NOTRE DAME SEMINARY

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Course Syllabus for SS 102

Introduction to the New Testament
Instructor: Mr. Alex Fournet Semester: Spring 2015
Email: [email protected] Time: Tuesday, 8:30 – 10:20 AM
Office Hours: By Appointment Place: Classroom # 4
Phone: 337-288-9823

I. Course Description
This course offers students an introductory look into the New Testament—its history, theology,
and literature. With particular focus on the life of Jesus of Nazareth, we will delve into the
teachings of the Gospels, the beginning of the Church, and the mystery of the Book of
Revelation.

II. Course Rationale

“For the Sacred Scriptures contain the word of God and since they are inspired, really are the
word of God; and so the study of the sacred page is, as it were, the soul of sacred theology.” -Dei
Verbum, 24

Sacred Scripture forms the bedrock of everything we believe, and provides a litmus test for
everything we learn and do. Furthermore, deep study of Scripture is neither easy, nor particularly
available to the average layperson. They will look to their pastors for help in revealing the
complex beauty and Truth of the Bible. It is therefore absolutely imperative that we have a
deeper understanding of the Bible.

III. Course Goals/Intended Outcomes

1. By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate a firm grasp of the following
topics:
a. The place of the New Testament and New Testament exegesis in the context of
Divine Revelation.
b. The various literary genres contained within the New Testament.
c. The ability to use basic research tools to further your understanding and
appreciation of Scripture.
d. The central figures and themes of the Gospels & Acts.
e. The significance of the letters of the Epistles.
f. The Catholic interpretation of the Book of Revelation.

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2. Students will grow in their appreciation for the critical study that is demanded by a reverence
for the Bible as God’s inspired Word.
3. Ultimate goal... that students develop a new found appreciation for, devotion to, understanding
of, and excitement about the study of Sacred Scripture.

IV. Instructional Methods

1) Lecture
2) Discussion
3) Question and Answer
4) Student Research

V. Texts (Required and/or Recommended)

REQUIRED:

Johnson, Luke T., The New Testament: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford University
Press, 2010, ISBN: 978-0199735709
Paul VI, Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church). Vatican Website, November 18,
1965.
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-
ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html

Choice of:
The New American Bible (with the Revised Book of Psalms and the Revised New
Testament), World Bible Publishing, 2011, ISBN: 978-0529064844

The Revised Standard Version – Catholic Edition Bible (Quality Paperbound): Standard
Print Size, St Benedict Press, 2009, ISBN: 978-1935302100

Benedict XVI, "Pope Benedict XVI Addresses the Synod – On Biblical Exegesis and Theology,”
Vol. XIV, No. 8. Vatican Website, November, 2008.
http://www.adoremus.org/1108Benedict.html

Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (Apostolic Exhortation). Vatican Website, November, 2008.

RECOMMENDED:
These titles will be used, but not enough in my class to justify your purchase of them. I will
provide a copy in class. However, I believe that they will prove very useful in your
continuing academic and spiritual life, and therefor recommend that you purchase your
own copies at some point.

Aland, Kurt, ed., The Synopsis of the Four Gospels, 2nd Ed., RSV. New York: American Bible
Society, 1985.

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 -This book is updated fairly regularly as new translations are published (some are the
NRSV version, which is very good). They are all good, though more recent is better.
Make sure you don’t accidently buy the Greek version!
VI. Bibliography
- This list will be added as the year goes on, but I will announce the necessary
texts in class. I will either make them available to you or they will be on
reserve in the library (so fret not!).

Benedict XVI, "Pope Benedict XVI Addresses the Synod – On Biblical Exegesis and Theology,”
Vol. XIV, No. 8. Vatican Website, November, 2008.
http://www.adoremus.org/1108Benedict.html
Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini (Apostolic Exhortation). Vatican Website, November, 2008.
Lambrecht, Jan. Once More Astonished: The Parables of Jesus. New York: Crossroads,
1981, ch. 1.
Lambrecht, Jan. ‘The Seven Last Words of Christ’ presented at Good Friday Service, St. James
Cathedral, Seattle, Good Friday, 2006.
Paul VI, Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church). Vatican Website, November 18,
1965.
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-
ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html
The Bible Experience (New Testament Audiobook), Zondervan Publishing, 2007.

