Course Description
A study of the four New Testament gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). An examination of the genre of these writings, their historical contexts, theories about their formation, their primary themes, methods used for interpreting them, and signficant scholarly interpretations of these books.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be required to write two five-page book
reviews, a 20-25 page paper, and two essay exams.
Athena Title
GOSPELS
Prerequisite
Third- or fourth-year standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Each student will gain an understanding of the formation, contents, and interpretive tools used for the study of of the four gospels in the New Testament. Students will be tested on this information in a midterm and a final exam. Two five-page papers and one ten-page paper will allow students to explore selected topics in greater depth. By the end of the course students will have gained some mastery of the critical issues in modern biblical scholarship of the gospels. Communicate Effectively through Writing To strengthen skills in written composition, analysis, and presentation by means of projects such as essays, papers, reports, and examinations. Communicate Effectively through Speech To strengthen skills in oral expression, analysis, style, and interaction by means such as class reports, class discussion, and oral examinations. Computer Literacy To enhance and facilitate computer literacy by the use of word processing, the web, email, and OASIS through research, preparation, and presentation of work such as oral class reports and completion of written assignments. Critical Thinking To foster critical thinking by engaging in activities such as classroom discussion and debate, essay examinations, and oral presentations. Moral Reasoning (Ethics) To assist in the continued development of moral and ethical reasoning and reflection by encouraging creative thinking regarding individual and community concerns and needs, the challenging of prejudices and stereotypes, and examining rational and ethical bases of constructive social interactions.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction to the Course II. The Gospel Genre III. Gospel of Mark IV. The Synoptic Problem V. Gospel of Matthew VI. Gospel of Luke VII. Gospel of John
Syllabus