Daniel Ebert, Ph.D. Adjunct Professor of New Testament djebert@tiu.edu; (727) 710-6760 NT 6000 Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics Spring 2018 Jan 19-20; Feb 16-17; March 23-24; April 27-28 F S 8:30-4:30 I. Course Description: Biblical Interpretation and Hermeneutics is an introduction to the interpretation of the Bible that surveys the various types of writings (genres) found in the Bible and provides principles for studying, interpreting, and applying the Bible. Three hours masters credit. II. Course Learning Outcomes: By the successful completion of this course the student will be able to: 1. Recognize the various types of writings (genres) in the Bible 2. Apply principles of observation to a sentence, a paragraph, and longer units of text 3. Determine the meaning of words within texts 4. Understand where and how the Bible has different levels of meaning 5. Understand the role of the Holy Spirit in biblical interpretation and hermeneutics 6. Understand the role of authorial intent in biblical interpretation 7. Recognize the role of the reader and the assumptions that the reader brings to biblical interpretation 8. Understand the importance of the literary context and the historical/cultural background for determining the meaning of a given text 9. Interpret and apply texts from the various genres found in the Bible 10. Begin a lifetime appreciation and discipline for studying God s Word 11. Deepen one s love for and devotion to the Lord through interaction with his Word III. Course Texts: Duvall, J. Scott, and J. Daniel Hays. Grasping God s Word: A Hands-on Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. Third edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. (ISBN: 978-0310492573) All assignments are keyed to the third edition; it is NOT possible to use an earlier edition for this class. Standard translation of the Bible, such as NIV/TNIV, RSV/NRSV, ESV, NASB, KJV/NKJV, HCSB; paraphrases or amplified translations, such as LB (Living Bible), NLT, GNB, The Amplified Bible, The Message, are not acceptable for this class (unless indicated in an assignment). 1
An exhaustive concordance of the Bible (available in the TIU library), such as Strong s, the NIV or NASB Exhaustive Concordance, etc. For Optional, helpful texts (available from Rolfing.tiu.edu as e-books) see the Select Bibliography at the end of this syllabus. IV. Class Format This hybrid class combines both online components and traditional in-class sessions. It is essential that you have a reliable Internet connection for this class. Each weekly unit will follow this sequence: READ assigned chapter(s) from Grasping God s Word DOWNLOAD from Moodle any additional course handouts DOWNLOAD from Moodle any sample assignment and/or rubrics COMPLETE assignments from Grasping God s Word UPLOAD to Moodle completed assignment by posted deadline You should complete each unit before proceeding to the next one. This will maximize class participation and discussion. There will be a forum on Moodle for you to post questions and comments. We will meet as a class four times during the semester on the dates indicated. These class sessions will focus mainly on discussing the assignments, clarifying questions that arise, and preparing for the final exegetical paper. Supplemental material and lecture content will also be provided. PLEASE NOTE that assignments 1 and 2 are due before the first class meeting on January 19; all assignments are due according to the schedule at the end of this syllabus. V. Course Requirements A. Class attendance and participation 10% of grade (see Class Attendance Polity Below) B. Pre-session Assignments 60% of grade (each assignment is worth 5%) Reading and Moodle Assignments: Before each of the four in-class sessions, there will be a number of assignments related to the reading of assigned chapters in the textbook. These are designed to maximize class discussion and understanding. These assignments must be uploaded to Moodle by the dates indicated in the schedule below (by mid-night). All assignments and papers should be double-spaced and 12 font (Times New Roman). See assignment templates and examples of A work on Moodle. Assignment #1 Read Grasping God s Word [GGW] chaps. 7, 12. Write a two-page double-spaced reflection paper that answers the following questions: 1) Why do you think that it is necessary to study the Bible? Why can t you just read it and apply it directly to your life? 2) What presuppositions or assumptions do you think that you bring to interpreting Scripture? 3) Describe your background a bit (see GGW, 147 on this question). Assignment #2 - Read GGW chaps. 1,10; and Appendix 1. Select a favorite passage from the Bible (any passage of more than 5 verses; except Psalm 23, which is used for the sample assignment)) and compare 6 8 English versions or paraphrases of this passage. (Versions can be found at biblegateway.com.) Write brief responses to the following questions: How and where do the versions differ? What is unclear (be specific) in some versions (and note which ones), but is clear in others (note these as well)? Which version do you think would be best for public reading in church? Which version would be best suited for personal study? Which version do you like best and why? 2
