Introduction to the New Testament: Stories, Texts, Beliefs
29 July - 01 November
Rev. Dr S. Douglas
This unit provides an introduction to New Testament history, texts, and theology. Beginning with the letters of Paul as the earliest extant Christian literature, and surveying the development of gospel literature as well as other forms of early Christian writing, it considers the rise of the early Christian movement and explores the range of developing theological beliefs that characterised the first two generations of early Christianity. In using the New Testament texts as the main source for investigation, the unit draws attention to the diversity of texts, genres, theologies and perspectives within the New Testament itself, and considers a number of critical historical, literary and theological issues that emerge from the study of New Testament texts.
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Delivery Notes
This unit will be delivered weekly over 12 weeks. We will be using an inverted (flipped) classroom mode of delivery where the majority of content is delievered online for students to work through at their own pace prior to a 1 1/2-hour weekly tutorial in real time. Students have a choice of a face to face (daytime) or online (evening) tutorial. The tutorial will focus on active engagement, discussion, and skill building and is an essential part of the class.
Thursday weekly tutorial sessions: 11am - 12:30-pm (face to face) and 7.30pm - 9pm (online)
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites required for this subject.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Details
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the historical, cultural, religious, and theological world of the New Testament including an awareness of key figures and dates
- Identify the different genres of New Testament literature and the forms of critical analysis appropriate to their interpretation
- Demonstrate an awareness of critical skills and tolls for exegesis, including relevant reference tools and resources
- Research, write, and reference an exegetical essay using primary and secondary resources
- Integrate methodological understanding, skills, and theological reflection in the study of a NT passage
Assessment
Task 1 - Essay
Essay on a Pauline letter (1200 words)
Task 2 - Exegetical Essay
Exegetical of a gospel passage (1500 words)
Task 3 - Reflection
Reflective essay on interpretative task (800 words)
Task 4 - Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper
Tutorial exercises and participation (500 words)
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the complexities of the historical, cultural, religious, and theological world of the New Testament including the relationship between Judaism and Hellenism
- Identify the different genres of New Testament literature and the forms of critical analysis appropriate to their interpretation
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between the New Testament texts, the historical development of early Christianity and emerging theological convictions within the Christian movement
- Write a critical exegetical study of one early Christian text, exploring the historical, literary, and theological issues raised by the text demonstrating an awareness of scholarly debate and identifying strengths and weaknesses in scholarly argument
- Intergrated methodological understandings and skills in order to demonstrate critical theological and historical reflecting in the study of a NT passage
Assessment
Task 1 - Essay
Essay on Pauline epistle (1500 words)
Task 2 - Book Review
Review of Levine's Misunderstood Jew (800 words)
Task 3 - Exegesis Essay
Exegesis of a gospel passage (2500 words)
Task 4 - Reflection
Reflective essay on interpretive task (1200 words)
Task 5 - Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper
Tutorial exercises / participation (500 words)