Year
2012
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 2-hour seminar weekly
Prerequisites
1 Admission into GCTHS-Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
1a Admission into GDPTHS-Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
1b Admission into MTHS-Master of Theological Studies
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b))
1a Admission into GDPTHS-Graduate Diploma in Theological Studies
1b Admission into MTHS-Master of Theological Studies
Must Satisfy: ((1 or 1a or 1b))
Enrolment not permitted
THEO8201 has been successfully completed
Topic description
This topic introduces students to the New Testament and offers a way of intelligently reading and interpreting the Gospels, especially Mark. An appreciation of the social and cultural background of the Gospel audiences; the pastoral task of the evangelists, their literary and theological intent; and the various methods of contemporary biblical interpretation will be discussed. A project component of the course will assist in linking student insights of the Gospel writers to various contemporary missional contexts.
Educational aims
The aims of this topic are to:
- learn how to read and interpret the Gospels, especially Mark, intelligently and critically
- appreciate the 1st Century CE Mediterranean cultural setting as the context for reading the Gospels
- study the Gospels in their historical, cultural and literary setting
- identify how the gospel writers, especially Mark, sought to address the pastoral issues of their world and developed unique insights into Jesus, discipleship and community
- appreciate and utilise the exegetical tools needed to interpret the Gospels
- gain insight into how the Gospels might have been heard by their original audience
- explore the Gospels' literary design and theological message
- apply these insights to the local situation and contemporary world
Expected learning outcomes
On completion of this topic, participants will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to understand the culture of the Mediterranean world that helped shape the Gospel writers and their communities
- proficient critical reading of gospel literature from the 1st Century CE
- an understanding of major issues and struggles facing the growth of gospel communities
- exegetical skills in interpreting gospel texts of 1st Century CE
- a capacity to identify, access and understand relevant primary and second sources
- hermeneutical sensitivity to the implications of gospel study for contemporary society
Key dates and timetable
Timetable details for 2012 are no longer published.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
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