SCTR19 - Schedule of Readings

SCTR 19 – "Religions of the Book" – Spring 2007

Fr. Felix Just, S.J.
Dept. of Religious Studies, Santa Clara University

Schedule of Readings & Assignments

Abbreviations:

Hst = Historical Topics; Scr = Scriptural Texts; B&P = Beliefs & Practices; HB = Hebrew Bible; OT = Old Testament; NT = New Testament;
CSB = Catholic Study Bible; RG = “Reading Guides” in the front of the CSB; VSI = Very Short Introduction (thin textbooks from Oxford University Press)
ERes = Electronic Reserves (readings online through the SCU Library); HO = printed handouts.

Reminders: All primary and secondary readings should be done before you come to class each day (except the first day, of course); check this webpage daily for online readings.

Date	Main Topics	Primary Readings	Secondary Readings	Exams, Resources, etc.
Mon- 4/2	Course Introduction: * Texts & Resources; Scriptural References * Context & Content: Historical & Literary	HB: Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 NT: Matthew 1:1-18 Qur’an: Surah 1:1-7	Course Syllabus & Website CSB: Contents (pp. v-xix)	*Biblical References *Relig. Studies Resources
Wed- 4/4	Preliminary Considerations: * Defs: Religion, Faith, Theisms, Scripture, Bible, etc. * Rels. of the Book, Abrahamic, Monotheistic, Western?	HB: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 NT: Mark 1:1-45 Qur’an: Surah 96:1-19	ERes: Kessler, “What Is Religion?” RG 3-9 – General Intro Qur’an: Prefaces, ix-xiv	Religion.htm and PPT Biblical Glossary
4/6	No Class: Good Friday	.	.	Select Term Project Topic
Mon- 4/9	Intro to ISRAELITE RELIGION: Family of Abraham Scr: Book of Genesis B&P: Covenant & Circumcision; Land & Inheritance	Skim: Genesis 1–50 Focus: Gen 9, 12, 15–18, 21–23, 25	ERes: Bowley, “Beginnings of Bible” RG 10-12 – Texts & Background RG 30-53 – Hist & Arch. (skim)	*Western-Rel.htm or PPT Abraham and Covenants* *Middle East Geography
Wed- 4/11	Hst: Moses & the Exodus Scr: Torah (Law / Instruction / Teaching) B&P: Monotheism & Idolatry	Skim: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Focus: Exod 1–3, 11–12, 19–20, 32–34	RG 85-90, skim 91-99 – Pentateuch RG 115-125 – Exodus	Bible Translations Israelite History & PPT
Fri- 4/13	Hst: The Israelite Monarchy; David & Jerusalem Scr: Nevi’im (Former & Latter Prophets) B&P: Temple & Sacrifice; Priesthood & Prophecy	Skim: Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings; Focus: 2 Sam 5–7; 1 Kgs 6, 8, 12; 2 Kgs 18, 22–25	RG 68-75 – Bible Translations RG 149, 156, 169, 183 – Deut. Hist.	Propose Site Visits *Biblical Genres & PPT
Mon- 4/16	1) Exam 1 on Religion Intro & Israelite Religion 2) Intro to JUDAISM: People & Covenant Hst: Exile & Restoration; Second Temple Period Scr: Khetuvim (Writings)	. Skim: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, 1 & 2 Chronicles Focus: Esther 6–10	. Judaism VSI: Intro & Ch. 1 RG 199, 203, 207, 211 – Chron. Hist. RG 222-225 – Esther	EXAM 1 Judaism: Overview *Jewish History & PPT (cont.)
Wed- 4/18	Hst: Hellenistic Judaisms: Judea& Diaspora Scr: Hebrew Bible (HB) & Septuagint (LXX) B&P: Politics & Religion; Assimilation vs. Resistance	Skim: Deuterocanonical Books (T.J. McWEB) Focus: 1 Macc 1–4 (compare 2 Macc 4–10) Focus: Daniel 1–2, 7–9, 13	Judaism VSI: Ch. 2 (focus) & 3 (skim) RG 226-234 – Maccabees RG 336-343 – Daniel	*Heb/Xtian Bibles and PPT Hellenistic Era Rulers Book of Daniel
Fri- 4/20	Hst: Rabbinic Judaism: Surviving post-70 CE Scr: Written & Oral Torah (Tanak; Mishnah & Talmud) B&P: Mitzvot: Ethics, Rituals, Food, Sex, etc.	Skim: Mishnah & Talmud (intros online) Focus: compare Exod 20 & Deut 5; Focus: Lev 11 (skim Lev 17–26); Deut 14–16	Judaism VSI: Ch. 6 & 9 RG 125-133 – Leviticus RG 141-148 – Deuteronomy	Decalogue Judaisms in 2nd Temple Era *Rabbinic Literature (PPT)
