Fall 2009 Semester

Yesterday I finalized my course schedule for the Fall 2009 semester, which begins tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to this semester since it will be my first as a doctoral student. This is what my schedule looks like:

Phil 510 — Plato

Cynthia Patterson and Richard Patterson (Wednesday 6:00-9:00pm)

Plato subjected all aspects of traditional Greek culture in general, and Athenian society in particular, to philosophical criticism. But he also tried to devise religious practices and institutions, and new myths that would genuinely serve the naturally good ends of individuals and their communities. The course will focus especially on Plato’s treatment of Greek religion and myth (with some of their inevitable connections to politics, tragedy, et al.) and his attempts to forge a new, moral, vision of the cosmos, human society and the human soul.

RLNT 760 — New Testament and Theology

Luke Timothy Johnson (Friday 9:00-12:00pm)

We will examine the relationship between the New Testament and theology in three distinct ways. First, we will ask what it means to speak of the “theological voice” of a New Testament composition. Does the expression, “the theology of John,” make sense, and if so, how? Second, we will consider several classic examples of the intellectual experiment called “New Testament Theology,” and by analysis of the several outstanding examples of the genre, discover the possibilities and limits of the exercise. Third, we will give some attention to the “use of the New Testament in theology,” by interacting with some examples of contemporary theological discourse.

RLNT 721G — The Writings of Paul: Romans

Michael J. Brown (Thursday 2:00-5:00pm)

No Description, but the title says it all.

RLR 700H — First Year Colloquy

William Gilders (Tuesday 11:00-1:00pm)

The purpose of the colloquy is to provide time for discussion about a variety of issues in the academic study of religion and theology, and about life as PhD students in the Graduate Division of Religion (GDR). After a session of introductions, we will learn more about the two academic bodies that co-constitute the GDR faculty, the Department of Religion in Emory College and the Candler School of Theology. Then we will consider various methodological and professional issues that affect your development as scholars/teachers of religion and theology. For each session, except the introductory and concluding sessions, one or two faculty members will attend to make some introductory remarks and to participate in the conversation. Occasionally, there will be some short readings or reviews of websites.