This unit provides an in-depth study of the Gospel of Mark in its historical and social-political context and with particular attention to its genre and formative role as the foundational text in the story of early gospel writing. Detailed consideration of Mark’s theological framing and narrative articulation of the life of Jesus will be a major focus, drawing on recent scholarship. The unit will provide you with developed exegetical skills to equip you for gospel study. Special consideration will be given to the historical and contemporary significance of Mark’s portrayal of the nature of the gospel as revealed in the proclamation and life of Jesus, the identity of Jesus in relation to God and humanity, and the demands of discipleship, especially in relation to issues of gender, empire and the lived experience of suffering.
Unit code: BN9001W
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: New Testament
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: Whitley College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Describe and critically discuss plausible socio-political and literary contexts in which the Gospel of Mark was composed and first circulated. |
| 2. | Identify and describe distinctive features of Mark’s theology, with special reference to: apocalyptic, christology, discipleship, suffering, and power. |
| 3. | Offer detailed critical interpretation of the Markan text, employing a range of appropriate exegetical methods and resources. |
| 4. | Describe and critically reflect upon the reception of Mark’s gospel in literature, history, and contemporary discipleship and mission in the Australian and wider Asia-Pacific context. |
Foundation unit in NT (BN8001W or equivalent)
Students will be guided through core methodologies, contexnt, and interpretative frameworks through lectures.
Lectures will integrate in-depth engagement with the primary texts, and introduce students to significant issues in scholarly debate.
Classroom and/or online exercises will provide weekly opportunity to demonstrate engagement with primary texts.
Structured tutorial preparation and discussion will enable participatory consideration of selected primary texts.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Variant 1 | ||||||||
| Summative Reflection | 2,000 word review and reflection paper identifying student learning from lectures and set readings. |
2000 | 25.0 | |||||
| Written Examination - In Person Examination for Classroom Participants | 50 minute multiple choice and short answer examination under controlled conditions. |
800 | 10.0 | |||||
| Essay | Major essay on a key aspect of the Gospel of Mark, including exegetical discussion of key texts and reflection on contemporary reception. |
5250 | 70.0 | |||||
Variant 2 | ||||||||
| Oral Examination | Online Oral Examination: variant for written in person examination. Multiple choice and short answer questions to be answered within time allocation in recorded one to one oral examination |
750 | 10.0 | |||||
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 9 Feb, 2026
Unit record last updated: 2026-02-09 16:45:14 +1100