Content

This unit introduces students to exegetical methods in studying the Synoptic Gospels. Students engage with central issues in Gospel studies—including the history of the gospel tradition, source analysis, provenance, literary design, and distinctive theologies—through a critical study of Matthew and Mark. Students also learn about the broader cultural and sociological contexts of gospel texts. Students engage in close study of selected gospel pericopes, including attention to homiletical possibilities.

Unit code: BN2001L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret texts from Matthew and Mark using critical exegetical methodologies

2.

Identify the historical, cultural, social, and religious settings and key literary features of Matthew and Mark

3.

Describe the distinctive theologies of Matthew and Mark

4.

Describe the narrative dynamic of Matthew and Mark and the portrait of Jesus they offer

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 2 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: 18 points in the discipline of New Testament (BN)

Pedagogy

The unit will combine lectures with exegetical workshops and class presentations

Indicative Bibliography

  • Aland, Kurt. Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum – Greek. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1996/2001.
  • Allison, Dale C. Matthew: a shorter commentary. London: T & T Clark, 2005.
  • Boring, M. Eugene. Mark: a Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
  • Carter, Warren. Matthew: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Rev. ed. Ada, MI: Baker Books, 2004.
  • Evans, Craig, and Stanley Porter, eds. The Synoptic Gospels: a Sheffield reader. Sheffield, UK: Sheffield Academic Press. 1995.
  • Moloney, Francis J. Mark: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2004.
  • Nickle, Keith F. The Synoptic Gospels: an introduction. 2nd rev. and expanded ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001.
  • Aland, Barbara, and Kurt Aland, eds. Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th ed. Edited by the Institute for New Testament Textual Research. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
  • Rhoads, David, Joanna Dewey, and Donald Michie. Mark as story: an introduction to the narrative of a gospel. 3rd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2012.
  • Sanders, E.P., and Margaret Davies. Studying the synoptic Gospels. London: SCM Press, 1989.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio

Exegetical exercises

1500 34.0
Exegesis

Final exegetical paper

3000 66.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 12 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000