The four classes which I teach annually, Hebrew Bible 1 - Introduction to Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew Bible 2 - Introduction to the Pentateuch, Hebrew Bible 3 - Introduction to the Prophets, and Hebrew Bible 4 - Introduction to the Writings, are required of all M.Div. students. They are all foundational courses in the seminary curriculum.
My approach to teaching these classes is the attempt to expose students to a variety of ways of exploring the biblical material, without biasing them towards my own hermeneutic. My personal approach to biblical criticism is from a history-of-religions perspective, what is now often being referred to as the "Contextual School". This is demonstrated in my publications.
Students are given class time to complete course evaluations on the last day of class. The form is standard for all classes, and allows for individual comments with names withheld.
Being an Episcopal seminary, we frequently have students who are sent to us by their bishops, and some who have no choice of where to attend seminary. This is sometimes reflected in comments on the evaluations.
I personally take seriously any constructive criticism given on evaluations. I have often changed courses according to appropriate input from students, and I have attempted to maintain flexibility in what is an otherwise rigid environment.
If you did not receive copies of my course evaluations, and if you wish to receive them, please email me at: stephwig@nashotah.edu
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This page was last modified on 13 May 2000.