Spring 2007/Pasadena
NS500
Young

NS500: NUEVO TESTAMENTO 1: LOS EVANGELIOS [New Testament 1: Gospels]. Stephen E. Young.


DESCRIPTION: This course, taught in Spanish, introduces students to the canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We will examine their origins, historical, and cultural background, and theological contributions, as well as their relationship to each other. As part of this process we will employ methods particularly profitable for study of the Gospels. Special consideration will be given to the nature of the Gospels' witness to the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students will (1) become familiar with the genesis and nature of the four Gospels and their interrelationships; (2) gain an understanding of and appreciation for the unique message of each evangelist; (3) be better equipped for in-depth study of the Gospels as both human word and holy Scripture; and (4) understand how to assess and make use of the historical information in the Gospels about Jesus of Nazareth.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The Gospel narratives contain the foundational building blocks of our Christian faith. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth are what give relevance to our ministry; without them we have nothing. An understanding of the Gospels is thus indispensable not only in teaching and preaching, but in developing a biblically informed theology that equips us for everyday Christian living.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will consist of a combination of lectures and hands-on application of methods for studying the Gospels. Discussion and active participation of students will be expected. The course will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Text of the four Gospels in Spanish (roughly 90 to 180 pp., depending on the translation).

Brown, R. E. Introducción al Nuevo Testamento. 2 vols. Madrid: Trotta, 2002 (510 pp.).

Cervantes Gabarrón, José. Sinopsis Bilingüe de los Tres Primeros Evangelios con los Paralelos del Evangelio de Juan. Estella, Navarra (Spain): Verbo Divino, 1999 (as assigned).

Stanton, G. ¿La Verdad del Evangelio? Nueva Luz sobre Jesús y los Evangelios. Estella (Navarra): Verbo Divino, 1999 (268 pp.).

RECOMMENDED READING:
Aguirre Monasterio, R. y A. Rodríguez Carmona. Evangelios sinópticos y Hechos de los Apóstoles. IEB 6. Estella (Navarra): Verbo Divino, 1992.

Ladd, G. E. Teología del Nuevo Testamento. CTC. Barcelona: Clie, 2002.

Malina, B. J. y R. L. Rohrbaugh. Los Evangelios Sinópticos y la Cultura Mediterránea del Siglo I: Comentario desde las Ciencias Sociales. Estella (Navarra): Verbo Divino, 1996.

Weren, Wim. Métodos de Exégesis de los Evangelios. IEB 12. Estella (Navarra): Verbo Divino, 2003.

ASSIGNMENTS: A 3-5 page book review (15%); a brief exegetical assignment (10%); a 10-12 page research paper on an assigned topic (30%); and a comprehensive final exam (35%). The remaining 10% of the grade will be based on student attendance and participation.

PREREQUISITES: Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in New Testament 1 (NT1).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.