REL 211 The New Testament (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
This course examines the twenty-seven writings that constitute the distinctively Christian portion of Christian scriptures, known as the New or Christian Testament (see Religion 201 for a course on the Hebrew Bible, the portion of the Christian Bible whose writings are scripture for both Jews and Christians). This course introduces students to a range of methods of biblical interpretation, to cultivate an understanding of the texts in the ancient historical and literary contexts of the Roman Empire, Judaism, and emerging Christian communities in which individual New Testament writings were composed and interpreted. The course also explores the process by which this collection of writings became authoritative for Christians.
Format: lecture and discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation, brief weekly writing exercises, 5- to 7-page historical exegesis paper, and a final exam.
No prerequisites, open to all classes. No enrollment limit (expected: 25).
BUELL