DESCRIPTION: This course is a study of the Gospel of Mark using the English text.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated (1) familiarity with the distinct content (e.g., Son of Man, Messianic Secret) and literary structure of Mark and its portrayal of Jesus; (2) a basic understanding of the Greco-Roman and Jewish cultural and historical settings that provide insights for interpreting Mark; (3) a basic understanding of various hermeneutical approaches to the Gospel (e.g., form, redaction, and narrative criticisms); (4) developing basic interpretive skills in the exegesis of Mark in English.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Mark's Gospel challenges disciples today to consider what kind of response followers of Christ will have to the message and works of Jesus. In most ministry settings, studying Scripture occurs using the English text. This course will help to hone students' skills in English text exegesis to help others understand and live God's Word.

COURSE FORMAT: The course meets daily for two weeks (a total of ten classes) for four-hour sessions (with breaks), which involve lectures and discussion related to the readings and assignments based on Mark and secondary sources.

REQUIRED READING:

Anderson, Janice Capel and Stephen D. Moore, eds. Mark and Method: New Approaches in Biblical Studies. 2d ed. Fortress, 2008.

Dowd, Sharyn. Reading Mark: A Literary and Theological Commentary on the Second Gospel. Reading the New Testament. Smyth & Helwys, 2000.

Harrington, Daniel J. What Are They Saying About Mark? Paulist Press, 2005.

Rhoads, David, Joanna Dewey, and Donald Michie. Mark as Story: An Introduction to the Narrative of a Gospel. 2d ed. Fortress, 1999.

Telford, William. The Theology of the Gospel of Mark. Cambridge University Press, 1999.

A list of recommended reading will be available in the bookstore and in the course syllabus.