Individualized Distance Learning

NS500

Thompson

NS500: New Testament 1: The Gospels (4 units).

Marianne Meye Thompson, Professor of New Testament Interpretation

DESCRIPTION:

This introduction to the four Gospels has two main objectives: to increase the student’s knowledge of the content of the Gospels and to facilitate informed reading -- as well as sound teaching and preaching--of them through the introduction of information and methods important for interpreting the text. The course is divided into four main units: (1) history of the NT period pertinent to the Gospels; (2) appropriate methods of studying the Gospels; (3) the theology of the Gospels; (4) an outline of Jesus’ life and ministry.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

As a result of this course the student will increase confidence in reading, studying, and teaching the Gospels, as well as in understanding and interpreting the work of NT scholars. Moreover, the Gospels are wonderful examples of contextualized theology, since each gospel interprets the story of Jesus for a specific context and community. It is hoped that careful study of the ways in which the authors of the Gospels contextualized their message will stimulate thinking about how we may do so today.

 

COURSE FORMAT :

The course uses recorded lectures, a detailed independent study guide, and readings. It is designed to be completed in an 11-week period while allowing for flexibility in the student’s schedule.

REQUIRED READING:

  • Aland, Kurt. Synopsis of the Four Gospels. 3rd ed. American Bible Society, 1979. (Prints the Nestle-Aland 26th edition of the Greek text with facing pages of the RSV, 2nd edition.) OR the same synopsis in English only.
  • Achtemeier, Paul J., Joel B. Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: Its Literature and Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 2001.

ASSIGNMENTS:

  • Midterm exam on the content of the gospels
  • A five-page paper on a topic from the gospels. While this is not a research paper, critical reflection is required.
  • Final exam based on lectures and reading

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM : Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament I (NT1)

FINAL EXAM: Yes

Updated August 2007