NE510

Davis

Fuller Texas

Summer 2008

NE510 THE GOSPEL OF MARK Dr. Jim Davis.

 

DESCRIPTION:

This course is entirely devoted to an extended investigation of the English text of the Gospel according to Mark. Special attention will be paid to the historical and sociological background of Mark, the genre, structure, and style of the narrative, and the themes and theology inherent in the content.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a thorough knowledge of the contents, structure and literary style of Mark; (2) an understanding of the historical and cultural contexts in which this gospel was composed; (3) an appreciation of some of the distinct theological emphases of the book; and (4) an ability to explain to others the meaning of most Markan texts as both Mark’s word and holy scripture.

 

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:

Clear insight into the significance of the life and death of Jesus is central to becoming a Christian, living life as a disciple of Christ, and being able to preach, teach, and live the gospel in such a way that its power impacts and transforms the lives of others. Mark provides the 21^st century with a particularly clear portrait of Jesus. It is concise enough to appeal to a world in a hurry, precise enough to provide answers to the questions seekers still ask, and incisive enough to enable believers willing to spend the time and effort the opportunity to draw close to Christ.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

A combination of lecture, large and small group discussion, student research and multimedia presentation will be used in this class. Six-day intensive format. 33 contact hours.

 

REQUIRED READING:

• Christopher Bryan, A Preface to Mark: Notes on the Gospel in its Literary and Cultural Settings. Oxford, Oxford University Press, 1997.
• William Lane, The Gospel According to Mark: The English Text with Introduction, Exposition and Notes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974 (2^nd Edition), pp. 121-178, 312-389, and 545-592
• Morna Hooker, The Gospel According to St. Mark. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1993. pp 31-105, 172-213, and 303-365
• David Rhoads, Joanna Dewey, Donald Michie, Mark as Story. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1999 (2^nd edition).
• Ben Witherington, The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,

                           2001. pp. 1-64, 178-222, and 301-335.

RECOMMENDED READING:

• Francis J. Maloney, Mark: Storyteller, Interpreter, Evangelist. Peabody MA: Hendrickson, 2004

• Martin Hengel, Studies in the Gospel of Mark. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985
• Jack Dean Kingsbury, Conflict in Mark: Jesus, Authorities, Disciples. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1990.  
• John Painter, Mark’s Gospel: Worlds in Conflict. Routledge: Routledge Press, 1997.
• William Telford, The Theology of the Gospel of Mark. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Daily readings in Mark and in the course texts and brief synopsis of content in a reading log (33%)
• Daily quizzes on the contents of lecture and discussion on Gospel of Mark (33%)
• A 10-12 page research paper (34%)

 

PREREQUISITES:

None.

 

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

M.Div.: Elective; M.A.: Biblical Studies; M.A.C.L.: Biblical Theme requirement.

 

FINAL EXAMINATION. No.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   (04/08)