NEW TESTAMENT

COURSE SYLLABUS: SPRING 2025

BASIC COURSE INFORMATION

Course
REL 1005.2 New Testament

Instructor
Dr. Delbert Burkett. 123 Coates. Email: dburket@lsu.edu. Individual conferences by
appointment.

Course Description
 This course will introduce you to the history, literature, and religion of the earliest period of
Christianity (from about 30 to 150 CE). We will see how Christianity arose out of the Jewish
religion and how it spread in the Greco-Roman world. We will examine a variety of writings
from this period, including the collection of early Christian literature known as the New
Testament. You will learn the historical, critical methods by which scholars study these
writings as sources for our knowledge of the origins of Christianity.
 This course is a directed-reading course, which means that there are no lectures and no
class meetings. Instead of listening to lectures, you will read selections from the Bible, from
a textbook that I have written, and from Supplements posted in Moodle.

Required Texts
 The following required texts are available at the LSU Bookstore or at online bookstores, in
either print or digital format. You will need these texts by the beginning of the semester.

1. A Bible. If you already have a Bible, you may use it. If not, I recommend the
HarperCollins Study Bible (HarperOne, 2006). ISBN 978-0061228407
2. Delbert Burkett, An Introduction to the New Testament and the Origins of Christianity
(2nd edition; Cambridge University Press, 2019). ISBN 978-1316624944. Make sure you
have the second edition.

 Here is a link to obtain these texts from the LSU Bookstore:

https://lsu.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TBListView?
catalogId=10001&storeId=19057&langId=-1&courseXml=<textbookorder><courses><course
dept="REL" num="1005" sect="002" term="W25"/></courses></textbookorder>
 For those who cannot get the textbook by the beginning of the semester, there are three
copies on reserve in Middleton Library at the circulation desk. You can check one of these
out for two hours at a time for use in the library.
 ASSIGNMENTS

Reading assignments and quizzes

 You will have a reading assignment three times a week, except during holidays. For each
reading assignment, you will take a multiple-choice quiz in Moodle, 33 quizzes in all. Each
quiz will have three questions. For each quiz, the time is limited to four minutes.
 Each quiz must be taken within a certain window of opportunity. The first quiz each week is
open on Monday and Tuesday, the second on Wednesday and Thursday, the third on
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each quiz opens at 6:00 in the morning on the first day of the
window and closes at 6:00 a.m. on the first day of the next window.

How to complete an assignment

 In the “CONTENTS” section on the left side of your Moodle page, each assignment and exam
is listed in order. Assignments are identified by a link such as the following: “01 1/13 to 1/15
Jews, Greeks, Romans.” The “01” is the assignment number. The dates “1/13 to 1/15” tell
you when the quiz is open (from 6:00 a.m. on the first date to 6:00 a.m. on the second
date). The rest (“Jews, Greeks, Romans”) is the title of the lesson.
 Go to the “CONTENTS” section on the left side of your Moodle page, find the assignment
that is due, and click on that link.
 On the page that comes up for that assignment, find the heading “READING ASSIGNMENT.”
Read all of the material listed there.
 On the same page, scroll down to the link for the quiz over that assignment. Click on that
link and take the quiz.

Quiz Policy
There are no make-ups for missed quizzes for any reason whatsoever. However, your lowest 10
quiz grades will be dropped. These drops are given to take care of any quiz that you may miss
for any legitimate reason, including, but not limited to, late registration, hurricanes, sickness,
family emergencies, school-sponsored trips, power outages, computer problems, and so on.

Exams
 This course is divided into four parts. After you have taken the quizzes for each part, you
will take a multiple-choice exam over that part, four exams in all. The final exam will not be
comprehensive but will cover only the fourth part of the course. Each exam will have 25
questions. You will have one hour to complete each exam.
 I have provided a Study Guide for each exam. You can find a link to each of these in the
“CONTENTS” section on the left side of your Moodle page. These links will also tell you the
dates for each exam period.

How to schedule your exams

 You will take the four exams at the LSU Testing Center in 52 Himes Hall. The exams will be
proctored there at no cost to you. Each exam will be given every day during a five-day
period.

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 For each exam period, you will schedule your own exam date and time in Moodle. To
schedule an exam, go to the Moodle home page for this course and scroll down to the tool
“Schedule Testing Center Exam.” Click on that link. If the Testing Center has opened that
exam for scheduling, you will be able to schedule your exam there.
 It is your responsibility to understand the LSU Testing Center policies. To see the LSU Testing
Center policies, instructions on how to schedule your exams and location information, visit
the LSU Testing Center – Student Information Webpage:
https://www.lsu.edu/testing/studenttestingcenter.php

Grades
 The average of your quiz grades will count as 20% of your final grade. Each exam will count
as 20% of your final grade.
 Grades are assigned on the following scale: A+ (97-100), A (93-96), A- (90-92), B+ (87-89), B
(83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D- (60-62), F (0-
59).
 The gradebook section of Moodle will give your quiz and exam grades.

