Sacred Texts

A 2006 course taught by Russell Morton at Ashland Theological Seminary offers a "systematic introduction to the Gospels in the context of present day biblical research. The study will concentrate on such areas as historico-religious backgrounds and methods of New Testament criticism, and the individuality and interrelationships of the Gospels."

A 2015 course taught by Michael L. Satlow at Brown University traces "the development of both the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament from their origins to their development as foundational texts for Jews and Christians."

A 2007 course by Carol Johnston and Marti Steussy at Christian Theological Seminary the Bible and environmental issues.

A 2016 course by J. Edward Wright at Arizona University surveys "Jewish history and religion during the Second Temple Period."

A course by Mary Suydam at Kenyon College that explores the history and interpretations of the Hebrew Bible.

A 2013 course by John Kessler at Tyndale Seminary surveys the history and theology of the Hebrew Bible.

A fall 2007 course by Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch studies "the diverse writings of the OT or Tanakh as literary products of their original social and historical contexts" with attention to how "later communities appropriated these texts for new situations."

A 2010 course by Jim Watts at Syracuse University explores "the various forms and functions of scriptures, primarily in Judaism, Christianity and Islam."

A 1998 course by Naomi Steinberg at DePaul University aims to "provide an introduction to major theoretical perspectives and significant recent interdisciplinary research as these relate to the topic of gender roles in the Bible."

A 2013 course taught by Sandra Jacobs at King's College, London "explores the characterization and role of women in the Hebrew Bible . . . With a view to understanding the patriarchal context in which these traditions evolved."

A 2005 course taught by Dan Clanton at Doane College "examines the roles and images of women in Hebrew Bible, Apocryphal, and New Testament texts."

A 2005 course by James Kelhoffer at Saint Louis University offers a "survey and analysis of early Christian apocalypses and their literary precedents in Jewish apocalypses and apocalypticism."

A 2007 course taught by Russell Morton at Ashland Theological Seminary offers a "close exploration of Revelation’s challenge to first-century believers in Asia Minor will lead to discussion of its ongoing challenge and encouragement to churches."

A 2013 course by Van Johnson at Tyndale Seminary that looks at Luke as "an historian and a theologian."

A course by Casey Elledge at Gustavus Adolphus College "dedicated to substantial readings in Greek New Testament and Related Literature . . . Brief introductions to papyri and epigraphy" included.

A 2002 course by Robert Kraft at the University of Pennsylvania treats the "origins of 'Christianity' in general, to about the year 200 ce, with particular reference to the various writings preserved from early Christians, including the 'New Testament' anthology."

A 2016 course by Doug Otto at Smith College seeks "to understand the early Christian family as a Greco-Roman family, focusing on slaves and children, marriage and divorce."

A course by Casey Elledge at Gustavus Adolphus College on the "life of Jesus as portrayed in the New Testament and other ancient writings, and to the modern critical Quest(s) of the Historical Jesus."

A 2013 course by Ian Scott at Tyndale Seminary that "examines the various problems in the Corinthian church and how Paul tried to address those issues."

A 2014 course by Guy Prentiss Waters at Reformed Theological Seminary is "an exposition of Paul's epistles in chronological order that emphasizes the application of Paul's theology to the pastoral needs of the churches of his day and ours."

A course by Joseph Molleur at Cornell College seeks "to understand Paul's letters in terms of their original historical and cultural context" with some attention to "their possible meaning and relevance for contemporary Christians."

A 2007 course by James Kelhoffer at Saint Louis University surveys "the life and teachings of the apostle Paul and explore how the Pauline legacy was received and interpreted by others in the early church."

A 2013 course by Fred Penney at Tyndale Seminary maintains a focus on "preaching biblical narratives while upholding a commitment to biblical exposition."

A 2013 course by Bart Ehrman at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill about the Apocrypha and formation of the canon.

A 2004 course by Jim Watts at Syracuse University traces "the history and literature of Second Temple Judaism by focusing on two key features: the Jerusalem Temple in history and in religious imagination, and the reinterpretation of Jewish tradition in the Dead Sea Scrolls. It will conclude by considering the developing role of scripture in religious thought and literature, to set the stage for interpreting the emergence of rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity."

A 2013 course by Robert Kawashima at the University of Florida on apocalypticism which entails "a new literary form . . . And . . . a new way of viewing reality."

A 2017 course by Rev. Leonard Obloy at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary surveys the Wisdom Literature and Psalms.

A 2013 course by Paul Smith at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary "focusing on the exegetical handling of scripture and its relationship to homiletic development."

