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)
Student learning Outcomes
- Students will identify, evaluate, compare and contrast the characteristic textual and thematic features of the Synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew, and Luke) through a close study of each Gospel and parallel texts in the other Gospels, and to place these in relationship to the fourth Gospel of John.
- Students will understand and explain the Synoptic problem (that is, the problem of whether and how each Gospel writer used the other Gospels or not) and the different key proposals for explaining the textual relationship between the Gospels.
- Students will gain an understanding of the different interpretive tools used by scholars for the study of the four Gospels in the New Testament.
- Students will identify, engage with, and evaluate the critical issues in modern biblical scholarship of the Gospels and to explore selected topics in greater depth through research and writing.
Topical Outline
- 1. Introduction to the Course
- 2. The Gospel Genre
- 3. Gospel of Mark
- 4. The Synoptic Problem
- 5. Gospel of Matthew
- 6. Gospel of Luke
- 7. Gospel of John
- 8. Conclusion
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
