MA Studies
Master of Arts Program
A. Class Experiences This is a graduate course of collaborative learning in which professor proctor and student are engaged in active learning together. It is expected that all students will not only attend these sessions, but also that they will assume responsibility for contributing to and learning from the experience. This means that readings will be completed prior to arrival in class and that student will pursue the acquisition of knowledge in the learning environment. A reading list will be provided for this session.
Value: 20%
B. Masters of Arts Theological -Thesis Discipline Position Paper Contribution:
For this paper the student will write a 5,000 word research essay articulating the hermeneutical, historical and theological foundation for the particular discipline they are pursuing within theology and the ways in which that discipline relates to the larger theological agenda. Although this paper will have a personal dimension, it must not be journalistic autobiography (do not use first person), but rather must engage in deep hermeneutical, historical and theological reflection that engages key primary and secondary theological resources. Those resources will include (but not be limited to) the articles read in study, as well as those available in the textbooks and in the resource binder available in the advanced degree study courses as well as any others the writer finds helpful. Papers are due in digital form by given due date no later than (midnight, send to professor by email) to be posted on the course site.
Peer Review: Contributors will be led by a Seminary professor and will be required to read and critic position papers prior to the given deadline. A 2 page written review (focus on the content of the paper, both areas for affirmation and improvement/clarification) is to be prepared for each other. A digital copy must be sent to the professor by 11:59 p.m. given deadline. Each contributor should be prepared to articulate, defend and even revise their approach in light of the review.
Value: Contribution: 25%; Review: 10%
Due: Paper: February 1, 11:59 p.m.
Reviews: February 8, 11:59 p.m.
Submission: digital format to professor
Petrus Fidei Seminary M.A. Theology-Biblical Theology (draft syllabus)
C. Book Project
Contribution: This semester we will be engaged in a major book project together While in course. Each of us will contribute papers by offering perspectives from our own theological disciplines on a particular theological theme. Chapters will be limited to 5000 words. The theme of the book will be determined by the professor/proctor in consultation with the class. Each chapter will showcase a theological contribution which engages Scripture. The academic discipline lies within biblical studies therefore students will focus two thirds of their paper on a major biblical contribution to the theme of the volume with one third of the paper engaging the theological (systematic, pastoral, historical) implications of their biblical analysis. Those who discipline lies within theological and ministry studies will focus two thirds of their paper on a relevant topic or figure relevant to the theme with one third of the paper engaging relevant biblical resources. The student will provide a précis of the chapter and interact with proctor on the paper.
Peer review: Students are required to engage each paper this semester in reflective and critical interaction. Each chapter will be peer-reviewed in detail by a group whose membership includes members with expertise in biblical, theological, and ministry studies. This review will focus on all aspects of the paper: presentation, argumentation and content and will be produced in written/digital form (to be sent to professor, by the midnight prior to the discussion of that paper in class). Revisions in light of this review are due within two weeks, at which time a second review in written/digital form will be conducted (again sent to professor). Further reviews are possible. The papers will not be considered for publication by the professor-editor until each member is satisfied with the final product. Final approval of a chapter for publication in the resulting volume must be given by the professor-editor.
Value: Paper and presentation: 30%; Review process: 15%
Due: Paper: one week + one day prior to class, 11:59 pm
Revision: two weeks after member review and class
Review 1: 11:59 p.m. on day prior to class
Review 2: one week after revision completed
Submission: via email to professor in Word format for posting (please embed all fonts).
Petrus Fidei Seminary M.A. Theology -Biblical Theology (draft syllabus)
VII. Format and Evaluation
So I can properly evaluate your work the following style guide is to be used for
papers in this submitted.
• Medium for Submission: All material in this class is to be submitted in digital format to me via email. Please use .pdf format and ensure that what you send is what you want me to read.
• Layout: All material which is submitted should be double spaced with 1″ margins utilizing a readable font (10-12 pts). It must have a title page, footnoting where appropriate and bibliography, all of which are not included in the length required. It should be written in excellent modern literary English with proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and rhetoric (including an introduction, conclusion and logical flow of argument). If it helps an outline may accompany the “paper” but this is not included in the length of the “paper.” Secondary and Primary sources should be used, cited and footnoted appropriately and the paper should follow the Petrus Fidei Seminary Style Guidelines for Essays and Thesis.