A 2014 course taught by Taylor Halverson at Indiana University examines the Abraham stories of the Hebrew Bible and the "emergence of Judaism and its use of Abraham to create religious identity" and how Christianity and Islam also look to Abraham as a "guiding figure in religious development."

A 2013 course by Rebecca Idestrom at Tyndale Seminary that explores the "Bible's portrayal of women . . . (through) key Old Testament passages against the background of ancient Israelite society" with discussion of contemporary issues as well.

A 2013 course by Tyler Mayfield at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary "provides an in-depth examination of the prophetic book of Isaiah through translation and exegetical exercises in the original Hebrew text.

A 2014 course by Chuck Pitts at Houston Graduate School of Theology studies the book of Isaiah with attention "to the content, form, and style, and to the historical and literary contexts as well as to exegetical methods, interpretation, and application."

A 2016 course by Tony M. Cleaver at Baptist Missionary Association Seminary "is an examination of the factual basis of Christianity as it is found in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ."

A course by Joseph Molleur at Cornell College studies "the career of Jesus of Nazareth, as he is represented and interpreted" in the canonical gospels, apocryphal gospels, and Q; attention is also given to Jesus as interpreted by John Dominic Crossan and Luke Timothy Johnson.

A 2014 course by Peter Davids at Houston Graduate School of Theology studies "in selected Pauline Epistles . . . Within the context of Paul's missionary work and developing issues of faith, practice and church governance."

A 2007 course taught by Jonathan Lawrence at Canisius College applies "various scholarly approaches for understanding the New Testament."

A 2017 course by William H.C. Propp at UC San Diego that seeks an "ethnographic description of the ancient Israelites" through a study of "various topics in the Hebrew Bible through the interpretive lens of Cultural Anthropology."

A 2011 course by Roger Greene at Mississippi College on the "Jewish and Greco-Roman world into which Christianity was born."

A 2009 course by Catherine Murphy at Santa Clara University "explores postcolonial theory and its applications to the interpretation of the New Testament."

A 2017 course by Aaron Ricker at McGill University surveys "key examples of biblical tradition, and critical discussions of their place in Western culture."

A 2009 course by Brian Blount and Mark Lewis Taylor at Princeton Theological Seminary on "how cultural perspective influences the interpretation of biblical and theological sources."

A 2004 course by Annette Reed at McMaster University analyzes "stories from the Hebrew Bible, “Apocrypha,” and New Testament from the perspective of their narrative artistry, approaching biblical literature as literature."

A 2015 course by William H.C. Propp at UC San Diego on "ancient Israelite attitudes . . . [and] later developments in Judaism and Christianity" on selected topics of human sexuality.

A 1997 course by Alicia Ostriker at Rutgers University that puts the Bible and female interpreters into conversation.

A 2017 course by Lisa Davison at Phillips Theological Seminary is "designed as a survey of the Hebrew Bible from the perspective of the female characters in the stories."

A 2014 course by Doug Kennard at Houston Graduate School of Theology examines "the methods and principles involved in the study of the Bible with attention to studying the Bible in its historical, literary, and cultural contexts."

A 2011 course by Shalahudin Kafrawi at Hobart and William Smith Colleges "discusses Qur’anic views regarding the meaning of Islam and Qur’anic treatment of various forms of peace including liberation, justice, equality, submission, freedom, and tolerance, as well as those of violence including war, self-defense, killing, suicide, sacrifice, and punishment" with attention to historical origins of teachings and contemporary issues.

A 2015 course by Timothy Wiarda "designed to further the student's hermeneutic knowledge and skills."

A 2017 course by Michael Kuykendall at Gateway Seminary covers the English Bible "'from its beginnings to modern English translations.' Emphasis will be placed on the history, development, characteristics , and contributions of various English translations."

A 2011 course by Swasti Bhattacharyya at Buena Vista University offers "an engaged examination of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament . . . Through an exploration of the historical, political, literary, and contemporary contexts."

A 2014 course by Bruce Baugus at Reformed Theological Seminary "concerns the theological basis of interpreting the Bible . . . (and) the exegetical method."

A course by Andrew Shead at Moore Theological College introduces students to "a working knowledge of biblical Aramaic."

A 2011 course by Michael Zank at Boston University that provides an introduction to "Jewish and Christian scriptures."

A 2015 course by William H.C. Propp at UC San Diego on the origins of the Bible and its "influence on subsequent religions, philosophies, arts and social movements."

A 1998 course by Garth Kemmerling at Newbury College "designed to provide the student with an introduction to the content of the Bible and to investigate the origin, assimilation, function, and transmission of its texts. The focal point of the course will be to examine how biblical texts, individually and collectively, address the question, 'Who are we as the people of God?'"

