sacklunch

Found at Union's website: This fall - NT 315 Advanced Greek Readings Course Description: This Intermediate Greek Grammar course surveys and explores the vocabulary and syntax of selected healing pericopes taken from the synoptic gospels with a view to unearth and bring their theological messages to bear on contemporary needs. This is a follow-up course for those who have completed two semesters of Biblical Greek to improve their linguistic skills for a healthy academic and pastoral communication of the biblical message. Prerequisite: NT 204. Points: 3 Semester: Fall 2012 Section: 01 Times: Wednesday 9:00 am - 11:50 am Professor(s): Aliou C. Niang

I was also wondering how adcoms will view the change. Hopefully the GRE will become less important because of this. Either way, I'm happy that I can take the damn thing as many times (as allowed per year) as need be without having a red flag raised as to why I took the thing 10 times.

I'm surprised I have not seen any other posts about ETS' new policy (starting this month) that folks can send specific GRE tests to schools rather than have every test taken within 5 years sent. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I, for one, am pretty stoked about the new policy. I have only taken the test twice, but I plan to take it at least several more times to ensure a competitive score. And now we don't have to worry about School X wondering why you took the test 6 times (ETS claims there will be no indication of how many times you have taken the test). cheers

Both times I took the GRE I didn't study for the math section. I received pretty lackluster results (no surprise), though I have been admitted to quite a few good programs (MA) over the last couple years. As long as you do well enough on the verbal/writing section I would rest easy. *edit* I should also note the new policy ETS just sent out via email. When sending your scores you have the choice to send your individual (best) scores, rather than worry about any old, unwanted scores. So it's nice to know you can take the test several times, if need be.

A good friend began her SOP by describing her research interests in female masturbation and was accepted to a program at Notre Dame. Food for thought. cheers

Speak with Fuller about what their introductory year courses cover. I have seen a lot of Divinity/Seminary schools offer a similar 'intensive course,' though I have my doubts of the continuity of such courses between departments. As for Greek, it seems a lot of Divinity schools 'only' need to offer a one year introduction because they are purely aimed at NT exegesis, while others (such as Classics departments, Religion, ect.) have a full two years of grammar (though you will usually pick up an intermediate primary text to read in your second year). That said, I'm sure many students with an intensive year of (NT) Greek are well suited to read NT passages. However, I doubt their ability to engage critically with more difficult Attic literature. As for Hebrew, my first year was purely grammar (with supplemental readings from the MT). The first semester of the second year was mixed between grammar and reading prose (We read through Ruth, for instance), and the second semester was strictly poetry (with no real grammatical lessons, just review when applicable). This seems to be more or less the standard practice for Hebrew students (1 year intro, .5 prose, .5 poetry). Thus, you might say our second year was an 'exegesis course' of sorts, which may be similar enough to the types of exegesis courses offered by Fuller. In short, I wouldn't stress too much about it. Fuller is a well-known and respected institution in bible, and thus you will likely be prepared to approach said texts even with only a 1-1.5 year of introductory grammar. You will pick up any additional grammar in these more advanced courses. cheers

I have come to similar conclusions. The department recently sent out a list of the incoming (MA) students, their education experience, and a bit about their proposed interests. I instantly noticed (1) research interests vary substantially (from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, to Eastern religions, to studies in atheist movements) and (2) most, if not all, come from reputable (and familiar) undergraduate schools. And, yes, to support what you have said, I can only surmise they don't get as many applicants because the program's secular nature (and I guess if I'm honest I have met relatively few agnostics studying religion, though I admit this may be due to my involvement in 'theological' programs). cheers

I can also verify joint degrees between Duke and UNC-CH. One of my future roommates is doing, I believe, a joint MSW/MTS between the two. You may be able to work out some sort of joint degree that suits your interests, while earning two degrees.

