Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2008-2009 (archived)

Module THEO41830: The Gospel of Mark (in Greek)

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO41830: The Gospel of Mark (in Greek)

Type Open Level 4 Credits 30 Availability Available in 2008/09 Module Cap None.

Prerequisites

  • THEO1161 or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module is designed to develop and increase the technical skills required for independent research on the New Testament at an advanced level, and with special reference to the Gospel of Mark. Special attention is directed towards equipping candidates with the linguistic expertise, knowledge of textual and traditio-historical criticism (source, form and redaction criticism), and insight into the major themes and exegetical issues necessary for in-depth analysis of the text.

Content

  • The first part of the course will develop students’ understanding of the historical and literary-critical questions and to the nature and results of source, form and redaction criticism on the text. The second part will address itself to the major themes of the Gospel (the person, message and mission of Jesus in the Gospel, support and opposition and the purpose and intention of the Gospel). Each of these studies will be anchored to specific passages of the Gospel (in the original).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A knowledge of the Greek text of the Gospel of Mark in relation to the textual, linguistic, historical, literary and theological issues that it raises.
  • A knowledge of the results of modern scholarship on the text .
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An ability to translate and conduct exegesis on the text in the original.
  • An ability to analyse the texts using the tools of modern traditio-historical criticism.
Key Skills:
  • An ability to analyse texts from a linguistic perspective.
  • An ability to apply modern methods of analysis to texts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module The text chosen for study in this module is chosen with a view to encouraging the student to work independently, and to bring to the regular text classes the product of such independent study (their translation of the passages for scrutiny, their exegetical comments, the insights they have gained from the study of the text, and the secondary reading—commentaries, special studies, etc.). In addition to the input of the module leader, the classes will give an opportunity for help with translation, as well as discussion of problems in the text, whether literary, textual or exegetical. Tutorials (on a plenary or one-to-one basis) will offer an opportunity for feedback on assigned work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 10 Fortnightly 1 hour 10
Tutorials 1 1 per term 1 hour 2
Seminars 10 Fortnightly 1 hour 10
Preparation and Reading 278
Total 300

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 5000 words 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Exegetical essay, 5000 words.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University