New Testament Field Study

This subject provides students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues for the New Testament. Thissubject features an on-site field study program in the location of modern day Turkey and Greece, formative for the biblical text.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Course code: BIB359
Credit points: 10
Subject coordinator: Adam White

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites or corequisites:

BIB104 Old Testament Foundations OR BIB105 New Testament Foundations

Awards offering New Testament Field Study

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subject provides students with a first-hand introduction to the relevant cultural, geographical, historical, and archaeological issues, featuring a field study program in the locations of Turkey, Greece and some sites within first-century Roman Asia, formative for the biblical text. Assignments will be completed prior to departure and stuents will have three briefing sessions prior to the field study component.

Studies and walks in Paul's cities emphasize important aspects in biblical and modern times and reconstruct the features of the city and its environs. Time spent in these regions helps students understand the geography as well as the culture during the time of Paul and other periods of NT history. The field study includes trips throughout Turkey and Greece, geographical, historical, and archaeological previews of each trip, hikes and biblical walks, scenic overviews, nature reserves, archaeological sites, traditional church sites, museums, etc

Outcomes

Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the physical and historical geography of some of the places and surrounding nations Paul worked in;
Defend the importance of the location for subsequent interpretations and appropriations of the context e.g. in cross cultural contexts;
Evaluate the significance of events that occurred at Field Study Trip locations that are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures, with particular attention to how the geography influenced the events;
Assess the ideologies that are at play in the locality, e.g. Paul’s engagement with the Epicureans and Stoics in/on the Areopagus in Athens;
Evaluate the significance of Paul’s choice of church plant locations for modern Christians;
Reflect and analyse on the field study trip in combination with biblical studies, a Christian world view, and vocational interests;
Discriminate between the culture and religions of the area, especially Judaism, Islam and the variety of Christian traditions, so that they may appreciate the value of interfaith dialogue.

Subject Content

Explore the background of Roman imprisonment in general and Paul's imprisonment specifically
An exegetical study on the letter to the Philippians
An examination of the Asian churches and Paul's church planting there
An exegetical and thematic study on the letter to the Ephesians
An exegetical study on the church in Colossae in general and the letter to the Colossians and Philemon specifically

This course may be offered in the following formats

Face to Face (onsite)
Requires a Field Study component of at least 10 days (75 hours), which includes orientation and preparation meetings. This is in addition to the approx 50 hours out of class time for reading, research, writing, and ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks.

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Reading Responses (20%)
Major Exegesis (50%)
Oral Presentation (30%)

Prescribed Text

Primary readings provided