A 2014 course by Benjamin Gladd at Reformed Theological Seminary provides "an overview of the history of interpretation, a methodology, and the ability to determine how the New Testament writers make use of the Old."

A 2012 course by Wakoh Shannon Hickey at Alfred University on the "political, social, and cultural background of several books of the Bible" and the formation of the canon.

A 2015 course by Bryan Rennie at Westminster College that offers "a historical-critical introduction to the Bible as literature, as narrative, as philosophy, as history, as revelation, and as myth."

A 2012 course by Lewis Brogdon at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary offers a "study and interpretation of the Greek text of Paul’s letter to the Colossians and Philemon."

A 2013 course by Marion Soards at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary seeks "to develop a working knowledge of the methods for exegesis of the NT writings and the use of these methods in reading the books of the NT."

A 2011 course by Sheila McGinn at John Carroll University"introduces participants to the earliest Christian communities and the collection of literature which they produced."

A 1999 course by Donald Binder at Southern Methodist University serves as "an examination of the New Testament writings, with special attention to their social context within the Mediterranean world of the first two centuries of this era."

A 2002 course by Michel Desjardins at Wilfrid Laurier University "is an introduction to the New Testament literature itself and to academic approaches to that literature."

A 2017 course by Charles Cosgrove at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary provides "a historical introduction to the writings of the New Testament."

A 2008 course by Mary Suydam at Kenyon College on the New Testament texts, their origins, and theologies.

A 2007 course by Russell Morton at Ashland University serves as an "introduction to Acts, the Pauline Epistles, and Later New Testament in the context of contemporary biblical research."

A course by James Kelhoffer at Saint Louis University "offers an introduction to the critical study of this assorted literature [the New Testament], and of the Jewish, Hellenistic and Roman cultural environment that shaped its composition."

A 2017 course by Tony M. Cleaver at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary "is a survey of the entire New Testament. The general background, authorship, and content of the various books of the New Testament are covered."

A 2013 course by Ian Scott at Tyndale Seminary sets the New Testament "in its cultural and historical setting" and treats its theological import.

A 2007 course by Jane Webster at Barton College approaches the New Testament through "reading, writing, films, and class discussion."

A 2014 course by Rev. Leonard Obloy at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary examines "the composition and theology of the letters within the Pauline corpus" as well as the "remaining epistles of the New Testament (except John)."

A 1998 course by Donald Binder at the Anglican School of Theology examines the "Acts of the Apostles, with special attention to its social context within the Greco-Roman-Jewish world of the first two centuries."

A 2013 course by Marion Soards at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary "is an advanced level study giving critical and exegetical attention to accounts of the Passion of Jesus."

A 2005 course by James Kelhoffer at Saint Louis University provides a "detailed examination of the New Testament Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, with special focus on the distinctive portrait of Jesus that each presents. Major issues and contemporary methods for the study of gospel literature will be introduced. Central emphasis on Christology, with a general introduction to literary, socio-historical and tradition-critical methodologies."

A 2016 course by Michael Kuykendall at Gateway Seminary "is an exegetical study of the Fourth Gospel, its background, and message."

A 2012 course by Dennis Smith at Phillips Theological Seminary examines the "literary form and complex theology" of the Fourth Gospel.

A course by Rev. Leonard Obloy at SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary introduces students to the "Synoptic Tradition . . . with attention to various theories regarding the so-called Synoptic Problem."

A 2010 course by Lisa Davison at Phillips Theological Seminary is an "exegetical course" in "the texts of the 8th century prophets of the Hebrew Bible . . . And the concept of 'justice' at work in these biblical voices."

A 2016 course by Lisa Davison at Phillips Theological Seminary introduces "exegesis and the variety of methods utilized in interpreting a biblical text."

A 2017 course by Lisa Davison at Phillips Theological Seminary is an introduction to "exegesis and the variety of methods utilized in interpreting a biblical text."

A 2014 course by Victor Matthews at Missouri State University offers " a close reading of the portions of the Hebrew Bible which include the major and minor prophets. Methods will be demonstrated for study and analysis of these materials, including the use of sociological, anthropological, historical, and literary criticism."

A 2000 course by Victor Matthews at Southwest Minnesota State University is "a close reading of the portion of the Hebrew Bible which includes the major and minor prophets. Methods will be demonstrated for study and analysis of these materials, including the use of sociological, anthropological, historical, and literary criticism. In particular, the emphasis will be on cross-cultural and comparative study of prophecy in the ancient Near East and in other world cultures."

A 2013 course by Robert Kawashima at the University of Florida

A 2013 course by Johanna Bos at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary teaches the skills required to "translating and reviewing a Hebrew passage applying text and historical criticism, leading to a meaningful interpretation of the text."

