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The course considers topics essential for subsequent graduate- level exegesis courses: inspiration, revelation, authority, canon, and the unity of scripture; history of the text and versions of the Old and New Testaments; history of biblical interpretation; methods of biblical criticism; major magisterial documents on biblical studies; and a historical and geographical overview of the Old Testament periods.
(Prerequisite: Hebrew ) A survey of modern scholarship will allow the student to realize the present situation in Pentateuchal studies. Together with the so-called documentary hypothesis, other more recent proposals are presented. The critical analysis of many texts illustrates and manifests the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches.
(Prerequisite: Hebrew) The rise and development of prophecy in Israel as it is presented in the Deuteronomic History are considered. The period of classical prophecy is explored through the literature of the eighth to fifth century prophets. Special emphasis is placed on the basic forms of prophetic speech, the key theological concerns of the prophets, and the process through which these books have evolved to their present canonical form. New Testament and liturgical use of prophetic texts as well as themes for preaching are be integrated in each unit of study.
(Prerequisite: Hebrew) Beginning with a study of Hebrew poetry, the first part of the course explores the Book of Psalms, the principal psalm forms, themes, spirituality and theological accents. The second part surveys Israelite wisdom literature against the background of international ancient Near Eastern culture, noting the characteristic forms and content that Israel shared with neighboring countries. The uniqueness of Israel's approach to Wisdom is explored through the exegesis of passages from Proverbs, Job, Qoheleth, Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon.
(Prerequisite: Greek III) Beginning with a chronology of the life and mission of St. Paul as he speaks of himself in his letters and as he is presented in the Acts of the Apostles, students examine the Jewish and Hellenistic communities in which he lived and preached. The seven undisputed epistles of Paul (Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians and Philemon) are analyzed in detail, with reference to particular context, literary genre, rhetorical patterns, theological themes and stylistic traits. Exegesis of selected passages enables students to appreciate both the development of Pauline thought and the enduring importance of his insights.
(Prerequisite: Greek III) This course is an introduction to the Gospels in general. Students examine the origin of the Gospel genre, the three stages of Gospel formation, historicity, and the "Synoptic Question." The Gospels of Mark and Matthew are examined in order to identify their dates of composition, authorship, location, structure, sources and elements of style. Exegesis of key pericopes highlight the Christology, ecclesiology and significant themes proper to each of these Gospels.
(Prerequisite: Greek III) This course begins with an overview of Johannine scholarship, noting the landmark commentaries and their contributions. The Fourth Gospel is studied in detail, highlighting the various levels of meaning incorporated in its narrative. Its relation to the Synoptic Gospels, along with questions of authorship, date of composition, sources, structure and unity are integrated with the exegesis of numerous passages that focus upon its profound theology and spirituality. Finally, a brief survey of the Johannine epistles is given, as well as some hermeneutic keys to the Revelation of John.
An elective course on a topic in either Old or New Testament studies will be offered each year.
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