THE FOUR GOSPELS

Unit Weighting                       

9 cps

Type of Unit                

Intermediate

Prerequisites                

B7130A

Exclusions                   

B7254

Academic Staff            

Dr Margaret Beirne, RSC, BA (UNE 1973) MA (Weston 1978) BD (MCD 1984), MEd (UNSW 1986) DTheol (MCD 2000), Senior Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This Course Unit builds on the Biblical Studies introductory units by investigating the principal literary, historical and theological features of the four Gospels through exegetical methodologies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1.     demonstrate knowledge of the historical, socio-cultural and religious background of the four Gospels
2.     identify the main literary forms and theological themes of the four Gospels
3.     employ exegetical methodologies in formal essay style on selected passages from the Gospels
4.     access and use sound secondary scholarship on the Gospels
5.     integrate their acquired knowledge into preaching, liturgy and spiritual leadership

Content

1.     Historical, geographical, cultural and religious background of the peoples of 1st century Christianity
2.     The Gospel genre, its narrative shape and principal literary features.
3.     Contemporary historical-critical methodologies for studying the Gospels.
4.     Practical exercises in exegesis of the Gospels and development into formal essays
5.     Distinctive Christology and related theological themes of each Gospel
6.     Application of critically researched knowledge of the Gospels to various church activities.

Assessment Profile

1.     Critical book review that might be linked to class or online discussion
2.     Exegetical written essay of a selected passage from the Gospels using accepted critical methodology
3.     Formal essay in written form and/or oral presentation on a key theological theme or critical issue related to the Gospels

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education