Wind, I was recently discussing the MA's acceptance rate (Duke) with another accepted student (who is also on this forum) and we are a bit perplexed. I'm not sure why they don't receive more applications given the resources available, especially considering the much higher number of applicants to the (religion) doctoral program. That said, it seems a bit random. Last year they accepted 73% (24 spots offered, 33 applicants), while in 07-08 they accepted 43% (21 offered, 49 applicants). And this year we only have 9 incoming students (though I have no idea what was actually offered). Though, again, I'm confused why more do not apply considering the standard 50% tuition waiver (excluding those full scholarships offered by the Divinity School, I have heard that many receive less than 50%). I suppose some do not want a "religious studies" experience? Alas, I'm not trying to jack this thread, I was just a bit confused and thought others might offer some input (or perhaps I am just reassuring myself of the program's reputation. cheers

Classics is not my primary field, though as someone who spends a lot of time studying languages (including Greek), I would advise you to keep working on your languages once you're out of school. We all know how fast you loose language skills, especially if you are considering continuing on with more graduate work. I'm not sure how common it is in classics, but in my field (religion) it is EXTREMELY common to acquire two, and in some cases three, masters to be competitive at top schools. You may consider another masters in the states at some of the more well-known funded programs (UA, WASHU, ect). cheers

I had no idea that PTS was not affiliated with Princeton University until now. Princeton's website also verifies this. cheers

Agreed. Though I think at *most* big name Divinity Schools there will be a majority following a specific tradition. Exceptions exist, of course, like HDS or Chicago, but I think many of them will have a lot of Christians. One example that comes to mind is Duke's MTS vs the MA in the Dept. of Religion. The MTS requires (as far as I know) its students to take part in some sort of spiritual formation. The MA does not (which is why I applied to for the MA). Since I'm not religious I did not apply to any programs such as this, though they do have excellent faculty. As someone in biblical studies I am often asked why I am at a *seminary* (just graduated from BC's program) and not in religious studies program. The answer is really quite simple: (1) Divinity Schools usually offer a lot more aid (I am strictly speaking about masters' students) and (2) the faculty at many of the mainline religiously affiliated Divinity Schools are excellent (which in many cases may not follow the religious tradition of their Uni).

YAY!!! Perhaps a GC meetup is in order come August/September? See you this fall, Wind.

I'm curious what everyone's opinion is on those applying to doctoral programs with 'prestigious' master's degrees? In my field (religion) it is becoming increasingly common, if not the norm, to have one or two masters degrees. If one went to say a SLAC or a unknown state school and then went on to a well-known, top ranked master's program, how would that compare to someone from a top undergrad institution? best

They just started requiring the GRE a few years ago. And several of my friends that went to HDS got 100% tuition for the MTS. Though I do know a girl here at BC who got accepted with 50%.

Also, I posted a 'wanted' add on craigslist for Durham and have already got half a dozen options with other (Duke) students. *edit* Also, I contacted the Divinity school and added my name to the list for seeking roommates. I doubt this matters to you, but others might find it useful.

Marcone, I know we spoke over PM, but I thought I would share. I'm also excited, moving from Boston, looking at the price of housing. However, like you said, there appears to be a lot of lame apartments/gated communities rather than actual houses. Perhaps we are spoiled by Boston?? Anyways, I posted a couple weeks back in the City section of the forum and got some decent advice about what part of town one should live in, ect. I have also heard some of the surrounding areas are suspect (crime) and the 'best' parts of town are the ones farther away from Duke. Old West Durham and Trinity Park area seem to be pretty nice and are fairly close to campus (within a mile or two). I'd like to be able to walk to class, if possible, and keep my car just for weekend errands.

Wind, Any idea when you will find out?

Whelp. I guess I'll be creating a new account. Someone has made it their purpose to (each day) give me negative points. There was once a time when I was positive. Not anymore. I'm not really sure why this person hates me so much, considering one can only give so many negative points each day. Oh well. I hope everyone is well .

I was also going to recommend Syriac. To complement your studies you may also look at Hebrew/Aramaic. You might be required to take it as some point, since many of the Patristics deal with Hebrew/Aramaic sources (Jerome, ect). Also check to see if your uni has a summer German reading course. This should give you the ability to translate (scholarly) texts with a lexicon. cheers

Negative feedback for posting a result???

Not many seem to have posted this season! I'll be moving to the Duke area and am looking for cool/nice roommates. If anyone is interested, send me a message!

I'm always confused by these questions...In short, yes you can. Will you? Who knows. Will you meet a cute suitable mate while shopping at Walmart? Maybe? Depends on so many things.

Don't think anyone else applied, but finally got denied from UMinnesota Religions in Antiquity MA.

Indeed. See you this fall!