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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS WARTBURG THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
BI 335W Isaiah
BI 376W Paul’s Corinthian Correspondence
A socio-literary analysis of all or portions of the Book of Isaiah, with emphasis on the form and function of the Zion tradition in Jewish thought at various points in Israel’s history and on implications of this tradition for the New Testament and contemporary expressions of faith. Capstone course, two semester hours, Fritschel
An in-depth study of the background, rhetorical structure, and theology of 1 Corinthians (and sometimes 2 Corinthians). Capstone course, two semester hours, Staff
BI 336W Jeremiah A socio-literary analysis of the Book of Jeremiah and an exploration of Jeremiah’s influence on later biblical writings, with emphasis on the value of this prophetic book as a resource for ministry today. Capstone course, Two semester hours, Fritschel
BI 355W From the Hebrew Bible to the New Testament through Intertestamental Literature This course explores how selected New Testament writings were shaped by re-casting of central Hebrew Bible traditions during the formative period extending from ca 300 BCE—100 CE. Jewish writings during this “intertestamental” period—collected in the Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, and Dead Sea Scrolls—offer a crucial window into the shaping of traditions about Jesus in the NT. Tracing trajectories extending from the Hebrew Bible thru intertestamental writings into the NT, we will situate NT claims about Jesus’ identity, salvation, resurrection, sin and evil, the freedom or bondage of the will in their larger biblical/post-biblical contexts. This, in turn, will deepen and broaden our understanding of what NT authors are claiming—which in turn will impact our preaching and teaching of the NT texts, as well as our use of the Hebrew Bible in general pastoral/diaconal care. Capstone course, two semester hours, Sayler
BI 362W The Gospel of Mark A socio-rhetorical, historical, and theological study of the entire narrative of the Gospel, with a focus on key texts for preaching and teaching. Capstone course, two semester hours, Sayler, Staff
BI 363W Luke-Acts An in-depth literary, sociological, historical, political, and theological examination of Luke’s stories of Jesus and the early church, with a focus on key texts for preaching and teaching. Capstone course, two semester hours, Sayler, Staff
BI 364W Matthew An in-depth study of the Gospel as a whole and selected texts, designed to develop skills in exegesis and interpretation of pericopes for preaching and teaching. Capstone course, two semester hours, Staff
BI 365W Johannine Studies An in-depth literary, sociological, historical, and theological study of the Fourth Gospel and letters of John, with a focus on key texts for preaching and teaching. Capstone course, two semester hours, Staff
BI 375W Romans An in-depth study of the background, composition, and theology of Paul’s letter to “God’s Beloved in Rome.” Capstone course, two semester hours, Staff
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BI 377W Galatians An in-depth study of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches, with a detailed exegesis of selected texts. Capstone course, two semester hours, Staff
BI 390W Teaching the Bible In this course, students will explore faith development and age appropriate ways of teaching the Bible to youth and adults and will gain hands-on teaching experience. Curricula will also be reviewed and evaluated. Required, all final year M Div students. Two semester hours. Fritschel, Sayler, Staff
BI 395W Area Electives: Biblical and Early Judaica Studies Audience These courses are designed with two student groups in mind: 1) Students interested in deepening and broadening their skills in biblical/intertestamental literature; and 2) Students interested potentially in attending graduate school. Offerings Courses will be offered in the areas of Hebrew Bible, Intertestamental Literature (Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls), New Testament, and early Judaism, as well as an introduction to Aramaic (for Aramaic see free electives). One course will be offered each semester. Selection of courses will be as follows: early in the semester prior to the one in which the course will be offered, students interested in the biblical area elective will be provided a list of prospective courses and their input sought on which course instructors should offer in the next semester. Students also can request relevant courses not on the list. Generally, courses will be offered in a graduate seminar format. [Note: these courses will also be available as “free” electives and thus open to all students who have the necessary background.] Anticipated Topics Possible topics for area electives may include the following, with other topics to be added over time. All area electives will be two semester hours.
• Qumran Literature: Historical Context, Content, Impact on Biblical Studies This course explores the historical context, content, and impact on Biblical Studies of the library of Qumran manuscripts. Sayler, Staff
• The Impact of 1 Enoch on NT Studies/Implications for Interpretation This course situates the living conversation of the Bible within the context of NT re-castings of HB traditions through the lens of re-castings already at work in 1Enoch and implications for NT interpretation as well as for developing Christian piety. Sayler
• Why Christian Biblical Interpreters Need the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha This course introduces students to major writings in the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha and explores both their Hebrew