• Gender Inclusive Language: Petrus Fidei Seminary uses inclusive language for human beings in worship services, student written materials, and all of its publications. In reference to biblical texts, the integrity of the original expressions and the names of God should be respected. The KJV and NIV are examples of the use of inclusive language for human beings. It is expected that inclusive language will be used in all PFS assignments.
• Citations: You must cite the source of your material very carefully using a consistent system, not only when quoting from a section, but also when drawing from it as resource. Quotations should be kept to a minimum as I favor integration of secondary literature (footnoted).
• Statement on Academic Honesty: Academic dishonesty is a serious offence that may take any number of forms, including plagiarism, the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which previous credit has been obtained, and/or unauthorized collaboration with other students. Academic dishonesty can result in severe consequences, e.g., failure of the assignment, failure of the course, a notation on one’s academic transcript, and/or suspension or expulsion from the
Seminary. Students are responsible for understanding what constitutes academic dishonesty. If you are a Seminary student please refer to the PFS Statement on Academic Honesty ~this is a special issue for those pursuing second and third degrees in theology. It is understood that students will be building on earlier ideas and work, but it is expected that students will not hand in material that is merely “warmed over” previous work. If there reason for concern speak with me about this).
So I can properly evaluate your work and help you grow in your biblical and writing skills the following evaluation guide should be kept in mind as you write:
• Presentation: Is the spelling correct? Does the grammar/syntax reflect proper
English? Is the paper laid out properly?
• Argumentation: Is there a good introduction and conclusion? Does the argument flow with ample support? Is the question answered
• Content: Are all the points considered? Is there proper documentation of sources used?
VIII. Bibliography:
Key collected volumes on the relationship between Theological Disciplines
Ollenburger, B. C., ed.
1991 So Wide a Sea: Essays on Biblical and Systematic Theology. Elkhart, IN:
Institute of Mennonite Studies.
Green, J. B. and M. Turner, eds.
2000 Between Two Horizons. Spanning New Testament studies and systematic
theology. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
Bartholomew, Craig, Mary Healy, Karl Möller, and Robin Parry, eds.
2004 Out of Egypt: Biblical Theology and Biblical Interpretation. Vol. 5 of Scripture and
Hermeneutics Series. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
Marshall, I. Howard.
2004 Beyond the Bible: Moving from Scripture to Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2004.
Welker, Michael, & Schweitzer, Friedrich, eds.
2005 Reconsidering the Boundaries Between Theological Disciplines. Zur
Neubestinnung der Grenzen zwischen den theologischen Disziplinen.Theology:
Research and Science 8. Münster: Lit Verlag.
Helmer, Christine, & Petrey, Taylor G., eds.
2005 Biblical interpretation: history, context, and reality. Atlanta: Society of Biblical
Literature.
Key journal volumes on the relationship between Theological Disciplines
Journal of Religion
76 (1996): 167-289 (papers presented at the University of Chicago
Divinity School, May 7-9, 1995)
Collins, J. J.
1996 ”Introduction: The Bible and Christian Theology,” Journal of Religion 76:167-171.
Ogden, S. M.
1996 ”Theology and Biblical Interpretation,” Journal of Religion 76:172-188.
Wood, C. M.
1996 ”Scripture, Authenticity, and Truth,” Journal of Religion 76:189-205.
Morgan, R.
1996 “Can the Critical Study of Scripture Provide a Doctrinal Norm,” Journal of Religion 76:206-232.
Jeanrond, W. G.
1996 “Criteria for New Biblical Theologies,” Journal of Religion 76:233-249.
Donahue, John R.
1996 ”The Literary Turn and New Testament Theology: Detour or New Direction?” Journal of Religion 76:250-275.
Ph.D./M.A. Seminar-Biblical Theology (draft syllabus)
Long, B. O.
1996 “Ambitions of Dissent. Biblical Theology in a Postmodern Future,” Journal of Religion 76:276-289.
Newsom, Carol A.
1996 “Bakhtin, the Bible, and Dialogic Truth.” Journal of Religion 76:290-306.