VII. Professional Vocabulary

-All of these terms will be discussed in greater detail in class.

Commentary:
Exegesis: The critical study of scriptural text, from the Greek, ‘to read out of the text.”
Historical Criticism: The seeking of a greater understanding of Scripture through a study of the
historical and social context in which they were written.
Literary Criticism: The seeking of a greater understanding of Scripture through a study of the
Scripture as a written work; not limited to linguistics, writing styles, ect.
Oral Transmission: Generally refers to the transmission of Scripture before (or at least without)
writing it down.
Aural Transmission: A mix of oral and written transmission in which a text is composed to be
read aloud to an audience.
Redaction [Criticism]: Changes in a written text. Redaction criticism is the study of the same.
Synoptic Gospels: The three Gospels that share the most common style and origins: Matthew,
Mark, and Luke.
Pauline Correspondence: The entirety of the letters written by Paul. This includes those
hypothetical letters that we do not possess.
Canon: Those books that we have in the Bible today.
Non-Canonical Works: Books that may have been considered by some to be Scripture at some
point, but did not make the cut into the Bible we have today.
Apocalyptic Literature: A literary genre common in Palestine during the era of the early Church.
Revelation is a good example of this genre.

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OTHER TERMS TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS (KNOW FOR EXAMS)
- Two-Source Theory/Theory of Markan Priority
- Quelle (Q)
- Sondergut
- Deutero-Pauline

VIII. Lecture, Presentation, and Reading Schedule

January 13th: 1) Syllabus 2) The challenge and purpose of exegesis 3) Tools: Synopsis of
the Four Gospels 4) Tools: basic criticism
 Read: “Pope Benedict Addresses the Synod,”
 Read Ch. 1 & 2 of Johnson, Intro.

January 20th: 1) Intro to the New Testament world & The Easter experience 2) Intro to
Synoptics, synoptic transmission 3) Tools: basic criticism
 Journal
 Read: Selections of Dei Verbum and Verbum Domini (specifics announced Jan 13)
 Read: Ch. 3, 4, 10 of Johnson, Intro.
January 27th: 1) Gospel ‘genre’ 2) Mark
 Journal
 Ch. 5 & 6 of Johnson, Intro.
 Mark
February 3rd: 1) Matthew
 Journal
 Matthew
February 10th: 1) Luke 2) Parables
 First paper: Synoptics
 Luke
February 17th: Mardi Gras, no classes.
February 24th: 1) John 2) Acts (?)
 Journal
 John passages
 Ch. 9 of Johnson, Intro.

MID-TERM: TBD

March 3rd: 1) Acts (?) 2) The world of Paul 3) Paul: the man, the mission, the purpose 4)
Philemon
 Journal
 Ch. 7 of Johnson, Intro.
March 10th: 1) Corinthian Correspondence
 Journal
March 17th: 1) Romans 2) Galatians
 Journal
March 24th: 1) 1 Thessalonians 2) Philippians 3) Last Supper, Easter
 Journal
 Passion narratives

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April 7th: 1) Hebrews 2) Letter of James 3) Revelations
 Journal
 Ch. 8 of Johnson, Intro.
April 14th: 1) EXTRA TIME FOR OVERFLOW 2) NT in Liturgy
 Second Paper: Paul
April 21st: Special Topics (topics picked by students, NT in liturgy, ect.)
 NO JOURNAL
April 28th: 1) Exam review
 NO JOURNAL

IX. Course Requirements

- Ask any question you might have of me – this is the right place to ask it, no matter how
crazy it may sound. No one ever claimed the study of Scripture was easy and without
challenges. I would be very worried if there were not questions and concerns. Always
remember, this is why we are called to study – there are no heretical questions!
- Read all assignments. I will try to keep material to a manageable level, but that requires
your help! Reading scripture includes reading the introduction in your study bible.
- Participate in class. If you are unable to attend, please let me know ahead of time.
- Submit work on a timely basis.

