A.  A beginning bibliography (including at least 3 of the commentaries on the "Reserve" list, 3 other books important for this study, and 3 scholarly journal articles) must be turned in by Feb 18.

B. The student is expected to take particular responsibility for raising issues and awareness of alternative interpretations when we reach their chosen text in the syllabus. The students will present a 15-20 minute summary of their preliminary findings to begin the discussion of the text., paying particular attention to where that work may confirm or challenge the readings in Bryan and Wright. Those whose texts appear early in Romans will have less time to prepare; "to whom more is given, more will be required" (to paraphrase Lk 12:48). It is expected that the class’s discussion and interaction with the "presenting" student will help clarify and strengthen the exegetical presentation in the final paper.

For this class presentation, you may work from notecards or a manuscript. You may, but need not, use PowerPoint or other electronic displays, as well as printed material for the rest of the class. PLEASE rehearse this presentation, so that you are sure that you stay within the time limit.

C. Each student will write a final exegetical paper (20-25 pages, excluding endnotes / footnotes and bibliography, double-spaced, 12-point font). This paper must follow the online guidelines for exegesis. In this paper, the student is to demonstrate mastery of the exegetical method by showing a clear understanding of how each step contributes to an understanding of the passage as a whole. For this, it will be important for the student to show how the various pieces of exegesis "hang together." All the steps should be considered, and points may be deducted for steps which are not apparent in the paper. It will not be sufficient for the student to simply list the steps and show how he or she has carried out each one separately. Rather, the paper is to present a connected exegesis, discussing the intent of the text in a coherent and exegetically responsible form. The paper will conclude with a brief homily or devotion (1-2 pages) that grows from your exegesis, addressed to a specific audience identified at that point in your paper. The paper must include a bibliography and appropriate footnotes or endnotes. Proper indication of quotations and thorough citation of sources for quotations and for specific information is essential, and plagiarism will be considered sufficient reason for a failing grade in the course. Please consult either The Seminary Student Writes or Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations for the proper form of citations. This paper is due on May 10.

You will find an example of such a paper online through the "Pauline Studies" course webpage. Please view this material online, and follow the links from the exegetical instructions to an example of the kind of information that particular task may uncover, and then to the incorporation of that material in the sample paper. (NOTE CAREFULLY: It is not simply the sample paper, but the process which is also of vital importance here - follow the links, and examine this material carefully!).

If there are particular hermeneutical, historical, or theological issues concerning Romans that you would like to explore which are not tied to one particular text, it is possible to tailor the final paper accordingly. If you would like to pursue this option rather than choosing a particular text for an exegetical study, please consult with Dr. Peterson before the final texts are chosen.