Content

This unit provides a study of the Gospel of Mark. The focus is on the structure, narrative shape, characterization and other literary devices which make this Gospel unique. Attention will be paid to the priority of Mark and the history of its interpretation. The unit will also explore questions of authorship, place and dating, and examine the community setting out of which the Gospel arose. It will explore the theological and spiritual themes which arise from the Gospel narrative.

Unit code: BN0500T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Diploma

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Outline the history of interpretation of Mark’s Gospel, and the rise of belief in the priority of this gospel.

2.

Describe key aspects of the Gospel, including questions of authorship, dating and venue

3.

Explain core theological themes of the Gospel, including its Christology, its understanding of discipleship, its apocalyptic focus, the role of women, and the emphasis on the cross and suffering.

4.

Articulate the way this gospel communicates core Markan themes.

Unit sequence

Prerequisite: Reading the New Testament

Indicative Bibliography

  • NRSV Study Bible such as Harper Collins (recommended for purchase)
  • Boring, M. E. Mark: A Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
  • Byrne, B. A Costly Freedom: A Theological Reading of Mark’s Gospel. Collegeville: Liturgical, 2008.
  • Hooker, M.D. The Gospel According to Saint Mark. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1993.
  • Moloney, F.J. The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2002.
  • Witherington, B. The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.
  • Wright, N. T. Mark for Everyone. London: SPCK, 2001. (recommended for purchase)

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

1,000 word essay

0 25.0
Essay

1500 word essay

0 50.0
Forum

Online Forums (equivalent 1000 words)

0 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-09-07 11:42:52 +1000