A Fall 2007 course taught by Jonathan D. Lawrence at Canisius College

A 2011 course by Joseph Jensen at Catholic University of America "is an introduction to the books and theologies of the Old Testament. It will cover the Pentateuch, deuteronomic history, the Prophets, and Wisdom literature." The course makes special note of Vatican II's Decree on Revelation.

A course taught by Victor Matthews at Missouri State University "is an introduction or survey of the literature and social world of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible . . . Attention will also be given to the history and religion of Israel as well as the other peoples of the ancient Near East."

A 2011 course by Barbara Green, O.P. at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology "provides a basic overview of biblical material, starting 'at the beginning' and concluding with the expulsion of Jews from the Jerusalem area in the year 135 C.E."

A 2017 course by Kon Hwon Yang at Gateway Seminary provides a "general introduction to the content, background, interpretation, and critical studies of the Old Testament."

A 2017 course by Tony M. Cleaver at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary "is a general survey of the entire New Testament, including history, geography, and literature."

A 2012 course by Tyler Mayfield at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary "introduces the student to the historical, literary, and theological worlds of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible as a basis for biblical and other theological studies in the seminary’s curriculum."

A 2013 course by Sam Thomas at California Lutheran University "will investigate the literary, historical and theological contours of the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible."

A course by Gordon Hugenberger at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary is an introduction "to the theology of the Pentateuch . . . While attention will be given to the historical context, literary structure, and contents of each book, the emphasis of this course is biblical theology."

A 1996 course by Donald Binder at Southern Methodist University offers an "examination of the Pauline letters, with special attention to their social context within the Mediterranean world of the first century."

A 1998 course by Michel Desjardins at Wilfrid Laurier University offers an "examination of Paul's life and teachings as seen in the early Christian literature likely written by him (Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon), about him (Acts, Acts of Paul and Thecla), and in his name (Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Prayer of the Apostle Paul, Apocalypse of Paul)."

A 2017 course by Michael Kuykendall at Gateway Seminar "is an introduction to the primary literature, theology, and message of the apocalyptic genre, with specific emphasis placed on the book of Revelation."

A course by John Reeves at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte provides a "close reading of a large number of narrative and ritual texts which feature such characters [angels and demons] in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the variegated roles they play in pre-modern Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religious contexts."

A course by Mark Given at Missouri State University is a "historical and socio-rhetorical analysis of ancient Jewish and Christian apocalyptic movements and literature with some attention to modern examples."

A 2012 course by Bruce Fisk and Telford Work at Westmont College offers an "exegetical and theological exploration of Christian eschatology . . . engage key biblical texts, explore theological themes, and discuss historical and contemporary questions in eschatology . . . . "

A 2012 course by Marion Soards at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary explores "critical issues in the interpretation of Galatians and . . . prominent scholarly literature . . . . In addition to basic matters of historical-critical understanding of the text, we will reflect upon theological issues as these arise from our encounter with the letter. We will be particularly interested in the implications of Galatians for religious dialogue between Christians and Jews."

A 2018 course by Catherine Murphy at Santa Clara University "opens the Bible and its interpretation to critical readings from feminist and queer theory and emerging perspectives from the transgender and intersex experience."

A 2014 course by John Reeves at the University of North Carolina Charlotte "provides an overview of the diverse genres of literature contained within the Hebrew Bible as well as an introduction to its modern critical study."

A 2011 course by Aisha Musa at Florida International University introduces "students to the history, interpretation and translation of the Quran, through a close examination of passages relating to issues of gender and jihad from a variety of English translations."

A 2008 course by Michael Andres at Northwestern College "is an introduction to the historical, literary, and theological aspects of the Bible. We will survey the central characters and events of biblical history, examine the variety of genres found in the Bible, and discuss key theological themes emphasized within the Bible."

A 2010 course by Joel Kaminsky at Smith College focuses on "the content of the Hebrew Bible and the historical and cultural context in which it flourished will be the primary goal."

A 2008 course by Joseph Edelheit at St. Cloud State University "is an exposure to interdisciplinary tools of understanding Scripture, especially as the primary text of the Jewish people and Judaism."

A 2000 course by Victor Matthews at Southwest Minnesota State University is "an introduction or survey of the literature of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible. As a way of further illuminating these materials, attention will also be given to the history and religion of Israel as well as the other peoples of the ancient Near East."

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."

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

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 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 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 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 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 2010 course by Erik Larson at Florida International University analyzes the Dead Sea Scrolls and the light they shed on then-contemporary Jewish, Christian, and Qumran groups.