HOW TO DO YOUR BEST

Here are some tips for how to do your best in this course.
 Read the syllabus posted in Moodle carefully and thoroughly so that you know exactly how
this class works and what is required of you.
 You have three assignments each week, except during holidays. Each assignment includes
assigned reading and a quiz. You will do best if you schedule a regular study period three
times a week to complete your assignments and stick to that schedule. Your first study
period should be on Monday or Tuesday, the second on Wednesday or Thursday, and the
third on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
 Each study period should be a minimum of one hour. You may need more time than that to
complete the assignments. Raise the length of the study period to however much time you
need.
 If you miss a study period, make it up before the current quiz closes. The Monday-Tuesday
quiz is open until Wednesday morning at 6:00. The Wednesday-Thursday quiz is open until
Friday morning at 6:00. And the Friday-Sunday quiz is open until Monday morning at 6:00.
 Follow the instructions in the syllabus for how to complete an assignment.
 Use the study guides posted in Moodle to study for the exams.
 Complete every reading assignment, every quiz, and every exam.
 Check your email and the “Announcements” section in Moodle for messages from me.

LEARNING OUTCOME

Integrated learning allows students to make simple connections among ideas and experiences
and across disciplines and perspectives. The LSU Integrative Learning Core (ILC) curriculum is
designed to develop student abilities to transfer their learning to new situations, and
demonstrate a sense of self as a learner. A fundamental goal of the ILC is to foster students’

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practical and intellectual capacities associated with integrative learning in preparation for high
competence and functionality in their post-baccalaureate careers. This course fulfills the BOR
Area of “Humanities” and provides students experience with the ILC proficiency of
“Intercultural Knowledge and Competence.”

SCHEDULE OF ASSIGNMENTS

The following schedule of assignments gives the same information that you will find in the
“CONTENTS” section on the left side of your Moodle page by clicking each individual link there.

01 Jews among Greeks and Romans

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 1 (“Introduction")
 Textbook Chapter 2 ("Jews among Greeks and Romans")
 Supplement 1: Slavery in Early Christianity, posted in Moodle. In this supplement, you will
be instructed to read selections from the New Testament.
QUIZ 01: Opens on Mon 1/13 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 1/15 at 6:00 a.m.

02 Basic Second-Temple Judaism

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 3 (“Basic Second-Temple Judaism”)
 Supplement 2: Basic Second-Temple Judaism, posted in Moodle
QUIZ 02: Opens on Wed 1/15 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 1/17 at 6:00 a.m.

03 Varieties of Second-Temple Judaism

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 4 (“Varieties of Second-Temple Judaism”)
 New Testament: Mark 2:15–17; 12:28–34 (note that the scribe in this story was probably a
Pharisee)
QUIZ 03: Opens on Fri 1/17 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 1/22 at 6:00 a.m.

MON 1/20 MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY

04 The Messiahs of Judaism and Christianity

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 3: The Messiahs of Judaism and Christianity, posted in
Moodle. This supplement will direct you to read selections from the Hebrew Bible, the
textbook, and the New Testament.
QUIZ 04: Opens on Wed 1/22 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 1/24 at 6:00 a.m.

05 Jesus as a Divine Human

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 4: Jesus as a Divine Human, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selections from the New Testament and from the textbook.
QUIZ 05: Opens on Fri 1/24 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 1/27 at 6:00 a.m.

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06 Miracle Stories in the Ancient World
READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 5: Miracle Stories in the Ancient World, posted in Moodle.
This supplement will direct you to read selections from the Hebrew Bible, the New Testament,
and the textbook.
QUIZ 06: Opens on Mon 1/27 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 1/29 at 6:00 a.m.

07 Overview of Early Christian History

READING ASSIGNMENT: Textbook Chapter 7 (“An Overview of Early Christian History”)
QUIZ 07: Opens on Wed 1/29 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 1/31 at 6:00 a.m.

08 The Making of the New Testament

READING ASSIGNMENT: Textbook Chapter 8 (“The Making of the New Testament”)
QUIZ 08: Opens on Fri 1/31 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 2/3 at 6:00 a.m.

EXAM 1 (February 3–7)

A study guide for Exam 1 is posted in Moodle. Take Exam 1 at the LSU Testing Center in 52
Himes Hall at some time during the period Monday-Friday, February 3-7. Schedule your own
exam date and time, using the tool “Schedule Testing Center Exam” near the bottom of the
Moodle home page for this course.

