UMS : Unit: BN1010P

Content

This unit provides an introduction to New Testament history, texts, and theology. Beginning with the letters of Paul as the earliest extant Christian literature, and surveying the development of gospel literature as well as other forms of early Christian writing, it considers the rise of the early Christian movement and explores the range of developing theological beliefs that characterised the first two generations of early Christianity. In using the New Testament texts as the main source for investigation, the unit draws attention to the diversity of texts, genres, theologies and perspectives within the New Testament itself, and considers a number of critical historical, literary and theological issues that emerge from the study of New Testament texts.

Unit code: BN1010P

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Other

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.	Describe the historical, cultural, religious, and theological world of the New Testament including an awareness of key figures and dates
2.	Identify the different genres of New Testament literature and the forms of critical analysis appropriate to their interpretation
3.	Demonstrate an awareness of critical skills and tools for exegesis, including relevant reference tools and resources
4.	Research, write, and reference an exegetical essay using primary and secondary resources
5.	Integrate methodological understandings, skills, and theological reflection in the study of a NT passage

Unit sequence

Introductory / Foundational

Pedagogy

Lectures, Tutorials, Group exercises

Indicative Bibliography

NRSV Study Bible (New Oxford Annotated Bible or Harper Collins Study Bible) (recommended for purchase)
Boring, M. Eugene. An Introduction to the New Testament: History, Literature, Theology. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2012.
Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament ABRL. New York: Doubleday, 1997.
deSilva, David. An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods, and Ministry Formation, Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2004. (recommended for purchase)
Klauck, H. J. Ancient Letters and the New Testament: A Guide to Context and Exegesis, Waco, Texas: Baylor, 2006.
Levine, Amy-Jill, The Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus. New York: Harper Collins, 2007.
McDonald, Lee Martin and Stanley E. Porter, eds. Early Christianity and Its Sacred Literature. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2000.
Metzger, B. The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997.
Rowland, Christopher. Christian Origins: The Setting and Character of the Most Important Messianic Sect of Judaism. 2nd ed. London: SPCK, 2002.

Assessment

Type	Description	Word count	Weight (%)
Essay	Essay on a Pauline letter	1200	30.0
Exegetical Essay	Exegesis of a gospel passage	1500	40.0
Reflection	Reflective essay on interpretative task	800	20.0
Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper	Tutorial exercises and participation	500	10.0

Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 17 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-17 12:00:42 +1000