This foundation course (a combination of lecture and seminar) provides a historical, theological, and contextual introduction to Pauline literature. The course will locate Paul and Pauline literature in their ancient cultural and political contexts — within Second Temple Judaism, within the growing Christian movement, and within the broader Roman Mediterranean — and will attend to the development of Pauline texts and thought over time. Beyond ancient contexts, we will examine long histories of Pauline reception and will explore varied critical and theological approaches to reading Paul today. Students will study the primary texts and practice a wide range of interpretive methods. They will also read selected secondary scholarship. Student learning will be assessed on the basis of participation, short reading responses, a major guided exegesis project (completed in stages), and a final exam. [20 max enrollment; Faculty Consent required]