The Gospel of Mark (BN9609T)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit provides an in-depth and comprehensive study of the Gospel of Mark. The focus is on the structure, narrative shape, characterisation and other literary devices which make this Gospel unique. Attention will be paid to theories of composition and the priority of Mark in relation to the other Synoptic Gospels; the history of its interpretation in the pre- and post-Enlightenment periods; and the influence of the Old Testament, especially the Book of Daniel. The unit will explore different theories of authorship, place and dating, particularly in relation to the Jewish War. It will consider the social setting of the Markan community and the context of persecution in which it appears to be set. The unit will explore the theological and spiritual themes which arise from the form and shape of the Gospel narrative and make connections to the contemporary context.

Unit code: BN9609T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: New Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse and articulate the history of interpretation of Mark’s Gospel, the reasons for its comparative neglect in pre-Enlightenment thinking and the rise of belief in Markan priority
2.

Discuss different theories of the genre of Mark’s Gospel in relation to ancient biography and historiography.
3.

Critically interpret key aspects of the Gospel within its social and religious setting, including questions of authorship, dating and venue
4.

Provide a critically informed account of the core theological themes of the Gospel, including its Christology, its understanding of discipleship, its apocalyptic focus, the role of women and the emphasis on the cross and suffering
5.

Articulate the way in which narrative, plot, imagery, irony and characterisation communicate the main Markan themes.
6.

Evaluate the various proposals for application of Mark’s Gospel to contemporary life.

Unit sequence

30 points of NT study

Indicative Bibliography

  • Burridge, R.A. What are the Gospels? A Comparison with Graeco-Roman Biography. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004.
  • Byrne, B. A Costly Freedom: A Theological Reading of Mark’s Gospel. Collegeville: Liturgical, 2008. (recommended for purchase)
  • Carmody, T.R. The Gospel of Mark. New York: Paulist, 2010.
  • Healy, M. The Gospel of Mark. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.
  • Hooker, M.D. & J.J. Vincent, The Drama of Mark. Peterborough: Epworth, 2009.
  • Hooker, M.D. The Gospel According to Saint Mark. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1993. (recommended for purchase)
  • France, R.T. The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary on the Greek Text. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002. (recommended for purchase)
  • Levine, A.-J. & M. Blickenstaff (eds.), A Feminist Companion to Mark. Sheffield Academic Press, 2004.
  • Malbon, E. Struthers, Mark’s Jesus: Characterization as Narrative Christology. Waco: Baylor University Press, 2009.
  • Moloney, F.J. The Gospel of Mark: A Commentary. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2002. (recommended for purchase)
  • Oden, T.C. & C.A. Hall (eds.), Mark. Ancient Christian Commentaries on Scripture. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1998.
  • Witherington, B. The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001.*
  • Watson, F. Gospel Writing: A Canonical Perspective. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2013.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegetical Essay

2,500-word exegetical essay

 0 40.0
Seminar or Tutorial

Online tutorial engagement across 6 forums (equivalent to 1,000 words)

 0 20.0
Essay

2,500-word thematic essay

 0 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 13 Oct, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:50 +1000