Course Requirements

Attendance and participation are obviously required since graduate seminars are discussion oriented. 

The reading assignments are the life blood of the course since they stimulate discussion. 

You will lead discussion three times during the semester and write three presentation papers, four pages each.  The papers will be a summary and critique of the article or chapter (from the Part Two Reading assignments) you present and discuss with the seminar. 

For any six of the Part Two Reading discussions you are not leading, you will turn in a two page outline of one of the articles or chapters.  Being able to identify the major points and sub-points of a well-written essay is a valuable skill in preparing for teaching and "comps."  Click here for an excellent discussion of how to do a proper formal outline.

Finally, and most importantly, you will write an eighteen to twenty page seminar paper.  You will present a twelve page version of the paper—a suitable length for an academic conference—to the class.  Specific instructions will be provided later. 

My office is PACB 266. Hours: MWF 10:00 - 11:50 AM. Appointments are also possible. My email address is markgiven@missouristate.edu. I encourage you to email me with questions, comments, etc., if you cannot come by during office hours. Just put your name, course, and section on the subject line (e.g., Eric Cartman Rel 631) and I’ll be sure to read your mail first. 

Required:

Adam, Handbook of Postmodern Biblical Interpretation

_____. Postmodern Interpretations of the Bible—a Reader [Use less next time]

Aichele, The Control of Biblical Meaning

Bible and Culture Collective, The Postmodern Bible

Given, Paul's True Rhetoric: Ambiguity, Cunning, and Deception in Greece and Rome

Martin, The Corinthian Body

Sugirtharajah, Postcolonial Criticism and Biblical Interpretation [Replace next time.]

Highly Recommended:

The HarperCollins Study Bible or The New Oxford Annotated.  

1) Academic honesty is expected of all Missouri State students. You are responsible for making yourself aware of policies on cheating and plagiarism in the Undergraduate Catalog.

2) Nondiscrimination is practiced at Missouri State and Missouri State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer (see EOAA Summary Statement).

3) Disability Accommodation is available at Missouri State. See me during the first week of class if you have a documented learning disability.