Module THEO3601: The Letters of John and the Origins of Gnosticism (English)

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3601: The Letters of John and the Origins of Gnosticism (English)

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the key features of the Letters of John in historical context.
• To familiarize students with Early Christianity in the first decades of the second century.
• To familiarize students with Essentials of Gnosticism in the second century.
• To hone students’ skills in the close reading of and critical engagement with primary texts.
• To home students skills in assessing the critical interplay between biblical scholarship and systematic theology.
• To build on students’ prior knowledge of biblical exegesis acquired at levels 1 and 2.

Content

• The Letters of John present Johannine theology in a brief form and in a polemical context. In these letters, John or the Johannine circle defends a kind of Christology which became normative for mainstream Christianity in later times. This seminary aims at reconstructing Johannine theology and especially Christology on the one hand and the theology / Christology of the opponents on the other hand. This is a fascinating task because we have reasons to assume that these opponents have to do with Gnosticism, a fascinating religious movement of late antiquity. We will read Johannine letters in translation, and sources that are important to reconstruct the theology of the opponents and belong to Second Century Christianity (Ignatius; Acts of John; Hippolytus; some texts which can give an impression of classical Gnosticism as for example the Hypostasis of the Archons which is one of the most well-written texts of late antiquity).

Learning Outcomes

• In-depth knowledge of the Letters of John in historical context.
• Understanding characteristics of Early Christianity in the first decades of the second century
• Understanding characteristics of Gnositicism in the first decades of the second century

• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate the Letters of John.
• Ability to recognize polemics and interaction with ideologically different positions in the Letters of John.
• Ability to situate the letters of John in their historical context.
• Ability to understand and critically evaluate contemporary scholarship on the Letters of John.
• Ability to evaluate extra biblical sources for the interpretation of the Letters of John.
• Ability to read, interpret and evaluate sources pertaining to Gnosticism.
• Ability to understand and critically evaluate contemporary scholarship on the Second Century Christianity and Gnosticism.
• Ability to recognise the theological agenda of biblical scholars and the exegetical presuppositions of discourses in systematic theology.

• 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.
• Through small-group or one-to-one discussion, tutorials and supervisions provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student research, knowledge and writing skills.
• 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.
• Oral presentations assess skills in the oral presentation of information or opinions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2000-word essay

■ 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