Gospel Studies 1: Matthew and Mark (BN8001L)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit introduces students to exegetical methods in studying the Synoptic Gospels. Students engage with central issues in Gospel studies—including the history of the gospel tradition, source analysis, provenance, literary design, and distinctive theologies—through critical study of Matthew and Mark. Students also learn about the broader cultural and sociological contexts of gospel texts, and engage in close study of selected gospel pericopes, including attention to homiletical possibilities.

Unit code: BN8001L

Unit status: Approved (Assessment revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse gospel texts using critical exegetical skills and methods
2.

Formulate reasoned and coherent interpretations of gospel texts
3.

Critically assess interpretations of Matthew and Mark
4.

Demonstrate awareness of the historical, cultural, social, and religious settings and key literary features of each gospel
5.

Differentiate the approaches of Matthew and Mark to telling the story of Jesus and their theological perspectives

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 8 unit in postgraduate coursework courses

Prerequisites: 24 points either from a relevant discipline in Field B or in New Testament Greek

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. combine lectures with exegetical workshops) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Aland, Barbara, and Kurt Aland, eds. Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
  • Aland, Kurt. Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum – Greek. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1996/2001.
  • Allison, Dale C. Matthew: a shorter commentary. London: T & T Clark, 2005.
  • Boring, M. Eugene. Mark: a commentary. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
  • Carter, Warren. Matthew: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Rev. ed. Ada, MI: Baker Books. 2004
  • Evans, Craig, and Stanley Porter, eds. The Synoptic Gospels: a Sheffield reader. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press. 1995.
  • Moloney, Francis J. Mark: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. 2004
  • Nickle, Keith F. The Synoptic Gospels: an introduction. 2nd rev. and expanded ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press. 2001.
  • Rhoads, David, Joanna Dewey, and Donald Michie. Mark as story: an introduction to the narrative of a gospel. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press. 2012
  • Sanders, E.P., and Margaret Davies. Studying the synoptic Gospels. London: SCM Press. 1989.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

Exegetical exercises

 2000 25.0
Critical Review

Critical review of a book on the gospels

 1000 15.0
Exegesis

An exegetical paper on a passage in the gospels

 4000 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 17 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-17 13:20:15 +1000