Synoptic Studies (BN2742Z)

Content

This is a field of study that looks at three of the four canonical Gospels: the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark and Luke, with a particular focus on one of the three. Comparable material from the Synoptic tradition in other sources will also be considered.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

A Level 2 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry awards

Prerequisite Unit: BN1741Z Interpreting the New Testament or equivalent

Pedagogy

UCLT uses primary and secondary sources considered through different lenses to identify and explore the challenges of the unit material for the contemporary world. Students are engaged in a range of comparative, analytical and reflective practices to identify the original meanings of the text in their contexts and to interpret them hermeneutically.

Indicative Bibliography

• Anderson, J. Capel and S.D. Moore, eds. Mark & Method: New Approaches in Biblical Studies. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2008.
• Gorman, M. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. rev. ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2009.
• Hearon, Holly E. From Narrative to Performance: Methodological Considerations and Interpretive Moves. In Mark as Story. Retrospect and Prospect, edited by Kelly R. Iverson and Christopher W. Skinner. Society of Biblical Literature. Resources for Biblical Study, 211–32. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2011.
• Kim, Yung Suk. Biblical Interpretation: Theory, Process, and Criteria. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2013.
• Levine, Amy-Jill. Short stories by Jesus: the enigmatic parables of a controversial rabbi. New York: HarperOne, 2015.
• Perkins, Pheme. Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels. WM. B Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2007.
• Powell, Mark Alan. Fortress Introduction to the Gospels. Second Edition, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2019.
• Stegemann, W., Malina B., Theissen, G.eds., The Social Setting of Jesus and the Gospels. Augsburg Fortress 2002.
• Throckmorton Jr., Burton H., Gospel Parallels. A Comparison of the Synoptic Gospels. 5th ed., Thomas Nelson, 1992.
• Watson, F. The Fourfold Gospel: A Theological Reading of the New Testament Portraits of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2016.

Assessment