Regular Offerings

SS517  PENTATEUCH AND HISTORICAL BOOKS (3) [Fall]
Introduces the Old Testament, its traditions and theology, through the use of contemporary theological, historical-critical, and literary methods, with exegesis of selected passages from the Pentateuch and Historical Books. 

SS520  CRITICAL STUDY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT (3) [Spring]
Introduces the literature and people of the New Testament, as well as its rich and varied theological vision. Presents both the historical and the sociological framework of the New Testament.  A theological reflection at the end of each course section highlights the prominent theological themes of the material.  These themes are compared and contrasted to illustrate the unity and diversity of the New Testament’s theology.

SS524  SYNOPTIC GOSPELS (3) [Fall]
Conducts a critical examination of the Synoptic Gospels, with attention to the particular theology of the Good News according to Matthew, Mark and Luke.  Performs exegesis of selected passages.

SS613  EXEGESIS SEMINAR (3) [Spring]
Introduces the document of the Pontifical Biblical Commission, “The Interpretation of the Bible in the Church”, and conducts a directed experience in the process of interpreting a variety of texts from the Old and New Testaments.  Focuses primarily on the science and the art of exegesis, with its multiple methods and approaches taught through an inductive method designed to prepare the student for using the Scriptures in theology and preaching.  Pre-requisite:  SS517. 

SS614  PROPHETS, PSALMS AND WISDOM LITERATURE (3) [Spring]
Introduces the phenomenon of prophecy in ancient Israel, its development and decline with special attention to the individual prophetic books and their significant theological themes.  The wisdom literature, including the Psalms, will also be considered in the light of its history, relationship to the ancient Near East and major themes. 

SS621  PAULINE LETTERS (3) [Spring]
Introduces the body of Pauline literature and surveys the individual letters, including a synthesis of theological themes built on the exegesis of selected passages. 

Special Offerings

SS756 JUDAISM IN NEW TESTAMENT TIMES (3) [Fall 2010]
Explores the surprising phenomenon of Jewish survival in the turbulent period following the return from Babylonian exile through the closing of the Talmuds. Emphasizes the rise and fall of competing Jewish religious and political institutions and ideas stressing Messianism, survival after death, sectarian divisions and rabbinic responses to national calamity. Sponsored by the Jewish Chatauqua Society.

SS757  BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR CONTEMPORARY SPIRITUALITY (3) [Spring 2011]
Focuses on the two-fold nature of spirituality, search for interiority coupled with concern for social justice and attempts to trace its expressions and development in both the Old and New Testaments.  Discusses related issues, such as prayer and asceticism. [SP applicable]

SS784  PRAYING AND PREACHING THE LECTIONARY (3) [Fall 2010]
Examines the development of the Roman lectionary after Vatican II in the light of contemporary biblical scholarship, especially emphasizing the readings for the upcoming liturgical year and their use in preaching, teaching and personal prayer.

Potential Offerings

SS736 JOHANNINE LITERATURE (3)