Content

This unit provides an introduction to apocalyptic studies, and apocalyptic literature. In this unit, the students will gain an overview of the nature of the apocalyptic genre and become familiar with the major views regarding the history and characteristics of the apocalyptic literature. The unit will examine the historical background, social settings, development, theology and exegesis of ancient Jewish and Christian apocalyptic literature. Selected ancient Jewish and Christian apocalyptic texts will be chosen for exegesis. Phenomena of modern apocalypticism will be introduced, and subversive power of apocalypticism will be addressed. In its conclusion, the unit will introduce questions of public proclamation of apocalyptic literature and offer possible strategies for preaching the message of apocalyptic literature.

Unit code: BS9929A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe and discuss the content, type and themes of Apocalyptic Literature

2.

Analyse the theology of Apocalyptic Literature

3.

Apply the message of apocalyptic literature to preaching

4.

Critically evaluate the influence of various aspects of apocalypticism on modern history, art and popular culture

5.

Argue the relationship between apocalypticism, radicalism and violence

Unit sequence

An introductory Old Testament unit at any level An introductory New Testament unit at any level

Pedagogy

On line delivery will include articles and lecture notes, video lectures and online discussion forums

Indicative Bibliography

  • Taylor, Richard A. Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature, Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2016. (recommended for purchase)
  • Reddish, Mitchell G., ed. Apocalyptic Literature: A Reader. Hendrickson Publishers, 1995. (recommended for purchase)
  • Carey, Greg. Ultimate Things: An Introduction to Jewish and Christian Apocalyptic Literature. St. Louis: Chalice, 2005.
  • Collins, John J., ed. The Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism. Vol. 1, The Origins of Apocalypticism in Judaism and Christianity. New York: Continuum, 1998.
  • Collins, John Joseph. The Apocalyptic Imagination: An Introduction to Jewish Apocalyptic Literature. Grand Rapids: Eerdman, 1998.
  • Collins, John J., ed. The Oxford Handbook of Apocalyptic Literature. Oxford University Press, 2014.
  • Cook, Stephen L. The Apocalyptic Literature: Interpreting Biblical Texts. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003.
  • James H. Charlesworth, ed. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (2 Volume set). Hendrickson Publishers, 2010.
  • McGinn, Bernard, ed. Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism: Volume 2: Apocalypticism in Western History and Culture. Bloomsbury Academic, 2000.
  • Stein, Stephen, ed. Encyclopedia of Apocalypticism: Volume 3: Apocalypticism in the Modern Period and the Contemporary Age. Bloomsbury Academic, 2000.
  • Taylor, Richard A. Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature, Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2016.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Written Assessment Task 3000 words

0 50.0
Essay

Written Assessment Task 1500 words

0 25.0
Oral Presentation

Presentation (in class or on forum) equivalent to 1500 words

0 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:06:49 +1100