In the decades after Jesus of Nazareth’s crucifixion and resurrection, Christians shared with one another stories of His life and ministry which developed into the texts that we now know as the Gospels and Acts. In this unit, students will study the three synoptic Gospels – Mark, Matthew, and Luke – as well as Acts, considering them in their historical, social, cultural, religious, and literary contexts. The stories of the early Christians present multiple accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry that each generation of Christians has engaged with to understand who Jesus was and is. This unit will engage with the tension between these narratives and develop exegetical skills with a focus on historical-critical methods, literary analysis, and identification of theological themes.
Subject Details
Duration | One Semester |
Availability | Second Semester |
Core/Elective | Elective |
Delivery Mode | Mixed Mode - onsite or online |
Prerequisites | This unit requires students to complete two Foundation level units in Biblical Studies. |
Prescribed Texts | Should you want information about the readings for this unit, please contact your lecturer. Otherwise, all readings will be available through the unit ARK site two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. |
Assessments
Tutorial Presentation. Compare and contrast Gospel Parallels; Weighting 20%
Exegesis - Exegesis & Sermon. Written exegesis of a Gospel Passage with an oral presentation of a sermon; Weighting 50%
Essay. Literary Analysis of a Speech in Acts; Weighting 30%
Teaching and Learning
This subject will involve:
One on-campus 2 hour lecture per week
One on-campus 1 hour tutorial per week
Online preparation & reading 2 hours per week
Learning Outcomes
Students completing this unit will:
Compare and contrast the context, authorship, and composition of the Synoptic Gospels.
Prepare and deliver a homily or sermon on a passage from either a synoptic gospel or acts.
Analyse New Testament texts through a critical engagement with primary sources and secondary literature.
Communicate clearly, with a developing understanding of academic structures and conventions appropriate to a second level unit.