Description:

This course offers an overview of the Christian Bible (in the Christian tradition known as the the New Testament) and selected Early Christian Writings. We will study the New Testament in its historically chronological order, and explore exemplary events that characterize the spiritual, cultural, and intellectual heritage of Christian belief. In addition, we will briefly investigate some examples of non-canonical sources from the gnostic texts in Nag Hammadi and Pseudepigrapha. Throughout history, the Christian Bible has been interpreted by doctors and theologians, but also in art, literature and in the tongues of various people (e.g. Latin American people in the so called Liberation theology, feminists, minorities et al.) Accordingly, students in this course will develop a sensitivity for recognizing distinctive voices in exploring exemplary interpretive approaches and methods and interpret sacred texts based on modern academic scholarship.

No previous familiarity with the New Testament, non-canonical texts or with scriptural interpretations is expected but you should bring a willingness to explore familiar as well as unfamiliar contexts with empathy. I would hope that you complete this course with an appreciation for defining characteristics of a multifaceted body of sacred writings, being able to recognize divergent voices that shape and have shaped interpretations of Christianity.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course the student should be able to do the following:

•  Recognize that the texts originated from a cultural context that is characterized by historical distance of time and space as well as differences in the use of language if compared to modern literature

•  Demonstrate a beginning facility to identify methodologies of various types of hermeneutic approaches (e.g. historical critical analysis, literary studies, feminist readings)

•  Review some examples of coherent, disciplined studies of a religious text and become aware of the diversity of perspectives presented

•  Demonstrate the ability to apply a method of interpretation in an analysis of a text passage

•  Describe some biblical topics and motifs that have influenced literature, art, and ideas in the Western world

•  Critically evaluate examples of social, cultural, and historical developments influenced by the biblical text

Assignments

During the course, we will spend considerable time studying, analyzing and critically assessing sacred texts. We will use a computer-lab (every second week), to work closely with texts in connection with guided research. A series of assignments will provide you with ideas, instructions and questions to explore specific topics. The assignments will always deal with the readings and topics discussed during the week. Therefore, lectures as well as the readings in your textbooks are a very important preparation for your written essays. Since I will be in the computer-lab, this is a time to consult with me on any questions regarding the written assignments. The goal of these assignments is threefold:

a) to acquire close knowledge of the texts in their historical settings,

b) to learn about methods of interpretations and critical analysis,

c) to apply this knowledge according to the questions in the assignments, developing interpretive skills.

While I will grade only four of your assignments (worth 20% of your overall grade) to give you an initial perspective regarding my expectations, you need to submit all of your work every week to show your ability to understand the concepts and formulate these in writing. You, however, will choose the essays for a letter grade. In case you would like to have a particular essay graded, please mark this clearly on top of the paper. Submitting the additional four weekly essays in an adequate form including a works cited, and showing your serious efforts and contribution in the work, will be worth another 20% of your grade average (each essay is worth up to 25 points).

Term Paper

An important project in this course will be your term paper. This will include your own research, critical assessment, and reflections on a given sacred text . The paper should include your own independent research, in which you need to interpret a section of a sacred text (primary text e.g. Bible, Nag Hammadi sources). Your task will be to identify your method and give an interpretation of the primary text using secondary sources e.g. modern commentaries. In order to perform your research, you should at least include four secondary bibliographical sources. Please consult the general collection in the library and the research guide to acquire academic sources for this task.  You need to plan ahead to spend some time in a library. A worksheet will also guide you in your preparation for the term paper.  You will be required to present your topic of research before the class and discuss it briefly.

The grading criteria will especially focus on the clarity of academic writing as well as the depth of your interpretation of the primary source. Please never hesitate to consult me regarding any questions, concerns, or problems during your research. Note: I do not accept late papers. 

This class follows the “ Academic Honesty Philosophy Statement ” of the College of DuPage. All assignments and the term paper must be your own work. Proven plagiarism will earn you an F for the class. The grading criteria will particularly focus on clarity, creativity, and depth of presentation in your interpretation of a primary literary source. I will not grade any essays that do not include bibliographic references. Check the following Web site if you need information regarding MLA style citations http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/ . Please think about your choices seriously and mark, what you find as a source, your teacher can detect as well! I check frequently for violations. Again, proven plagiarism will earn you an F for the class, possibly a meeting with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, including a formal report and/or an appearance before a Judicial Board.

Class Discussions

Lively discussions make a course much more interesting! Therefore, please keep up with all the readings and ask as many questions as come to your mind while you are researching the material. Since your thoughtful and critical contribution in these discussions accounts for 20% of your grade, please participate regularly! Missing more than two classes during the quarter will negatively influence your participation grade.

Commitment

I promise to give every effort and knowledge to stimulate your interest in and curiosity about the topic. I will give guidance for your work and will respond to your work as promptly and honestly as possible. If you participate in this course, I expect you to complete your assignments regularly, be prepared with your readings and contribute to the discussions in class. I also expect you to hand in your assignments (written essays) on time. If there are exceptional problems, please tell me early, and we will discuss options. In case you cannot participate in the course any longer, you are responsible to withdraw from the course.

Course Materials

• A Bible, preferably the New Revised Standard Version, yet also acceptable are the New Jerusalem Bible, the online version: Revised Standard Version. Old and New Testaments, with the Apocrypha. University of Virginia 08/10/05. http://etext.virginia.edu/rsv.browse.html
  
• Bart D. Ehrman, The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

Grading

[1] Source: Christ. Hagia Sofia. Photo: Adam. 08/22/09.Wikmedia. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Christ_Hagia_Sofia.jpg 008/22/09.Wikmedia.

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