Sacred Scripture

• SCRP 501  Introduction to Biblical Studies (3)
  The first third of this course considers topics basic to subsequent exegesis courses: inspiration and canonicity; texts and versions.  The second part examines the history of biblical interpretation, development of contemporary biblical criticism and the Church’s response; as well as a study of relevant Church documents and the methodology of writing an exegesis paper.  The third part provides an overview of the history and geography of the Bible. 
• SCRP 502  Pentateuch and the Historical Books (3)
  An introduction to the Torah, Joshua, Judges, I Samuel, II Samuel, I Kings, II Kings, I Chronicles, II Chronicles, I Maccabees and II Maccabees. Theology and history, with detailed exegesis of significant passages. Attention is paid to sources, composition, literary styles and the work of the Deuteronomistic redactor.
• SCRP 601  The Prophets (3)
  A general introduction to the Old Testament prophets, both preclassical and classical. After an introductory treatment of general questions concerning the nature and history of prophecy, the individual prophets are treated, as far as possible, in chronological order so that they may be seen in their historical settings.
• SCRP 602  Wisdom Literature and the Psalms (3)
  An introduction to the books of Proverbs, Job, Sirach, Ecclesiastes, Wisdom, the Song of Solomon, Ruth, Tobit, Esther, Judith, and the Psalms. For each book there will be a discussion of authorship, dating, sources, compositional plan, authorial purposes, theological emphases and the place of the book in salvation history. Selections from each book will be closely examined, introducing the student to the exegetical and hermeneutical methodology of the biblical sciences.
• SCRP 701 Synotic Gospales and Acts of the Apostles (3)
  An introduction to Matthew, Mark, Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Issues to be examined for each book will include authorship, dating, recipients, sources, life setting, compositional plan, authorial purposes, the use of the OT in the NT, and theological themes and emphases. Each book will be read carefully. Selected passages will receive a detailed exegesis.
• SCRP 702  Johannine Writings (3)
  A study of the Gospel, the Letters and Revelation. Consideration of authorship, dating, and the situation of the Johannine community; analysis of the structure of each of the works, exegesis of selected passages, and examination of important Johannine themes.
• SCRP 801  The Pauline Letters (3)
  Examination of the accounts of Paul’s conversion and missionary activity in Acts and in his Letters; reading of his Letters with a view to development of Paul’s theological understanding of the mystery of Christ and its transforming effect on Christian life.

Elective Courses: M.A. (Theology) degree candidates, concomitant with requirement, take an additional one-credit directed research course to meet the Research Portfolio required for the degree.

• SCRP 914  Themes in Biblical Theology (2)
  This course will afford the opportunity for students to study one specialized topic, or several interrelated topics, which are treated more generally in the core courses in Sacred Scripture (e.g., prayer according to the Scriptures, Mary in the Scriptures) in much greater depth. This course can be taken for credit more than once as long as the topic studied varies. Recent offerings have included: Priesthood and Vocation in the Scriptures (fall 2007); Resurrection (fall 2006); The Cappadocian Fathers and the Scriptures (spring 2006); The Bible and St. Therese (spring 2005;) Mary in the Scriptures (fall 2004).
• SCRP 915  Explorations in Biblical Theology (2)
  The 1993 Pontifical Biblical Commission’s “Interpretation of the Bible in the Church” devotes great attention to “Hermeneutical Questions” (Section II), speaking of “the absolute necessity of a hermeneutical theory” (III.A.2).  Hermeneutics is the art of biblical theology. This course explores ways to make Scripture the “soul of theology.” It will suggest effective principles and methods to understand the full meaning of the biblical text.  This seminar also provides a review and appraisal of post-Conciliar biblical theologians such as Raymond Brown, Ignace de la Potterie, Luke Timothy Johnson, Roland Murphy, Luis Alonso-Schökel, Benedict XVI, and others. Finally, seminarians will themselves tackle and resolve faithfully and clearly issues at the leading edge of hermeneutics and biblical theology, pitting their wits against the difficulties, guided by a professor who admits, like St. Jerome, “While I lay no claim to be a master, I readily pledge myself to be a fellow-student” (Epist. 53.10). As a result, seminarians will make the final connection between academic exegesis and theology. (Open to 3T and 4T, all M.A.(Theology) /Scripture concentrators and STB candidates, and others by permission of the professor). 
• SCRP 917  Exegetical Studies of Selected Texts (2)
  An in-depth study of selected books of the Bible (e.g., Hebrews, Psalms) or a selected genre from the Scriptures (e.g., the Parables, Sermons on the Mount/Plain), with special emphasis on interpretation valuable for the ministry of the priest. This course can be taken for credit more than once as long as the topic studied varies. Recent offerings have included: The Book of Revelation (spring 2007); The Letter to the Hebrews (spring 2006); Parables (fall 2005); The Book of Acts (spring 2005).
• SCRP 970  Readings in Greek: Exegesis of Selected Texts (2)
  This course will consist of selected readings and exegetical analysis in Greek New Testament from selected texts. The course will strengthen the students’ knowledge of Greek grammar, syntax and vocabulary. The course will also enhance the students’ exegetical and interpretive skills. This course can be taken for credit more than once as long as the topic studied varies. Cross-listed as GREK 970. Prerequisite: GREK 960 (Offered even academic years). Recent offerings have included: Luke's Passion and Resurrection Narratives (spring 2007); John & Mark (fall 2006); Hebrews & the Pastoral Epistles (spring 2005); Passion Narratives (fall 2004).