EXAMS (50% of final grade):

- All exams will be oral. There will be a midterm exam (15%) and a final (35%).
- We are using the oral format because I believe it is the best and most efficient way to find
out how much you know. I want to make sure that you can discuss these topics
intelligently – not judge you on your ability (or inability) to write.
- Before each exam, the class will be given a list of questions to expect on the exam. The
exam will consist of two questions, one from the lit, one not from the list. Be aware that I
expect more from the answers to the questions that are on the list. Each student will
arrive at their scheduled time and randomly select two questions. He will then have
twenty minutes to prepare (no notes). The student will then have a twenty-minute
conversation with me on the subject of the questions.

EXEGESIS (20% of final grade):

- There will be two papers due – one on the Gospels and one on the Epistles. Specific
topics will be of the students choice, though I will make a list of potential topics available
if students prefer.
- These will be short researcher papers of roughly 4-5 pages, plus bibliography. I say
roughly because I want them to be as long as they need to be. Make and defend your
point – one substantial enough to merit 4-5 pages – but please no fluff. I would rather
your paper be concise an inadequate than too fluffy and inadequate.
- We will learn how to uses commentaries and other basic research tools early on in the
class.
- Each paper should address the following:
- Date, Authorship, and Redaction History
- Social, Cultural or Religious context at the time of writing
- Intended Audience

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JOURNAL REFLECTION (20% of final grade):
- Every week (except for those when a research paper is due), students will submit a one
page paper discussing a topic from class the week prior. I want to see your thoughts,
insights (spiritual or otherwise), and hear your questions.
- I’m keeping the rules on this deliberately loose, but I do want to see that you have
thought about the material and can defend your opinions intelligently.

PARTICIPATION (10% of final grade):

- Participation is not only attendance and attention, it is active engagement. I know that this
is an unusually large proportion of your total grade, but I also know that in a lecture
format – no matter how knowledgeable an instructor – things will be overlooked,
underemphasized, and forgotten. So, in an effort for you to get the most out of me, I need
your participation.
- This means questions, concerns, objections, as well as discussion with me and your
classmates.

***Papers and Journals that, after their initial grading, are revised and returned to me can
receive up to half of the points unearned in the first instance. For example, if you receive an
80% on a paper, revise it, and return it for a 100%, you will receive an overall grade of a 90%
on that assignment.***

X. Important Dates

FOR EXAMPLE
Midterm – To Be Scheduled
Paper I – February 10th
Paper II – April 14th
Final Exam– To Be Scheduled
Journals – Beginning of Class, Weekly

All dates are subject to change if circumstances warrant them.

XI. Evaluation Criteria

Final Exam – 35%
Midterm Exam – 15%
Journals – 20%
Research papers – 20%
Participation – 10%

XII. Attendance Policy

Notre Dame Seminary observes the following policy regarding class attendance: Regular class
attendance is expected and required of all students who intend to receive credit for course work
in the graduate school. Inevitably, extraordinary circumstances will arise that make class
attendance impossible on occasion; therefore, a formula for determining regular attendance has
been established as policy for the convenience of both seminarians and instructors. A student is

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permitted to be absent from class no more than twice the number of times the class meets per
week. (You are considered absent if you are not present when attendance is taken). Thus, if a
student is absent for seven classes from a course that meets three times a week, the student is in
violation of school policy in this regard. The normal penalty for such a violation is the grade FA
(failure due to absence).

The number of absences includes those due to illness, late registration, or any other cause.
Absence from class immediately before or after holidays and free weekends is considered a
double cut. Only the Academic Dean may waive penalties for absence. In absences due to illness,
you must inform the instructor and your formation advisor prior to the class.

