Admission requirements
This course is open to all enrolled students. Knowledge of Greek, Biblical Studies and / or Ancient History, however, is desirable. Students of Theology (Godgeleerdheid) are required to have knowledge in Classical or Koine Greek and have passed the course “Introduction to the New Testament” and the course “NT Exegesis 1” or comparable classes in ancient literature.
Note: Language is English, Dutch upon request if only Dutch native speakers are attending
Description
Paul, the former diaspora Jew from Tarsus, undoubtedly became one of the most successful Christian missionaries. Many scholars even call him the “inventor of Christianity” who paved the way for the obscure Palestinian-Jewish Jesus sect into the wide world of the Greek-speaking Mediterranean. Paul’s way of thinking, penned down in a number of letters to his congregations, lies at the core of many fundamental controversies in the history of Christianity, be it Augustine’s debate with the Pelagians or the Reformation. To “meet Paul” in his letters, therefore, is to get confronted with one of the key figures of Christianity.
We will explore the life, thinking and cultural context of Paulus of Tarsus on the basis of his letter to the Philippians, reading assignments and listening to presentations on key passages from other texts.
Course objectives
After attending this class students will have read Paul’s letter to the congregation in Philippi and explored key passages and topics of Pauline theology in other early Christian texts. Students of Theology will have practiced their expertise in Greek. All participants will have imporoved their academic skills such as preparing and presenting own, guided research.
Timetable
See Time table
Mode of instruction
Seminar with elements of lecture and presentations.
Course Load
The total course load will be 120 hours, 24 hours will be spent for class attendance, the rest for reading the literature and preparing presentations and exams.
Assessment method
- oral exam (50%) – a short presentation (30 %) – active participation in class (20%)
Blackboard
Yes, Blackboard will be used as means of communication and to distribute study material.
Reading list
J.A. Harrill, Paul the Apostle. His Life and Legacy in their Roman Context, Cambridge / New York 2012 (required reading for everybody).
More literature will be distributed in class.
Registration
Via uSis
In addition to the registration in uSis, students are also expected to self-enroll in Blackboard a few weeks before the course starts.
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration à la carte via:http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/godsdienstwetenschappen/aanstaandestudenten/toehoorders-cursussen/toehoordersonderwijs/inschrijven.html
Registration Contractonderwijs via: http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/contractonderwijs/
Remarks
Attendants who miss more than two sessions will have to repeat the course. Minimum attendance is 3 students.
Contact
Prof. dr. Jürgen K. Zangenberg, Instituut Godsdienstwetenschappen