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

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 2008 course by Anne McGuire at Haverford College focuses "on a critical reading of the Letters of Paul and his interpreters in cultural context."

A 2002 course by Richard Ascough at Queen's University "is designed to give an overview of the content and background of the twenty-seven documents that comprise the New Testament. Through these texts we will explore the historical development of early Christianity as it is expressed in the literature of the various faith communities."

A 1998 course by Jeffrey Carlson at DePaul University investigates the Sermon on the Mount "in terms of its roots in Judaism and the Greco-Roman world, its interpretations in the Christian tradition, in other religions, and in philosophy, the arts and literature."

A 2002 course by Jim Watts at Syracuse University investigates "critical issues in the modern study of the Torah/Pentateuch, including its composition, literary form, canonization, and interpretation in modern biblical criticism."

A 2018 course by Carmichael Crutchfield at Memphis Seminary aims to promote "deep thinking about Jesus' teachings and the impact they have on today's teaching, especially in the church environment."

A 2014 course by Cheryl Anderson at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary acquaints students "with the variety of biblical interpretations in the African American tradition" and the general principles of biblical hermeneutics.

A 2014 course by Cheryl Anderson at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary provides an introduction to the history and methods of modern biblical scholarship with special focus on "the theological and ethical implications of the book of Judges."

A 2014 course by Brooke Lester at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary explores "how the OT text functions in its own literary and historical context, then also how the reference functions in its own NT context."

A 2014 course by Charles Cosgrove at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary offers "an advanced course . . . on the interconnected topics of ethics and moral formation in Paul. The course examines a wide range of material in Paul’s letters in the light of both Greco- Roman sources and critical scholarship."

A 2009 course by Barbara Green at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary "offers a survey of the former prophets (as the books of Samuel and Kings are called in the Jewish tradition) and of the latter or writing prophets (major and minor) who are presented as having lived before the exile to Babylon (587 B.C.E.)."

A 2015 course by Gerardo Rodríguez at Carroll College "surveys the historical, literary, cultural and theological heritage in ancient Israel from its earliest beginnings to the start of the Christian era. Attention will be paid to the geographical and historical contexts in which the Jewish scriptures arose, their social setting, political contexts and theological message."

A 2014 course by Charles Cosgrove at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary provides "a historical introduction to the writings of the New Testament. Special attention will be given to the social settings of the writings in the early church and wider Mediterranean world."

A course by Yeo Khiok-khng at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary explores "various reception and hermeneutical theories of rhetoric and intertextuality on cross-cultural wisdoms (such as ancient Jewish, Greco-Roman, Chinese, Islamic, African-American, etc.) of various communities" through the lens of the Book of James.

A 2014 course by Michael Castori at Santa Clara University "explores the Jewish identity of Jesus and the historical, political and theological issues arising from Christianity’s origins as a Jewish sect."

A 2014 course by Cheryl Anderson at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary explores "the book of Exodus, its canonical and historical setting, its laws, and theological themes" as well as contemporary interpretations and artistic depictions.

A 2014 course by Cheryl Anderson at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary surveys the canonical, historical, and theological dimensions of the Book of Amos.

A 2018 course by Tina Pippin at Agnes Scott College examines "the quests for the historical Jesus, with an analysis of literary and cultural sources (especially from film, music, art), and also the ethical implications of Jesus’ life and message, from the first century to contemporary times."

 A 2019 course by Joshua W. Jipp at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School offers a "study of the Synoptics and Acts with emphasis on developing the skills necessary to be effective interpreters of these texts."

A 2018 course by Susanna Drake at Macalester College examines "the diverse literature of the New Testament along with some other early Christian texts that did not become part of the Christian 'canon.'" The course highlights how these texts have been understood within selected traditions within the United States.

A 2020 course by Amenti Sujai at Allen University offers "an overview of the Bible, its themes, and narratives. East African Hebrew narrative tradition, proverbs, and parables are covered for relevance to today’s social, economic, gender, and spiritual challenges of the human condition and in modern society.

A 2020 course by Manasicha Akepiyapornchai at Cornell University "explores the Bhagavadgītā in different aspects to answer the question of how powerful a religious text can be. We will discuss how translations, commentaries, biographies, and scholarly sources shape the Bhagavadgītā and contribute to its popularity in the premodern and contemporary histories."

A 2020 course by Bryan Lowe at Princeton University" introduces Buddhist texts and genres from ancient and medieval Japan (roughly eighth through twelfth centuries). . . . with the goal of gaining familiarity with writing styles and vocabulary in diverse genres. . . . [and] to discuss broader issues including cosmology, ritual, and periodization."