09 Introduction to the Gospels

READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 9 (“Introduction to the Gospels”): from the beginning down to the
heading “Methods of Interpretation” (pp. 125–33)
 Textbook Chapter 10 (“The Synoptic Problem”)
QUIZ 09: Opens on Fri 2/7 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 2/10 at 6:00 a.m.

10 The Gospel of Mark (1)

READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 11 (“The Gospel of Mark”): from the beginning down to the heading
“The Purpose of Mark’s Gospel” (pp. 156-61)
 Supplement 6: The Plot of Mark’s Story I, posted in Moodle. This supplement will direct you
to read the first half of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:1-8:30).
QUIZ 10: Opens on Mon 2/10 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 2/12 at 6:00 a.m.

11 The Gospel of Mark (2)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 7: The Plot of Mark’s Story II, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read the second half of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 8:31-16:20).
QUIZ 11: Opens on Wed 2/12 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 2/14 at 6:00 a.m.

12 The Gospel of Mark (3)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 8: The Purpose of Mark’s Gospel, posted in Moodle
QUIZ 12: Opens on Fri 2/14 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 2/17 at 6:00 a.m.

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13 The Gospel of Matthew (1)
READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 12 (“The Gospel of Matthew”): from the beginning down to the
heading “Matthew’s Portrait of Jesus” (pp. 177–82)
 Supplement 9: Matthew’s Eclectic Portrait of Jesus, posted in Moodle. This supplement will
direct you to read selected passages in the Gospel of Matthew.
QUIZ 13: Opens on Mon 2/17 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 2/19 at 6:00 a.m.

14 The Gospel of Matthew (2)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 10: The M Community, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in the Gospel of Matthew.
QUIZ 14: Opens on Wed 2/19 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 2/21 at 6:00 a.m.

15 The Gospel of Luke (1)

READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 13 (“The Gospel of Luke”): from the beginning down to the heading
“Community Concerns in Luke” (pp. 199–201)
 Supplement 11: Birth Narratives, posted in Moodle
QUIZ 15: Opens on Fri 2/21 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 2/24 at 6:00 a.m.

16 The Gospel of Luke (2)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 12: Community Concerns in Luke, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in the Gospel of Luke.
QUIZ 16: Opens on Mon 2/24 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 2/26 at 6:00 a.m.

17 The Gospel of John (1)

READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 14 (“The Gospel of John”): from the beginning down to the heading
“John’s Portrait of Jesus” (pp. 218–22)
 In Textbook Chapter 14: the box “Outline of the Fourth Gospel” (p. 233)
 Supplement 13: John’s Portrait of Jesus, posted in Moodle. This supplement will direct you
to read selected passages in the Gospel of John.
QUIZ 17: Opens on Wed 2/26 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 2/28 at 6:00 a.m.

18 The Gospel of John (2)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 14: The Johannine Community, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in the Gospel of John.
QUIZ 18: Opens on Fri 2/28 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 3/3 at 6:00 a.m.

MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY: MARCH 3-5 (until 12:30 pm)

EXAM 2 (MARCH 5-7 OR 10-12)

A study guide for Exam 2 is posted in Moodle. Take Exam 2 at the LSU Testing Center in 52
Himes Hall during the period March 5-7 or 10-12. Schedule your own exam date and time, using

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the tool “Schedule Testing Center Exam” near the bottom of the Moodle home page for this
course.

19 The Apocryphal Jesus

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 15 (“The Apocryphal Jesus”)
 Textbook Appendix 7: The Infancy Gospel of Thomas
 Textbook Appendix 8: The Gospel of Peter
 Supplement 15: Curse Stories, posted in Moodle
QUIZ 19: Opens on Wed 3/12 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 3/14 at 6:00 a.m.

20 The Historical Jesus

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 16: The Historical Jesus, posted in Moodle
QUIZ 20: Opens on Fri 3/14 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 3/17 at 6:00 a.m.

21 The Book of Acts (1)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 17: Early Jewish Christianity in Acts. This supplement will
direct you to read selected passages in the book of Acts.
QUIZ 21: Opens on Mon 3/17 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 3/19 at 6:00 a.m.

22 The Book of Acts (2)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 18: Christianity in the Greco-Roman World. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in the book of Acts.
QUIZ 22: Opens on Wed 3/19 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 3/21 at 6:00 a.m.

