Fall 2009

NS500

FTX

Davis

NS500: NEW TESTAMENT 1: GOSPELS. Dr. Jim Davis       

                                                                                                                                                           

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course constitutes an introduction to the nature, structure, and message of the New Testament Gospels in their historical, literary, and canonical contexts.

 

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

The fourfold gospel informs and forms Christian faith, life, ministry, and proclamation. Familiarity with its content and background provides a crucial foundation for interpretation, teaching, preaching, and pastoral ministry.  This course will help to form that foundation for students.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Having successfully completed this course, students should be able (1) to articulate the character of the Gospels as witnesses to Jesus Christ; (2) to demonstrate familiarity with the historical background, content, structure, and message of each of the New Testament Gospels; and (3) to demonstrate developing skill in the interpretation of the Gospels as appropriate for effective leadership in Christian communities.

 

COURSE FORMAT:

A lecture and discussion format will be used for ten weeks in each three-hour class meeting.  Many classes will feature small group interaction. Students will be expected to keep their reading current and come to class prepared for discussion.

 

REQUIRED READING:

Gerd Theissen. The Shadow of the Galilean.  Minneapolis: Augsburg/Fortress, 2007.

Luke Timothy Johnson. The Writings of the New Testament.  Minneapolis: Augsburg/Fortress (Book and CD Rom edition) 2002.

Burridge, Richard. Four Gospels One Jesus, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005 (2nd edition).

Mark Alan Powell. Fortress Introduction to the Gospels, Minneapolis: Augsburg/Fortress, 1998.

Morna Hooker. Endings: Invitations to Discipleship, Peabody MA: Hendrickson, 2003.

Kurt Aland, ed. Synopsis of the Four Gospels, Hendrickson, 2006.

 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Joel B. Green and Scot McKnight, eds. Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels. Madison: Inter-Varsity Press, 1992

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Readings from the course texts and a corresponding journal entry will be assigned. (20%)  2.  There will be short written exams on the contents of Mark at the start of class sessions 2-8. (40%)  3. A 10-12 page research paper will be assigned and due at the last class session. (40%)

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement in New Testament 1 (NT1); MAT and MACL: NT core requirement.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

 

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.                (05/09)