Introduction to the New Testament (BN8012L)

Postgraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit is an introduction to the New Testament. Students will become familiar with the content of the New Testament. With the help of secondary literature, they will engage the writings in their original historical contexts, with reference to their literary features, and with attention to their main theological themes and emphases. The unit introduces issues in interpretation, such as the relationship between genre and meaning, as well as diversity in approaches and methods of study. Finally, it introduces students to the formation of the New Testament canon and to the history of the transmission of the text of the New Testament.

Unit code: BN8012L

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: New Testament

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

demonstrate critical awareness of the historical backgrounds, literary features, and diversity of views in New Testament writings
2.

understand different genres of New Testament literature require different reading strategies

3.

use primary and secondary sources responsibly in communicating an informed understanding of New Testament texts
4.

identify and articulate major theological themes in New Testament writings

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.
  • Freedman, David Noel, ed. The Anchor Bible dictionary. 6 vols. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992.
  • Gorman, M. J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2009.
  • Hayes, J. H. and C. R. Holladay. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. Atlanta: John Knox, 2007.
  • 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

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Essay

An essay on one or more of the New Testament gospels which demonstrate critical awareness of historical backgrounds, literary features, and theological emphases

 1750 33.3
Essay

An essay on one or more New Testament letters which demonstrates critical awareness of issues such as the historical occasion of writing, strategies for reading ancient letters, and distinctive theological concerns

 1750 33.3
Essay

An essay on the book of Revelation which demonstrates critical awareness of interpretive issues relating to historical background, the significance of genre for meaning, and diversity in reading strategies

 1750 33.4
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 22 Apr, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-04-22 14:24:47 +1000