MA Religions and Theology / Course details

The aim of this course is to help you master the basic morphology, syntax and vocabulary of koine Greek as a basis for critical interpretation of the Greek New Testament and for further study of the language beyond this unit. You will be expected to build on these foundational platforms and apply them to NT exegesis.

• Have learnt the vocabulary most commonly found in the New Testament; 
• Have become familiar with the basic rules of inflection, being able to identify and parse both regular and irregular word-forms
• Have acquired experience in using Greek and a range of scholarly tools (e.g., lexicons and standard grammars) for purposes of critical exegesis and interpretation of the New Testament.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Navigate and identify the word forms of the Greek New Testament.
2. Translate sections of the New Testament and compare them with standard English translations.
3. Analyse commentaries on the Greek NT text and evaluate scholarly arguments
4. Produce grammatically nuanced exegetical essays

1.         Grasp the key nuances of grammatical and syntactical analysis and deduce how they apply to hermeneutic methodology and to NT exegesis.

2.         Discern strengths and weaknesses in English translations of Greek texts.

1. Production of critically informed exegetical essays.
2. Ability to produce English translations of the Greek NT for research purposes.

• Sharpening of critical analytical skills.
• Training in attention to detail, nuance and ability formulate best fit positions from range of positions.
• Enhanced cultural sensitivity from placing accurate translations into diverse contemporary cultural contexts, noting development of language and evolution of meaning.

Class Tests:

Test 1- 10%

Test 2- 10%

Aland, B., et al. (eds). The Greek New Testament.5^threv. edn. Stuttgart, 2014.

Bauer, W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3^rdedn, rev. F.W. Danker. Chicago, 2000.

MacNair, Ian. Teach Yourself New Testament Greek. Nashville, 1995.

Duff, J. Elements of New Testament Greek. 3^rdedn. Cambridge, 2005.

Porter, S.E. Idioms of the Greek New Testament. Sheffield, 1992.

Wallace, D.B. Greek Grammar beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, 1996.