Mon- 4/23	Hst: Medieval & Modern Judaism: Prayer & Worship Scr: Hebrew Bible in Jewish Liturgy B&P: Hebrew Calendar; Feasts & Festivals	Skim: Psalms, Song of Songs Focus: Psalms 1–2; 148–150; Lamentations 1–5	ERes: Szlakmann, “Sabbath/Festivals” Judaism VSI: Ch. 4 & 5 RG 243-254 – Psalms	Psalms Festivals and Feasts (PPT) *Jewish Prayer (PPT)
Wed- 4/25	Hst: Contemporary Judaism: Groups & Branches Scr: Interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures B&P: Jewish Family Life; Life-Cycle Events	Skim: Job, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs Focus: Ruth 1–4; Prov 1–4, 30–31	ERes: Schoen, “Branches of Judaism” Judaism VSI: Ch. 7 & 8 & Appendices RG 164-169 – Ruth	*Field-Trip:* Temple Emanu-El, Rabbi Dana Magat
Fri- 4/27	Hst: Jewish-Christian Relations Scr: More on the Prophets B&P: Expectations of the Messiah & the Future	Skim: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, 12 Minor Prophets Focus: Isaiah 6, 11, 24, 40, 42, 53, 55, 61, 65-66	CSB-OT 928-30 – Intro Major Prophets RG 344-45 – Minor Prophets	Prophecy About Judaism (offsite)
Mon- 4/30	1) Exam 2 on Judaism 2) Intro to CHRISTIANITY: Messiah & Gospel Overview of NT, Jesus, and Christianity Today	x	. ERes: “Christianity” (optional) Christianity VSI: Intro	EXAM 2 & Synagogue Visit Reports Due Christianity: Overview & PPT Christian History
Wed- 5/2	Hst: Jesus’ Public Ministry, Passion & Death Scr: Gospel according to Mark B&P: Christology & Discipleship	Read carefully: Gospel of Mark (all 16 chs.)	ERes: Metzger, “NT Canon” RG 387-89, skim 390-97 – Mark	NT Canon and PPT NT Christology and PPT *Disciples / Apostles
Fri- 5/4	Hst: Jesus’ Birth & Resurrection Scr: Canonical & Non-Canonical Gospels B&P: Prayer & Worship; Feasts & Festivals	Skim: Gospels of Matthew, Luke, John Focus: Matt 1–2; Luke 1–2; John 1 Focus: Matt 28; Luke 24; John 20-21	Christianity VSI: Ch. 1 & 2 RG 371-72, 373f, 397f, 412f – Gospels RG 76-84 – Bible in the Lectionary	Four Gospels Jesus' Birth & Resurrection *Lectionary/Liturgy & PDF
Mon- 5/7	Hst: Early Christianity: Christology & Creeds Scr: Acts of the Apostles & Letters of Paul B&P: Church Structure & Ministry	Skim: Acts; Romans through Philemon Focus: Acts 1–4, 10–11, 15–16; Gal 1–3	Christianity VSI: Ch. 3 & 4 RG 423-26, 439-41 – Acts & Paul RG 16-29 – Bible in Catholic Life	*Field Trip:* St. Clare Parish Christian Creeds & Trinity* *Branches of Christianity
Wed- 5/9	Hst: Christian Growth & Divisions Worldwide Scr: Catholic/General Epistles B&P: Sacraments & Life-Cycle Events	Skim: Hebrews through Jude Focus: John 3; 1 Cor 11–14; Heb 1; James 1–5	Christianity VSI: Ch. 5 & 6 RG 496-501 – Hebrews RG 501-06 – James	Eucharist & Mass Xn Liturgy: Biblical Bkgrnd *Sacraments & PPT
Fri- 5/11	Hst: Contemporary Christianity Scr: Apocalypse/Revelation B&P: Ethics & Eschatology	Skim: Book of Revelation Focus: Matt 5–7, 25; Focus: 1 Thess 4; 2 Peter 3; Rev 1, 19–22	Christianity VSI: Ch. 7 & Conclusion RG 510-12 – 2 Peter RG 520-24 – Revelation	Faith & Works & Ethics PPT Apocalypse *Eschatology & PPT
Mon- 5/14	1) Exam 3 on Christianity 2) Intro to ISLAM: Message & Messenger Overview of Qur’an, Muhammad, and Islam Today	. Skim: Qur’an, Contents (pp. xxv – lxii) Review: Qur’an 1:1-7	. Islam VSI: Ch. 1 – Islam & Islamism HO: “Discover Islam”	EXAM 3 & Church Visit Reports Due Islam: Overview Qur'an Overview & PPT
Wed- 5/16	Hst: Muhammad’s Life & Preaching in Makka Scr: Qur’an – early surahs in Makka B&P: Pillars of Muslim Belief: God, Prophets, Afterlife	Skim: Qur’an 67 – 114 Focus: Qur’an 96, 97, 106, 107, 112; 75, 88, 92	Islam VSI: Ch. 2 – Qur’an & Prophet ERes: Cook, “Message of the Koran”	Life of Muhammad Islamic Beliefs & PPT