Perkins, Pheme
1996 “Spirit and Letter: Poking Holes in the Canon.” Journal of Religion 76:307-327.
Rendtorff, Rolf
1996 ”Recent German Old Testament Theologies.” Journal of Religion 76:328-337.
Lefebure, Leo D.
1996 ”The Wisdom Tradition in Recent Christian Theology.” Journal of Religion 76:338-348.
Biblical Interpretation
6 (1998): 131-257
Brett, M. G.
1998 “Biblical Studies and Theology. Negotiating the Intersections,” Biblical
Interpretation6:131-141.
Sweeney, M. A.
1998 “Reconceiving the Paradigms of Old Testament Theology in the Post-
Shoah Period. [inaugural lecture, School of Theology, Claremont, Ja 23
1996],” Biblical Interpretation 6:142-161.
Olson, D. T.
1998 “Biblical Theology as Provisional Monologization. A Dialogue with Childs,
Brueggemann and Bakhtin,” Biblical Interpretation 6:162-180.
Boer, Roland T.
1998 “Deutero-Isaiah: Historical Materialism and Biblical Theology.” Biblical
Interpretation6:181-204.
Riches, John
1998 “Text, Church and World: In Search of a Theological Hermeneutic.”
Biblical Interpretation
6:205-234.
Watson, Francis
1998 “A Response to John Riches.” Biblical Interpretation 6:235-242.
Jeanrond, W. G.
1998 “The Significance of Revelation for Biblical Theology,” Biblical
Interpretation6:243-257.
Assorted Articles on Biblical Theology and the Disciplines
Hasel, G. F.
1985 “Biblical Theology: Situating the Discipline,” Understanding the Word: Essays in
honor of Bernhard W Anderson(Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
Supplements), J. T. Butler, E. W. Conrad and B. C. Ollenburger, eds., pp. 37-62
Sheffield: JSOT Press.
Dickinson, C.
1995 “Markus Barth and Biblical Theology: A Personal Re-view,” HBT 17:96-116.
Stuckenbruck, L. T.
1999 “Johann Philipp Gabler and the Delineation of Biblical Theology,” Scottish
Journal of Theology 52:139-155.
Carson, D.
2000 “Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology,” New Dictionary of Biblical
Theology, T. D. Alexander and B. S. Rosner, eds., pp. 89-104 Leicester/Downers
Grove: Inter-Varsity Press.
Ph.D./M.A. Seminar-Biblical Theology (draft syllabus)
Vanhoozer, K. J.
2000 “Exegesis and Hermeneutics,” New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, T. D.
Alexander and B. S. Rosner, eds., pp. 52-64 Leicester/Downers Grove: Inter-
Varsity Press.
McConville, J. G.
2001 “Biblical Theology: Canon and Plain Sense (Finlayson Memorial Lecture 2001),”
Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology
19:129-133.
Long, B. O.
1997 “Letting Rival Gods Be Rivals: Biblical Theology in a
Postmodern Age,” Problems in Biblical Theology: Essays in Honor of Rolf
Knierim, H. T. C. Sun and K. L. Eades, eds., pp. 222-233 Grand
Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Murphy, R. E.
1997 “Reflections on a Critical Biblical Theology,” Problems in
Biblical Theology: Essays in Honor of Rolf Knierim, K. L. Eades, ed., pp. 265-280
Grand Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Pannenberg, W.
1997 “Problems in a Theology of (Only) the Old Testament,”
Problems in Biblical Theology: Essays in Honor of Rolf Knierim
, H. T. C. Sun and
K. L. Eades, eds., pp. 275-280 Grand Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Porter, Stanley E.
2004 “Hermeneutics, Biblical Interpretation, and Theology: Hunch, Holy Spirit or Hard
Work?” Pages 97-127 in Beyond the Bible: Moving from Scripture to Theology.
Edited by I. Howard Mashall. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Vanhoozer, Kevin J.
2004 “Into the Great “Beyond”: A Theological Response to the Marshall Plan.” Pages
81-96 in Beyond the Bible: Moving from Scripture to Theology. Edited by I.
Howard Marshall. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic.
Debate Between Riches and Watson (also part of Biblical Interpretation)
Watson, F.
1997 Text and Truth: Redefining Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids: William B.
Eerdmans (Introduction).
