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: BS3920A

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

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.

Evaluate various aspects of apocalypticism in modern history, art and popular culture

Unit sequence

An Introductory Old Testament unit; or an Introductory New Testament unit

Pedagogy

Synchronous and asynchronous. Pre-recorded lectures, real time zoom tutorials, class exercises and guided reading.

Indicative Bibliography

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.

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.

Reddish, Mitchell G., ed. Apocalyptic Literature: A Reader. Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.

Taylor, Richard A. Interpreting Apocalyptic Literature, Handbooks for Old Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2016.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper 1000 20.0
Essay 1500 30.0
Essay 2500 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 14 Oct, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-14 15:21:23 +1100