Biblical Exegesis- Dave Pocta

BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION SYLLABUS

TEACHER:    Dave Pocta

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is an introduction to the basis and methods of biblical interpretation.  Special attention is given to exegesis, the use of biblical criticism in exegesis, the role of literary analysis in exegesis, and applied hermeneutics in 21st century contextualization.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To demonstrate an understanding of (comprehension) the significant issues in exegesis and the appropriate use of such in interpreting and applying (contextualization) biblical texts by making at least a “B” (80%) on the final exam and exegesis paper.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY

Reading, reflection paper, class participation, and exegesis paper.

REQUIRED READINGS

BOOK: (student required to obtain book for themselves)

Fee & Stuart, How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Any edition is fine. 

ARTICLES: 

Allen, Prologue To Good Christian Writing

Lewis, Ministry of Study

Osbourne, Context from the Hermeneutical Spiral

Pocta, Hermeneutics Paper on Ephesians 4:1-16

Stuart, What Commentaries Are And Are Not

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Complete Reading Assignments. 

2. Reflection Paper

    Two pages on How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.

    *A reflection paper should be the student’s personal response to the material read. 

3. Exegetical Paper

The student will prepare an exegetical paper of between eight and sixteen typewritten pages (text) on a selected biblical passage. The paper will be in similar style to the paper written by Pocta, Hermeneutics Paper on Ephesians 4:1-16. The student should come to the first class with a passage in mind for their exegesis paper.

Formatting Requirements

For reflection and exegesis papers, appropriate form and grammar will be considered in grading the student’s work. All papers must use 12pt. Times New Roman font, 10 point for footnotes & margins of 1.0 inch all round. Electronic submittals are to be submitted in Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, or Adobe PDF format. 

Proof-Reading

It is strongly suggested that each student have one or more people read their papers to check their work. Spelling and grammar will count.

COURSE EVALUATION

For purposes of evaluation, class participation and assignments will be weighted as follows:

Reflection paper    15%

Attendance/participation    20%

Reading assignments    25%

Exegesis paper    40%

COURSE POLICIES

• Any attempt to misrepresent a student’s work, including plagiarism, is basis for dismissal from class and/or the Ministry Training Academy.
• Assignments will be accepted late. However, work that is turned in late will receive a lower grade. The grade may be dropped as much as 10% each day that it is late.

FINAL NOTES

It is imperative to read through this syllabus carefully and follow the instructions. Failure to do so will result in lower grades. Formatting matters. Spelling and grammar are important. Professionalism is expected as the MTA is training ministers to carry the gospel to all nations. Take your work seriously. Give your heart and passion to the process and you will be rewarded!

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.