Module THEO3621: Reading Greek Sources about the Historical Jesus

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3621: Reading Greek Sources about the Historical Jesus

Prerequisites

• THEO1161 - Biblical Greek

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students into working with Source texts in their original language.
• To familiarize students with grammars, dictionaries, databases and concordances
• To familiarize students with textual criticism.
• To hone students’ skills in the close reading of and critical engagement with primary texts.
• To build on students’ prior knowledge of biblical exegesis acquired at levels 1 and 2.

Content

• In this Course, Greek Sources which are relevant for the Historical Jesus will be read. The methods of translating and textual criticism will be trained and assessed with regard to their importance for the study of the Historical Jesus. Students are expected to learn translation as a means of getting in close contact with a text. This course can be attended by students taking part in the seminar on the Historical Jesus but also by everyone else who wants to train philological skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Knowledge concerning philological methods
• In-depth knowledge concerning Biblical Greek
• In-depth knowledge about Biblical texts pertaining to the Historical Jesus
• In-depth knowledge about text witnesses and their importance for the reconstruction of the original text of the New Testament, especially in the Gospels.
• Knowledge about some other sources which are relevant for the Historical Jesus (e.g. Josephus).

• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate sources pertaining to the historical Jesus (especially the Synoptic Gospels).
• Ability to evaluate extra biblical sources for the interpretation of Jesus traditions.

• Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information through close, nuanced reading of primary and secondary sources.
• Skills in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Skills in the conducting of research.
• Skills in thinking theologically and historically

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

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Summative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

<enter text as appropriate for the module>

■ 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