Content

This unit engages at depth with the Gospel of John. The unit will explore the narrative and theology of John’s Gospel, with exegesis of a number of passages. It will provide a knowledge of: the Gospel’s literary structures and techniques, especially its symbolic framework and development; its theological themes, particularly glory, eternal life, eschatology, spirituality, and the person and work of Jesus; the relationship of John’s Gospel to the Synoptic Gospels and their traditions; and the possible concerns and setting of the Johannine community. Attention will also be given to the cultural values of the ancient world as they illuminate an understanding of the text in its own context. Students are encouraged to look at the Greek text, if able, or consult a variety of translations.

Unit code: BN2110T

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the literary structures and techniques of John’s Gospel, particularly its symbolic framework

2.

Outline key theological themes of the Gospel, particularly in its understanding of the person and work of Jesus, the theme of glory, eternal life, discipleship, spirituality and eschatology

3.

Exegete a passage from John in relation to its literary context in the Gospel

4.

Analyse theories on the relationship between John’s Gospel and the Synoptic tradition

5.

Describe the concerns and values of the ancient world, Jewish and Graeco-Roman, out of which John arises

Unit sequence

1 x level 1 introductory unit in New Testament

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials, discussions

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barrett, C.K. The Gospel According to St. John: An Introduction with Commentary and Notes on the Greek Text. 2nd ed. London: SPCK, 1978.
  • Brown, R.E. The Gospel According to John. 2 vols. New York: Doubleday, 1966.
  • Estes, D. & R. Sheridan, How John Works. Storytelling in the Fourth Gospel. Atlanta GA: SBL, 2017.
  • Keener, C.W. The Gospel of John. A Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2003.
  • Lee, D.A. ‘The Gospel of John’ in The New Interpreter's Bible: One-Volume Commentary, ed. Beverly R. Gaventa & David Peterson, 709-734. Nashville TN: Abingdon, 2010.
  • Lincoln, A. The Gospel According to St John. London: Continuum, 2005.
  • Moloney, F.J. The Gospel of John. Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, 1998. (recommended for purchase)
  • Thompson, M.M. John: A Commentary. Louisville KY: Westminster John Knox, 2015. (recommended for purchase)

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

2,000 word thematic essay

0 50.0
Exegetical Essay

1,500 word exegetical essay

0 35.0
Forum

Class participation

0 15.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-28 14:50:33 +1100