New Testament Field Study

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

Awards offering New Testament Field Study

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

• Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
• Master of Arts
• Master of Divinity
• Master of Leadership
• Master of Theological Studies
• Master of Theology

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This unit 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 students 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 spend 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

1. Describe the physical and historical geography of some of the places and surrounding nations in which Paul worked;
2. 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;
3. Analyse the importance of a specific location for subsequent interpretations and appropriations of the NT material related to it (e.g. in cross cultural contexts);
4. Assess the ideologies that were at play in the locality, (e.g. Paul’s engagement with the Epicureans and Stoics in/on the Areopagus in Athens);
5. Evaluate the significance of Paul’s choice of church plant locations for modern Christians;
6. Analyse and synthesise their field study experience with their biblical studies, a Christian worldview, and their vocational interests;
7. Describe 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)
• Distance/E-learning (online)
• Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)
• 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

• Field Study Report (40%)
• Presentation (30%)
• Minor Essay (10%)
• Reflective Journal (20%)

Prescribed Text

• Primary readings provided