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Stories of the Early Christians: The Gospels and Acts in Context (BN2002Z/BN9002Z)

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 Eight foundational units including the first year capstone to be completed prior to enrolment . For exemptions, please contact the Registrar.
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

  1. Seminar or Tutorial - Tutorial Presentation

    Compare and contrast Gospel Parallels by identifying similarities and differences; reflect in detail on the possible reasons for and meanings of these features (7-10 minutes) Weighting 20%

  2. Exegesis - Exegesis & Sermon

    Written exegesis of a Gospel Passage (1500 words– worth 65%) with an oral presentation of a sermon (7-10 minutes, or 750 words worth 35%) Weighting 50%

  3. Essay - 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.


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