XIII. Academic Integrity

Seminarians of Notre Dame Seminary are required to commit themselves to responsible

scholarship in every aspect of priestly formation, including academics. It is expected that every
seminarian works and studies to the best of his ability for every course.

Seminarians also accept responsibilities and obligations as students, which include commitments
to honesty, disciplined study, and integrity in their academic work. They will be expected to
respect academic scholarship by giving proper credit to other people’s work, while at the same
time preparing well for assigned materials and examinations in such a way that their academic
integrity will never be questioned.

Those needing assistance with writing papers, or who would like tutoring, should contact the
Academic Resource Center (ARC) for assistance. All students are encouraged to seek the direct
assistance of their instructor whenever any questions arise regarding assignments, grading,
course expectations, etc.

XIV. Disability Accommodation Policy

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Notre Dame Seminary provides
disability accommodations for students with identified and/or diagnosed disabilities. Students
with disabilities need not inform their instructors about the nature of their disabilities, but they
are responsible for contacting and providing appropriate documentation to the Academic
Resources Center. Requests for accommodations must be made each semester for which the
student wishes to receive service; the Academic Resources Center will then distribute a letter of
accommodation to the faculty. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with each faculty member
to discuss how his/her accommodation(s) may be met within each course. Notre Dame Seminary
will attempt to meet reasonable accommodations requested. A reasonable accommodation is a
modification to a non-essential aspect of a course, program, or facility which does not pose an
undue burden and which enables a qualified student with a disability to have adequate
opportunity to participate and to demonstrate his or her ability. Such accommodations are
determined on an individual basis depending upon the nature and extent of the disability. For
more information, contact the Academic Dean’s Office.

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XV. Extension Policy

Instructors are never obligated to grant a student’s request for a due-date extension on a
paper/project if they judge the request to be without sufficient merit or not in keeping with the
fair requirements articulated in the course syllabus.

XVI. Audit Policy

For academic course audits at Notre Dame Seminary, the amount of work required of
seminarians will be decided on a case by case basis by the instructor, the Academic Dean and the
seminarian’s Formation Advisor.

XVII. Probation and Grading Policy

Passing grades for seminarians are A, B and C. A seminarian is put on academic probation for
the following:

A seminarian who obtains a D+ or lower in any course is automatically placed on probationary

status and must repeat the course in order to get credit for the course. Seminarians will be
allowed to repeat a course only once and the course must be repeated at NDS. Seminarian status
is then subject to review by the Dean.

A seminarian whose semester grade point average (GPA) in coursework is below a 2.30 at any
time is placed on academic probation. Two or more consecutive semesters may subject the
seminarian to be dismissed from academic formation at Notre Dame Seminary. To be removed
from probationary status, the seminarian must complete a semester with a GPA of 2.30 or higher.

After each semester, the seminarian’s Bishop will receive a copy of his transcript and a review of
the seminarians’ status.

If a seminarian fails to meet the passing grade point average requirement then he forfeits his
eligibility for financial aid under Title IV Federal Regulations.

Letter
Grade Quality Points Grade Scale
Number

A 4.00 100 – 94
A- 3.70 93 – 90
B+ 3.30 89 – 88
B 3.00 87 – 84
B- 2.70 83 – 80
C+ 2.30 79 – 78

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 C 2.00 77 – 74
C- 1.70 73 – 70
D+ 1.30 69 – 68
D 1.00 67 – 64
D- .70 63 – 60
F 0.00 59 – 0

See Academic Catalog for Grading Guidelines Policy Narrative.

XVIII. Syllabus Contract

This syllabus obliges the student to adhere to all policy requirements and to fulfill all academic
expectations herein stated; it also entitles the student to a reasonable opportunity to learn the
material specified in the course description in order to accomplish for himself the educational
goals of the course. In order to optimize the learning process the course instructor reserves the
right to make reasonable adjustments to the syllabus requirements during the semester, in
response to unforeseen developments or circumstances. All adjustments made must be
communicated clearly to students.