New Testament Introduction (BN2002L)

Content

This unit is an introduction to the diverse writings of the New Testament. Students will become familiar with the content and themes of the New Testament by reading it in its entirety. Moreover, they will engage with the texts in their original historical, literary, social, religious and theological contexts. The unit introduces issues in interpretation, including literary genre, the relationship between form and function, and methods of study. It further introduces the formation of the New Testament canon and the textual history of the New Testament.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 2 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 18 credit points in Field B - Biblical studies

Prohibited combinations: BS1002L The Bible Today B

Pedagogy

This unit uses teaching strategies (e.g. mini-lectures, targeted assessment exercises [quizzes], and class discussion) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

• Achtemeier, Paul J., Joel B. Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: its literature and theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2001.
• Brown, Raymond E. An introduction to the New Testament. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1997.
• Evans, Craig A., and Stanley E. Porter, eds. Dictionary of New Testament background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
• Freedman, David Noel, ed. The Anchor Bible dictionary. 6 vols. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1995.
• Metzger, Bruce M., and Bart D. Ehrman. The text of the New Testament: its transmission, corruption, and restoration. 4th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2005.
• Powell, Mark Allan. Introducing the New Testament: a historical, literary, and theological survey. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018.

Assessment