Resources

A course by James McGrath at Butler University introduces "students to the scholarly study of Jesus as a historical figure, providing opportunity to become more familiar with the relevant primary sources and other data, and the tools for the critical historical evaluation and investigation thereof."

A 1998 course by Peter Haas at Vanderbilt University introduces the Bible, its study, and meanings.

A 2004 course by Annette Reed at McMaster University studies the first five books of the Bible by tracing "the processes by which these texts came to be formed and consider the multiple socio-historical contexts that informed them, while also analyzing their narrative structures and meaning in their present form."

A 2013 course by Lewis Brogdan at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary "is a survey course designed (a) to introduce students to the basic matters of New Testament studies and (b) to lay a foundation for all advanced work in the area. With regard to each book of the New Testament, we will, as possible, think about the literary shape, social context, and theological concerns of the writing."

A 2012 course by Joel Kaminsky at Smith College moves chronologically through the prophets of ancient Israel asking "What are the different types of prophets that are found within the Hebrew Bible? What role did the prophets play within their larger society? Did different prophets deliver different, or even conflicting prophecies? Can one tell a true prophet from a false prophet? What sort of person became a prophet? What psychological dispositions do prophets exhibit? If prophecy is not simply fortune telling, what is it? "

A course by Mark Given at Missouri State University traces "Paul and the Pauline trajectory in the early Church through primary and secondary sources. . . . [and] with many of the historical, literary, hermeneutical, and ideological issues currently under investigation in Pauline scholarship."

A 2010 course by Kenneth Atkinson at the University of Northern Iowa introduces "the history and ideas of the Old Testament and other contemporary texts, as well as the tools that biblical scholars use to understand them."

A 2010 course by Kenneth Atkinson at the University of Northern Iowa introduces "to the history and ideas of the New Testament and other early Christian writings and the methods biblical scholars use to understand them. My goal is to provide you with the skills necessary to interpret the New Testament, and to help you evaluate the ways that people use this text."

A 2008 course by Michael Zank at Boston University explores the figure of Moses in the Hebrew Bible and various historical periods.

A 2013 course by Walter Bouzard at Wartburg College surveys the "Content of biblical literature. Historical setting of texts, unfolding drama of salvation, Bible's relevance for contemporary faith and life."