Unit information: The Gospel of John in the Contemporary World (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2012/13

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Unit name The Gospel of John in the Contemporary World (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code THRS20118
Credit points 10
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director Reverend Dr. Nolland
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

Getting into the New Testament THRS11038
Co-requisites

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

Description including Unit Aims

While a brief introduction to broader issues in the study of John is provided, the exegetical focus on the module is exclusively upon the sense of the texts in the finished Gospel. The module deals with a selection of major themes of the Gospel in a context established by an investigation of the background structuring role in the Gospel of a vertical dualism (the world below vs. the world above). It also introduces literary approaches to the study of John in connection with the study of selected texts. Time will also be spent relating the Johannine perspectives to contemporary cultural perspectives.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The unit aims to

  1. introduce students to the modern study of the Gospel of John;
  2. identify and explore a limited number of important Johannine themes;
  3. explore some chosen texts in connection with a range of more literary approaches to the study of John;
  4. explore ways in which a bridge might be built into a contemporary setting for appraisal, communication and appropriation

On completion of the unit students should:

  1. have some insight into the Johannine method of developing themes;
  2. have come to appreciate the value of reading individual Johannine texts in relation to the larger thematic developments and with literary sensitivity;
  3. have gained skills in bringing together scholarly insight into the Gospel text and vocational concerns with contemporary appropriation.

Teaching Information

The material will be explored in lectures and classroom discussion. There will be course work requirements concerned with relating chosen texts to major Gospel themes and with Gospel themes may be related positively and negatively with contemporary culture.

The unit will consist of 10 contact hours, equating to 2 contact hours per week for 5 weeks.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be through preparation for classes and participation in class discussions and seminars.

Summative assessment will be through an essay of 2,500 words involving exegesis of a chosen passage, including relating it to major themes of the Gospel and then a reflection on the task of bridging from that ancient text to a modern cultural context.

Reading and References

  1. Brown, R.E., The Gospel according to John: Introduction, Translation and Notes. (New York: Doubleday, 1966-71)
  2. Carter, W., John: storyteller, interpreter, evangelist (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2006)
  3. Culpepper, R.A., Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel: A Study in Literary Design (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1983)
  4. Edwards, R., Discovering John (London: SPCK, 2003)
  5. Kysar, R., Voyages with John: charting the Fourth Gospel (Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2005)
  6. Lincoln, A.T., Truth on Trial: The Lawsuit Motif in the Fourth Gospel (Peabody: Hendrickson, 2000)

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