Fri- 5/18	Hst: Muhammad & the Muslim Community in Madinah Scr: Qur’an – later surahs in Madinah B&P: Pillars of Muslim Practice: Prayer & Worship	Skim: Qur’an 2 – 7 Focus: Qur’an 2:122-152, 183-203, 261-281	Islam VSI: Appendix – Five Pillars Qur’an: Ali’s Intro (pp. 1-12)	*Field Trip:* Masjid An-Noor (MCA) *Pillars of Practice
Mon- 5/21	Hst: The Early Muslim Community after Muhammad Scr: Compilation of the Qur’an & Hadith Literature B&P: Prophets, Successors, Leaders	Skim: Qur’an 8 – 16 Focus: Qur’an 8:1-37, 65-75; 14:1-52	Islam VSI: Ch. 3 – Divine Unicity HO: “Islam Introduction”	Pillars of Practice PPT Islamic Calendar & Feasts
Wed- 5/23	Hst: The Expansion of Islam Scr: Interpretation of the Qur’an B&P: Islamic Law & Ethics	Skim: Qur’an 17 – 29 Focus: Qur’an 22:1-48; 24:1-34	Islam VSI: Ch. 4 & 5 – Shari’a & Women	Women in Qur'an & Islam PPT Islamic History (cont.)
Fri- 5/25	Hst: Muslims in the World Today Scr: Use of the Qur’an in Islam B&P: Inter-religious Dialogue, Conflict, Extremism	Skim: Qur’an 30 – 66 Focus: Qur’an 41:1-54; 44:1-59	Islam VSI: Ch. 6 – Two Jihads	PBS: Islam (offsite) Islamic Glossary
5/28	HOLIDAY: Memorial Day	.	.	.
Wed- 5/30	A) Exam 4 on Islam B) Comparative Issues: Prophets	HB: Deut 18:9-22; 34:9-12; Isa 6:1-10; 61:1-11; Mal 3:1-5, 16-24 NT: Luke 4:14-30; 1 Cor 12:28-29; Hebr 1:1-5; 3:1-19; re-read Mark 6:14-15; 8:27-28; 9:2-13; John 1:1-51 Qur’an: 3:42-60; 4:150-173; 5:109-120; 6:84-90; 33:40	1) Judaism 101: Prophets 2) FJ: Biblical Prophecy 3) Alislam.org: Prophets	EXAM 4 & Mosque Visit Reports Due
Fri- 6/1	Term Project Presentations (w/ Molly): 1) Matt: Israel & Palestine 2) Juliana: Sunni & Shi'a	Matt's Readings: HB: Gen 22:9-14; Exod 11:1-10; 12:37-42; 2 Sam 5:1-5; 6:1-10 NT: Matt 21:1-5, 12-17; Mark 15: 22-32; Acts 1:13-15 Qur'an: 5:97-100; 6:91-94; 27:83-93; 42:1-9 Juliana's Readings: HB: Deut 13:1-19; 1 Kings 12:1-33 NT: 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-15 Qur'an: 33:21-27; 49:1-18	Matt: Top Ten Pros & Cons Brief History of Israel & Palestine *Origin of Palestine-Israel Conflict	Juliana: Sunni and Shia Shias Killed in Pakistan *Baghdad Ambush
Mon- 6/4	Term Project Presentations (w/ Gina): 3) Natasha: Contraception 4) Ashley: Stem Cell Research (PPT removed)	Natasha's Readings: HB: Gen 1:22; 4:1; 21:1-3; 33:5; 38:6-11; Psalms 113, 127, 139:13-24 NT: Mark 10:13-16; Luke 1:5-80; 1 Tim 2:14-15; Rev 9:21 Qur'an: 3:4-7; 4:1; 6:151; 16:70-78; 17:31; 22:5; 31:33-34; 39:5-7; 53:32 Ashley's Readings: HB: Gen 2:4-16; Exod 20:13; 21:22-23; Deut 6:5; 24:6-22; Psalm 127:3-5; 139:13-16; Isaiah 49:1-7; Jer 1:4-10 NT: Mark 14:22-26; Matt 26:26-30; Luke 1:39-45; 10:42; 22:14-20; John 6:22-59 Qur'an: Surah 2:258-260; 41:1-54; 67:1-14; 96:1-2	Natasha: Judaism on Contraception Christianity on Contraception *Islam on Contraception	Ashley: Overview of Stem Cell Research Judaism on Stem Cell Research Christianity on Stem Cell Research Islam on Stem Cell Research
Wed- 6/6	Term Project Presentations (w/ Jack): 5) Stephanie: Gay Rights 6) Andrea: Religion in U.S. Politics	Stephanie's Readings: HB: ? NT: ? Qur'an: ? Andrea's Readings: HB: Isaiah 33:22 NT: Romans 13:4 Qur'an: 5:44	Stephanie: ?	Andrea: Judasim: Christianity: *Islam:
Fri- 6/8	Term Project Presentations (w/ Fr. Felix): 7) Jamie: Environmental Ethics Course Summary & Review	Jaime's Readings: HB: Lev 19:9-10; 25:23-24; Deut 22:6-7; Psalms 103:14-18 NT: Luke 9:28-36; John 1:1-14; Rom 8:19-23 Qur'an: 6:141; 34:15-17; 89:11-14	Jamie: Jewish Environmental Perspectives Reading NT in Environmental Age *Qur'an Cares about Environment	x
6/11	FINAL EXAM	Monday, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.	.	.