Unit information: The Johannine Writings in 2011/12

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Unit name The Johannine Writings
Unit code THRS20177
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. John Lyons
Open unit status Open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The Johannine literature presents a unique perspective on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. In the Gospel of John 'the Son' is sent to act as both prosecutor and judge in a legal suit launched against 'the world' by 'the Father.' His death on the cross inaugurates a time of decision for humanity revolving around the answer to a simple question: Who is Jesus? This unit aims to explore the Fourth Gospel and its co-texts—the three Johannine Epistles and the Apocalypse of John—within historical, literary and theological perspectives. Having ascertained the shape of the literary text, the relationship between the particularity of its original audience and the universality of its role as 'the Fourth Gospel', we will investigate the canonical material of the Epistles and the Apocalypse to question the earliest reception of the Gospel's unique challenges, culminating in an examination of the earliest commentary on the Gospel, that of the gnostic writer Heracleon in the Second Century CETo introduce students to:

  • Johannine literature and its receptions;
  • the historical, literary and theological perspectives of its investigation and interpretation;
  • the particularity of its original audience and the universality of its role as 'the Fourth Gospel'

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit student will have a sound knowledge and critical understanding of:

  • Johannine literature and its receptions;
  • the historical, literary and theological perspectives of its investigation and interpretation;
  • the particularity of its original audience and the universality of its role as 'the Fourth Gospel'

Teaching Information

Seminars

Assessment Information

1 formative assignment of 1000-2000 words (a book review) and 1 examination of 120 minutes (100%)

Reading and References

Bauckham, R. (ed.), The Gospel for all Christians (Edinburgh: 1998). Brown, R.E., with Francis J. Moloney, An introduction to the Gospel of John (Anchor Bible; New York: Doubleday, 2003). Burkett, D., An Introduction to the New Testament and the Origins of Christianity (Cambridge: 2002). Culpepper, R.A. , The Gospel and Letters of John (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998). Lincoln, A.T., 'Trials plots and the Narrative of the Fourth Gospel', Journal for the Study of the New Testament 56 (1994) 3-30. Sloyan,G. S., What are they saying about John? (Rev. ed; Paulist Press International, 2006)

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