Riches, J.
1998 “Text, Church and World. In Search of a Theological Hermeneutic,” Biblical
Interpretation6:205-234.
Watson, F.
1998 “A Response to John Riches,” Biblical Interpretation 6:235-242.
Debate Between Gnuse, Brueggemann and Barr
Brueggemann, W.
2000 “James Barr on Old Testament Theology: A Review of The Concept of Biblical
Theology: An Old Testament Perspective,” HBT 22:58-74.
Gnuse, R.
2001 “The Critic of Biblical Theologians: A Review of James Barr’s The Concept of
Biblical Theology,” BTB 31:44-52.
Barr, J.
2000 “Predictions and Surprises: A Response to Walter Brueggemann’s Review,” HBT
22:93-119.
The Character of Old Testament Theology
Anderson, B. W.
2000 “The Bible in a Postmodern Age,” HBT 22:1-16.
Anderson, B. W. and S. Bishop
1999 Contours of Old Testament theology. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
Barr, J.
1999 The Concept of Biblical Theology: An Old Testament Perspective. Minneapolis:
Fortress.
Ph.D./M.A. Seminar-Biblical Theology (draft syllabus)
Brueggemann, W.
1997 Theology of the Old Testament : testimony, dispute, advocacy. Minneapolis:
Fortress Press.
Gerstenberger, E. S.
2000 “Conflicting Theologies in the Old Testament,” HBT 22:120-134.
Knierim, R. P.
1995 The task of Old Testament theology : substance, method, and cases. Grand
Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans.
Long, B. O.
1997 “Letting Rival Gods Be Rivals: Biblical Theology in a Postmodern Age,” Problems
in Biblical Theology: Essays in Honor of Rolf Knierim, H. T. C. Sun and K. L.
Eades, eds., pp. 222-233 Grand Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Murphy, R. E.
1997 “Reflections on a Critical Biblical Theology,” Problems in Biblical Theology:
Essays in Honor of Rolf Knierim, K. L. Eades, ed., pp. 265-280 Grand
Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Pannenberg, W.
1997 “Problems in a Theology of (Only) the Old Testament,” Problems in Biblical
Theology: Essays in Honor of Rolf Knierim, H. T. C. Sun and K. L. Eades, eds.,
pp. 275-280 Grand Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Rendtorff, R.
1997 “Approaches to Old Testament Theology,” Problems in Biblical Theology: Essays
in Honor of Rolf Knierim, H. T. C. Sun and K. L. Eades, eds., pp. 13-26 Grand
Rapids/Cambridge, UK: Eerdmans.
Sailhamer, J.
1995 An Introduction to Old Testament Theology: A Canonical Approach. Grand
Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan.
Seitz, C. R.
1998 Word without End : The Old Testament as abiding theological witness. Grand
Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans.
Ollenburger, Ben C.
1986 “What Krister Stendahl ‘Meant’–A Normative Critique of ‘Descriptive Biblical
Theology’.” HBT 8 (1986): 61-98.
Whybray, R. N.
1987 “Old Testament Theology–A Non-existent Beast?” Pages 168-180 in Scripture:
Meaning and Method. Essays Presented to Anthony Tyrell Hanson.Edited by B.
P. Thompson. North Yorkshire: Pickering, 1987.
Barr, James
1988 “The Theological Case Against Biblical Theology.” Pages 3-19 in Canon,
Theology and Old Testament Interpretation.Edited by Gene Tucker, David
Petersen and R. W. Wilson. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
Collins, John J.
1989 “Biblical Theology and the History of Israelite Religion.” in Back to the Sources:
Biblical and Near Eastern Studies.Edited by Kevin J. Rathcart and John J.
Healey. Dublin: Glendale, 1989.
1990 “Is a Critical Biblical Theology Possible?” in The Hebrew Bible and Its
Interpreters.Edited by William H. Propp, Baruch Halpern and David Noel
Freedman. Vol. 1 of Biblical and Judaic studies from the University of California,
San Diego. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns.
Please Note:
This syllabus is the property of the instructor and is prepared with
currently available information. The instructor reserves the right to make changes and
revisions up to and including the first day of class.
Copyright © 2009 Petrus Fidei Seminary
