Course Description:

A study of some of the principal themes of the Bible as revealed in the various literary forms including a discussion of the significance of these terms for today.  Emphasis on Acts and the Letters of Paul.

Course Objectives:

    Exploration of the various books of the Bible.
    A study of selected themes of the Bible.
    Specialized study of the Book of Acts and the Letters of Paul.
    A study of some of the literary forms of the Bible as a basis for the recurring
       philosophical and religious questions of fundamental beliefs about the human
       condition.
    Examination of the roots of the traditions at Edgewood expressed in the mission
       statement of the College, which includes the following elements:  intellectual
       competence, Catholic heritage, ecumenical context, community of learners,
       service.

Texts:

    Bible of choice (see instructor).
    Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels.  American Bible Society.
    Dornisch, Loretta.  Paul and Third World Women Theologians: a Commentary.
       Liturgical Press. 1999.
    Ferguson, Duncan S. Bible Basics.  Westminster John Knox Press.

Class Requirements:

    Participation in class, discussions, presentations, exegeses, etc.
    Assimilation of class materials: Notes required. Attending all class sessions is very important. Attendance and careful note taking are extremely important in this class. More than one absence may lower your semester grade.
    Class readings: notes, outlines, and summaries..
    Short papers (2 pages) and Bibliography:
           1.  Bible Basics (In class test)                    - Feb. 1                                 

            2.  Acts                                                    - Feb. 15
           3.  Pentateuch (In class)                            - Feb.15
           4.  Paul's Letters                                       - Mar. 1
           5.  Dornisch (In class)                               - Mar 22
           6.  Prophets/Writings                                - Apr. 5
           7.  Gospel - Mark                                    - Apr.19
           8.  Gospel - Matthew, Luke, or John        - May 3
           9.   Revelation (In class)                           - May 10
     In class response papers (tests) on presented material.

Calendar:

Class period

1.                Introduction.  Orientation.  Methodology
Jan. 18                Bible Basics 1.   Composition of the Bible. Study of the Bible (Test next Class)
                                               2.   Bible: Select from Bible Basics.  
                                               3.    Read Acts.

Jan. 25        Optional

2.                Test on Bible Basics 1 & 2.
Feb. 1                Write 2 page paper on Acts.
                           Bible Basics 3. Pentateuch. Bible selections.
                           Begin Dornisch: Paul and Third World Women Theologians

3.               Paper on Acts due.
Feb. 15               Bible: In class test on Pentateuch/Torah
                           Bible: Letters of Paul and Dornisch.
                           2-page paper of Paul's letters due next class. 

4.               2-page paper on Paul's letters due.
Mar. 1                 Bible Basics 4: Prophets. Selected Prophets. 
                           Use library, Bible, Commentaries, etc.
                           Finish Dornisch. Prepare for class book review - next class.

(3 weeks)

5.              In class test: Dornisch.
Mar. 22              Bible Basics 5. Writings.
                          Writings - Selections from Psalms, Proverbs, etc.
                          Review Hebrew Scriptures: Prophets and Writings.
                          Write a 2-3 page paper on Prophets and Writings. 

6.              2-3 Page paper on Prophets and Writings due.
Apr. 5                 Gospels. Bible Basics 6.
                           Bible: Select from Bible Basics.
                           Use Gospel Parallels and other Gospel tools.
                           Gospel of Mark.
                           Write a 2-page exegesis on text from Gospel of Mark.
                            (Attend church or synagogue service during week of Apr 11-13- optional: write response.)

7.                  Exegesis on Gospel of Mark due.
Apr. 19               Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Luke, Gospel of John.
                           Write 2-page exegesis on text from Matthew, Luke, or John.

8.                 Exegesis on text from Matthew, Luke, or John due.
May 3               Book of Revelation. 

9.               In class test on Book of Revelation.
May 10               All materials due. Tests as needed.