In-Class Session One Assignment #3 - Read GGW chaps. 11 and 13. Complete assignment 13-3 at the end of GGW, chapter 13. Then spend a few minutes reflecting on the following questions: Should every application that we make from a passage of Scripture tell people to do something? Why or why not? What are some other possible types of application? On Moodle see assignment template and example of A work. Note there are two parts to this assignment: one from GGW and one answering the questions listed above. Assignment #4 - Read GGW chaps. 6, 8. Complete any 2 of the 5 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 6 and be ready to discuss what you have found in class. Also read Jonah and complete assignment 2 as outlined at the end of GGW, chap. 8. Assignment #5 Read GGW, chaps. 2, 3. Complete any 2 of the 3 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 2. Complete any 1 of the 5 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 3. In-Class Session Two Assignment #6 Read GGW, chaps. 4, 5, 9. Complete any 2 of the 5 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 4. Complete assignment 5-2 at the end of GGW, chap. 5. Assignment #7 Read GGW, chaps. 18, 19. Complete any one of the 3 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 18. Complete any 2 of the 5 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 19. Assignment #8 Read GGW, chaps. 20, 21. Complete all the assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 20. Complete any 2 of the 3 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 21. Assignment #9 Read GGW, chap. 22. Complete either one of the 2 assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 22. In-Class Session Three Assignment #10 Read GGW, chap. 14. Complete both assignments that are given at the end of GGW, chap. 14. Assignment #11 Read GGW, chaps. 15,16. Complete either assignment 1 or 2 at the end of GGW, chap. 15. Read either one of the articles listed in assignment 3 (posted on Moodle) and write a one- to two-page, double-spaced reflection paper on what you learned from the article for your understanding of the Gospels. Complete the assignment that is at the end of GGW, chap. 16. Assignment #12 Read GGW, chap 17. Complete either assignment 1 or 2 that is at the end of GGW, chap. 17. Complete assignment 3 at the end of GGW, chap. 17. In-Class Session Four C. Final Reflection Paper 10% Review your reflections from assignment 1. Write a four to five-page paper that reflects on what you have learned from this course. The following questions may help guide you: What assumptions had you made about the Bible before this class that you did not realize? Which part of the interpretive journey do you enjoy the most? Which part of the interpretive journey do you find most challenging? List three ways you think this course will change (or has already changed) your preaching or teaching. Try to give specific examples. There is a Word document on Moodle that you can download that has these questions listed for you to fill in if you prefer. The final reflection paper is due by midnight, MONDAY, April 30, 2018. 3
D. Exegesis Paper 20% Each student will write a ten- to twelve-page (excluding bibliography) paper on any passage from the Bible. Your selected passage should be indicated in a Word document uploaded to Moodle by midnight Monday, March 19, 2017. Specific details concerning the exegesis paper are outlined on GGW, 455 57. The final paper is due by midnight, Thursday, May 7, 2018. VI. Due Dates for Readings and Assignments Assignment Dates Pre-Session Readings and Assignments Jan 15 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 7, 12 Assignment #1 Jan 18 (Thursday) GGW, chaps. 1, 10 and Appendix 1 Assignment #2 Jan 19-20 FIRST IN-CLASS SESSION Jan 29 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 11, 13 Assignment #3 Feb 5 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 6, 8 Assignment #4 Feb 12 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 2, 3 Assignment #5 Feb 16-17 SECOND IN-CLASS SESSION Feb 26 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 4,5,9 Assignment #6 Mar 5 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 18,19 Assignment #7 Mar 12 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 20, 21 Assignment #8 GGW, chap. 22 Mar 19 (Monday) Assignment #9 Chose Passage for Exegetical Paper Mar 23-24 THIRD IN-CLASS SESSION Apr 2 EASTER BREAK Apr 9 (Monday) GGW, chap. 14 Assignment #10 Apr 16 (Monday) GGW, chaps. 15,16 Assignment #11 Apr 23 (Monday) GGW, chap. 17 Assignment #12 Apr 27-28 FOURTH IN-CLASS SESSION April 30 (Monday) Final Reflection Paper May 7 (Monday) Final Exegetical Paper 4
