Doctorial seminar on new testament criticism

A doctoral seminar on New Testament criticism! That's a fascinating topic. Here's a potential outline for such a seminar:

Seminar Title: Advanced New Testament Criticism: Methods, Debates, and Applications

Course Description: This doctoral seminar provides an in-depth exploration of the methods, debates, and applications of New Testament criticism. Students will engage with the latest research and debates in the field, examining the historical, literary, and theological dimensions of the New Testament texts. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and written assignments, students will develop a sophisticated understanding of the critical approaches and methodologies used in New Testament scholarship.

Course Objectives:

1. To provide a comprehensive overview of the major methods and approaches in New Testament criticism, including historical-critical, literary, and theological analysis.
2. To engage with the latest debates and controversies in New Testament scholarship, including issues related to authorship, composition, and transmission.
3. To develop critical thinking and analytical skills in the interpretation of New Testament texts.
4. To explore the applications of New Testament criticism in various fields, including biblical studies, theology, and ministry.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction to New Testament Criticism

• Overview of the field and its significance
• Historical development of New Testament criticism
• Key concepts and terminology

Week 2-3: Historical-Critical Methods

• Introduction to historical-critical methods
• Source criticism: identifying and analyzing sources
• Form criticism: analyzing the literary forms of New Testament texts
• Redaction criticism: analyzing the editorial processes of New Testament texts

Week 4-5: Literary Analysis

• Introduction to literary analysis
• Narrative criticism: analyzing the narrative structure of New Testament texts
• Rhetorical criticism: analyzing the rhetorical strategies of New Testament texts
• Poetic criticism: analyzing the poetic devices and structures of New Testament texts

Week 6-7: Theological Analysis

• Introduction to theological analysis
• Christology: analyzing the portrayal of Jesus Christ in the New Testament
• Pneumatology: analyzing the portrayal of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament
• Eschatology: analyzing the portrayal of the end times in the New Testament

Week 8-9: Debates and Controversies

• Authorship and composition: debates surrounding the authorship and composition of New Testament texts
• Textual criticism: debates surrounding the transmission and textual variants of New Testament texts
• Historical Jesus: debates surrounding the historical Jesus and his relationship to the New Testament

Week 10-11: Applications of New Testament Criticism

• Biblical studies: applying New Testament criticism to the study of the Bible
• Theology: applying New Testament criticism to theological reflection and construction
• Ministry: applying New Testament criticism to pastoral ministry and preaching

Assessment:

• Class participation and engagement (20%)
• Written assignments and case studies (40%)
• Research paper (30%)
• Final exam (10%)

Required Readings:

• A selection of primary texts from the New Testament
• A range of secondary sources, including:
  • Historical-critical commentaries (e.g., Metzger, Barrett)
  • Literary analyses (e.g., Rhetorical Criticism, Narrative Criticism)
  • Theological analyses (e.g., Christology, Pneumatology)
  • Debates and controversies (e.g., authorship, textual criticism, historical Jesus)

Recommended Readings:

• A selection of advanced New Testament commentaries and monographs
• A range of secondary sources, including:
  • Methodological overviews (e.g., Wright, Dunn)
  • Debates and controversies (e.g., Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, The Jesus Seminar)
  • Applications of New Testament criticism (e.g., biblical studies, theology, ministry)

This is just a sample outline, and you can adjust it to fit your specific needs and goals. Good luck with your seminar!