papers each between 4 and 5 pages in length (doubled spaced). These two papers will be on a particular Pauline topic chosen from a provided list. Students are also responsible for two short quizzes, one on a map of the Pauline world and one on the chronology/dates of Pauline material. In addition to this material students are required to attend class, a 10% participation grade evaluates class attendance.
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Paper #1
Paper #2
Map Quiz
Chronology Quiz
Participation (Attendance)
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20%
30%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
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