Introduction to the New Testament (BN8002L)

Content

This unit is an introduction to the diverse writings of the New Testament. Students will become familiar with the content and themes of the New Testament by reading it in its entirety. Moreover, they will engage with the texts in their original historical, literary, social, religious and theological contexts. The unit introduces issues in interpretation, including literary genre, the relationship between form and function, and methods of study. It further introduces the formation of the New Testament canon and the textual history of the New Testament.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

The unit will combine asynchronous student engagement with unit materials and weekly 1 hour synchronous/face-to-face hybrid seminars. The unit will incorporate e-lectures to support student learning. Occasional one-on-one meetings will assist students in completing assessment tasks.

Indicative Bibliography

• Achtemeier, Paul J., Joel B. Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson. Introducing the New Testament: its literature and theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2001.
• Brown, Raymond E. An Introduction to the New Testament. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1997.
• Evans, Craig A., and Stanley E. Porter, eds. Dictionary of New Testament background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000.
• Freedman, David Noel, ed. The Anchor Bible dictionary. 6 vols. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992.
• Metzger, Bruce M., and Bart D. Ehrman. The text of the New Testament: its transmission, corruption and restoration. 4th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2005.
• Powell, Mark Allan. Introducing the New Testament: a historical, literary and theological survey. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2018. [eBook held by the ALC Library]

Assessment