23 Paul: Gentiles and the Law (1): Galatians

READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 18 (“Paul, His Letters, and His Churches”): from the beginning down to
the heading “The Religion of Paul and His Churches” (pp. 293–97)
 Also in Textbook Chapter 18: the section “Studying Paul’s Letters” (p. 305)
 In Textbook Chapter 19 (“Galatians”): from the beginning down to the heading “Acts and
Galatians” (pp. 307–9)
 Supplement 19: Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, posted in Moodle. This supplement will direct
you to read selected passages in Galatians and Acts.
QUIZ 23: Opens on Fri 3/21 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 3/24 at 6:00 a.m.

24 Paul: Gentiles and the Law (2): Romans

READING ASSIGNMENT
 In Textbook Chapter 20 (“Romans”): from the beginning down to the box “Order of Romans
in select manuscripts” (pp. 319–21)
 In Textbook Chapter 20: the section on “Central Theme of Romans” (pp. 325–26)
 Supplement 20: Personal Reflections on Paul’s Letter to the Romans, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in Romans.
QUIZ 24: Opens on Mon 3/24 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 3/26 at 6:00 a.m.

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25 Paul: Problems of Church Life: 1 Corinthians
READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 21 (“1 Corinthians”): from the beginning down to the heading “Reading
Guide: 1 Corinthians”)
 Supplement 21: Selected Passages in 1 Corinthians, posted in Moodle. This supplement will
direct you to read selected passages in 1 Corinthians.
QUIZ 25: Opens on Wed 3/26 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 3/28 at 6:00 a.m.

26 1-2 Thessalonians
READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 22: Letters to the Thessalonians, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
QUIZ 26: Opens on Fri 3/28 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 3/31 at 6:00 a.m.

SPRING BREAK (MARCH 31-APRIL 4)

EXAM 3 (APRIL 7-11)

You will take Exam 3 at the LSU Testing Center in 52 Himes Hall at some time during the period
Monday-Friday, April 7-11. You will schedule your own exam date and time in Moodle. A study
guide for Exam 3 is posted in Moodle.

27 Judaic Christianity: James

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 23: Judaic Christianity in James, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages in the letter of James.
QUIZ 27: Opens on Fri 4/11 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 4/14 at 6:00 a.m.

28 Gnostic Christianity: Gospel of Thomas

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 24: Gnostic Christianity in the Gospel of Thomas, posted in
Moodle. This supplement will direct you to read selected passages from the Gospel of Thomas.
QUIZ 28: Opens on Mon 4/14 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 4/16 at 6:00 a.m.

29 Proto-Orthodox Christianity: Pastoral Epistles

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 25: Proto-Orthodox Christianity in the Pastoral Epistles,
posted in Moodle. This supplement will direct you to read selected passages from the Pastoral
Epistles.
QUIZ 29: Opens on Wed 4/16 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 4/21 at 6:00 a.m.

GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY (MARCH 18)

30 The Johannine Epistles

READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 26: The Johannine Epistles, posted in Moodle. This
supplement will direct you to read selected passages from 1 John and the Gospel of John.
QUIZ 30: Opens on Mon 4/21 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 4/23 at 6:00 a.m.

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31 Christianity and Judaism
READING ASSIGNMENT: Supplement 27: The Relation of Christianity to Judaism, posted in
Moodle. This supplement will direct you to read a selected passage from Hebrews.
QUIZ 31: Opens on Wed 4/23 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Fri 4/25 at 6:00 a.m.

32 Conflict with the Roman World: 1 Peter

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 39 (“1 Peter”)
 Supplement 28: Nero Blames the Christians, posted in Moodle
 Textbook Appendix 14.2 Pliny to Trajan
 Selections from 1 Peter: 1 Peter 1:1–9; 2:11–17; 3:13–17; 4:1–5, 12–19; 5:8–14
QUIZ 32: Opens on Fri 4/25 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Mon 4/28 at 6:00 a.m.

33 Conflict with the Roman World: Revelation (1)

READING ASSIGNMENT
 Textbook Chapter 40 (“Revelation”): from the beginning down to the Heading "Reading
Guide: Revelation" (pp. 521-28)
 Read Revelation 1-11 with the help of the Reading Guide in Chapter 40.
QUIZ 33: Opens on Mon 4/28 at 6:00 a.m. Closes on Wed 4/30 at 6:00 a.m.

34 Conflict with the Roman World: Revelation (2)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Read Revelation 12-22 with the help of the Reading Guide in Chapter
40.
QUIZ: No quiz during concentrated study period (4/30–5/2)

EXAM 4 (MAY 5–9)

You will take Exam 4 at the LSU Testing Center in 52 Himes Hall at some time during the period
Monday-Friday, May 5–9. You will schedule your own exam date and time in Moodle. A study
guide for Exam 4 is posted in Moodle.

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