VII. In-class Discussion Schedule (draft, this may vary some) Pre-session Assignments Before our first weekend session, students should have completed the reading of GGW chapters 7,12,1,10 and Appendix 1, in this order, along with assignments #1-2. Weekend One Jan 19 Friday Introductory Thoughts about Language and Interpreting the Bible The Question of Presuppositions and Meaning Discussion of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 7, 12 Discussion of Assignment 1 Jan 20 Saturday English Translations of the Bible; Canon and Textual Criticism Approaches to Biblical Interpretation and Application Discussion of Grasping God s Word, chap. 1, 10 Discussion of Assignment 2 Understanding Larger Contexts Reading the Bible with the Global Church Preview of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 11, 13, 6, 8 Preview of Assignments 3-5 Pre-session Assignments Before our second weekend session, students should have completed the reading of GGW chapters 11, 13, 6, 8, 2, and 3, in this order, along with assignments #3-5. Weekend Two Feb16 Friday Review of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 11, 13 Discussion of Assignment 3 Feb 17 Saturday Review of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 6, 8 Focus on Grammatical Structure Discussion of Assignment 4 Review of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 2, 3 Discussion of Assignment 5 Focus on Literary Structure Preview of Assignments 6-9 5
Pre-session Assignments Before our third weekend session, students should have completed the reading of GGW chapters 4,5,9,18,19,20,21, and 22, in this order, along with assignments #6-9. Weekend Three Mar 23 Friday Review of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 4,5,9 Focus on Word Studies Review of Assignment 6 Mar 24 Saturday Focus on the Old Testament: Narrative and Law Review of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 18,19 Review of Assignment 7 Focus on the Old Testament: Prophecy, Poetry, and Wisdom Review of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 20, 21, 22 Focus on Typology Review of Assignment 8-9 Pre-session Assignments Before our fourth weekend session, students should complete the reading of GGW chapters 14,15,16,17 in this order along with assignments #10-12. Weekend Four April 27 Friday Focus on the New Testament: Letters and Gospels Discussion of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 14-15 Review of Assignment 10 April 28 Saturday Focus on the New Testament: Gospels and Acts Discussion of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 16 Review of Assignment 11 Focus on the New Testament: Revelation Discussion of Grasping God s Word, chaps. 17 Review of Assignment 12 Discussion of Exegetical Paper (and see Appendix 2) and Final Reflection Paper (and see Appendix 3) Course Evaluation: A (95-100%); A- (90-94%); B+ (88-89%); B (82-87%); B- (80-81%); C+ (78-79%); C (72-76%); C- (70-71%); D+ (68-69%); D (62-67%); D- (60-61%); F (0-59%) Class Attendance Policy: Students are required to attend each and every session throughout the entire course period. Due to the nature of Extension classes, attendance at all sessions is especially important with weekend courses. Missing even an hour of a weekend class means a significant portion of the required contact with the instructor and learning community has been lost. For this reason, students missing any portion (hours) of 6
an Extension course can result in a grade reduction; missing more than one weekend class session will result in a grade reduction and possibly failing the course. In the case of extreme emergency or unforeseen circumstances (family emergencies, death, etc.) the student should contact the instructor and secure the necessary permission to miss time in a class and make up the missed class time and assignments. Vacations, ministry responsibilities and travel plans are not considered emergencies and such requests will be denied. As the schedule for the Extension courses is set ahead of time, students should plan ahead to be sure they will be able to make it to all class sessions before they register. If the emergency necessitates a longer absence the student should contact the Dean of Students to request an extension of time, or in rare instances a withdrawal from the class without penalty. Additional Course Policies: - Cell Phones/Laptops/Audio-Visual Recording Cell phones must be silenced and put away for class. The use of laptop computers will only be permitted in class during approved times. - Cheating and Plagiarism Endeavour always to work in accordance with the Academic Integrity statement and policies in the TEDS Academic Catalog and Academic Handbook. Select Bibliography Fee, Gordon D., and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. Third edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993. (ISBN: 978-0310517825) Goldingay, John. Models for Interpretation of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995. (ISBN: 978-1894667401) Greidanus, Sidney. Preaching Christ from the Old Testament: A Contemporary Hermeneutical Method. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999. (ISBN: 978-0802825865) Hendricks, Howard G., and William D. Hendricks. Living by the Book. Chicago: Moody, 1991. (ISBN: 978-0802495389) Johnson, Elliot E. Expository Hermeneutics: An Introduction. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1990. (ISBN: 978-0310341604) Kaiser, Walter C., and Moisés Silva. Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics: The Search for Meaning. Revised edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. (ISBN: 978-0802495389) Klein, William W., Craig Blomberg, and Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Dallas: Word, 1993. (ISBN: 978-0785252252) Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical Spiral. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2006. (ISBN: 978-0830828265) 7