DESCRIPTION: This course is an exegetical study of the book of Mark that seeks to deepen students' familiarity with the Gospel, introduce them to interpretive possibilities, and hone their Greek exegetical skills.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Reading Mark's Gospel brings us into constant contact with two of the main driving forces of Christian life: Jesus and discipleship. Our understanding of both will grow as we study Mark, giving us a renewed sense of vocation to act in our world as emissaries of God's kingdom.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated:

1. knowledge and understanding of Mark's narrative, themes, and message;

2. ability to interpret passages from Mark in sympathetic and critical dialogue with various interpretive methods and to articulate theological implications of their readings;

3. to articulate the significance of this Gospel for the faithful expression of Christian discipleship and the mission of God in various communities; and

4. to translate Mark using appropriate tools and defend translation decisions.

Mark in either NRSV or TNIV translation and in Greek (NA27 Novum Testamentum Graece [ISBN: 1598561723, $39.95] or UBS4 Greek New Testament [ISBN: 1598561693, $49.95]).

France, R. T. The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text. New International Greek Testament Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002. ISBN: 0802824463, $58.00.

Anderson, Janice Capel, and Stephen D. Moore, eds. Mark and Method: New Approaches to Biblical Studies. 2d ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2008. ISBN: 0800638514, $22.00.

See the also "Recommended Exegetical Aids for Students and Pastors" on Moodle.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

See syllabus for additional bibliography.

1. Weekly Greek Quizzes: 30%

2. Short (5-6 page) position paper or debate (TBD): 20%

3. Exegetical Working Paper (precursor to the final paper): 15%

4. Exegetical Paper: 35%