1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the field of NT study, including:
   1. Key terms relating to NT study
   2. Significant personages of the first century CE
   3. The basic outline of Jesus' life and ministry
   4. Dates of the significant events and key writings of the NT
   5. Key themes and characteristics of each of the canonical gospels and of the Pauline corpus

2. Comprehension:
1. Identify the key themes of Jesus' message and explicate their significance in his cultural context
2. Outline and explain the significance of the relationship of the Jesus-movement to the various trajectories of first-century CE Judaism
   
   
3. Application: Delineate and exemplify the Roman Catholic view of Scripture and its interpretation
   
   
4. Analysis: Engage in academic research relating to New Testament interpretation, including:
   1. Showing familiarity with current scholarship on a topic of interest
   2. Demonstrating the use of basic historical-critical methods of analysis
   3. Making fruitful use of the standard reference tools for GNT study (e.g., Bible commentaries, critical apparatuses)
   4. Constructing a clearly written argument in support of a thesis

5. Meet other objectives specific to one of the following “tracks” of study
   1. Track A (Basic model): "I Just Want to Know What It Says"
      1. Application: Show how to do a synoptic analysis of a NT passage, and explain what it says about the historical record of Jesus' words/deeds.
      2. Synthesis: Create a Storyboard for a "Life of Jesus" game illustrating what other alternatives scenarios Jesus might have experienced or what other life choices he might have made, given his historico-cultural context.
   2. Track B: NT and Social Justice
      1. Application: Identify key NT attitudes, examples, and teachings with respect to social justice.
      2. Analysis: Identify one critique the NT provokes concerning contemporary U.S./Ohio/Cleveland social structures.
      3. Synthesis: Integrate the understanding of the gospel with the actual praxis of it in addressing a specific, concrete, contemporary social problem.
      4. Action: Exemplify how the gospel energizes believers to concrete action to foster social justice (e.g., the traditional "works of mercy," political action).
   3. Track C: NT Spirituality
      1. Application: Identify key NT resources for contemporary Christian spirituality.
      2. Analysis: Identify one critique the NT raises concerning contemporary American attitudes toward “spirituality.”
      3. Synthesis: Integrate the understanding of the gospel with the actual praxis of it in a daily life in imitatio Christi.
      4. Action: Exemplify how the NT energizes the Christian faith-life through study, prayer, and praxis.
         
         
6. Synthesis: Delineate a coherent theology of work that distinguishes between a “career” and the Biblical understanding of “vocation.”

1. Objectives #1–3—Quizzes & Examinations
2. Objectives #1–2—Creative History Papers/Gospel Commercial
3. Objectives #6—“Vocation” essay
4. Objectives #4–5—Course Projects

1. The Greek New Testament (USB4 or NA27) &/or a contemporary English translation of the Bible, with annotations, cross-references, maps, and other study aids. The best available English translations are the NRSV (e.g., the Catholic Study Bible from Oxford University Press), the NAB (e.g., St. Joseph's Study Edition from the NCCB), and the NJB.
2. Harris, Stephen L. The New Testament: A Student's Introduction, 6th ed. (Boston, etc.: McGraw-Hill, 2006). ISBN 0-07-287601-8.
3. Ralph, Margaret Nutting. And God Said What? An Introduction to Biblical Literary Forms, rev. ed. (New York/Mahwah: Paulist, 2003). ISBN 0-8091-4129-9.
4. Sheila E. McGinn, RL 205 web materials (A CD containing these readings can be provided upon request.)

• Aland, Kurt, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. Revised English Edition. American Bible Society, 1985. ISBN 0826705006.
• Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament.  New York: Doubleday, 1999.
• Collins, Raymond. Introduction to the New Testament. New York: Doubleday/Image, 1983.
• McGinn, Sheila E., ed. Celebrating Romans: Template for Pauline Theology. Essays in Honor of Robert Jewett. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 2004. ISBN 0-8028-2839-6.
• Schüssler Fiorenza, Elisabeth. In Memory of Her (New York: Crossroad, 1984, 1994).

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