The concentration in New Testament trains students in the reading of early Christian texts and the surrounding literature, in the diverse methodologies used to read those texts, and in their ongoing significance. The program trains students in the reading of Greek texts and in one other relevant ancient language (normally Hebrew, but other languages may be substituted). Students are encouraged to explore widely and to take some courses in related departments at Yale that are relevant to their interests. The requirements include fifteen hours of Greek and Greek-based courses (including courses offered by the Classics department), six hours in another relevant language, six hours in relevant thematic or critical theory courses, and the foundational sequences in Hebrew Bible and New Testament interpretation or their equivalents. If students have substantial experience in diversely oriented foundational Hebrew Bible and New Testament interpretation courses, they may, in consultation with the program faculty, waive this requirement. All courses are selected in consultation with an adviser. It is expected that entering students will have successfully completed at least one year of Ancient Greek, so that they may immediately begin taking courses that require Greek, such as exegesis courses. Admitted students who have not yet taken Ancient Greek are required to successfully complete an intensive online summer language course in koine Greek the summer before enrolling. This course is offered without charge to all YDS students, including incoming students, and counts for six course credits. The purpose of the program is to provide solid grounding in New Testament scholarship broadly understood.
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