Course Description
Although primarily a study of what Jesus taught, attention is given to the literary and environmental background of his teaching, the historical life of the teacher, and the contemporary validity of what he taught.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional readings and a research paper will be assigned along with more extensive examinations to reflect the graduate students' additional responsibilities.
Athena Title
JESUS
Prerequisite
Junior or senior standing or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered every odd-numbered year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. To introduce students to the modern, critical study of the significance of Jesus. 2. To enable students to understand the historical background of the ministry of Jesus. 3. To enable students to interpret the teachings of Jesus within his context. 4. To examine the sociopolitical factors which impacted Jesus’ life, ministry, and death. 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. Modern Studies of Jesus (since 1800) II. The Greco-Roman Context of the Ministry of Jesus III. Judaism within the Roman Empire A. Judaism within Palestine B. Judaism outside Palestine IV. Jesus as a Teacher-Prophet A. Key events in the life of Jesus B. The teachings of Jesus (select passages) C. Interpretations of Jesus in Paul and the Early Church V. Summation & Conclusion
Syllabus