Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2020-2021 (archived)
Module THEO1121: INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO1121: INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Not available in 2020/21 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None.
Aims
- The module will introduce students to the: historical background of the New Testament, methods of studying the New Testament documents, the content of representative literature in the New Testament and issues regarding their interpretation as historical, literary and theological compositions.
- To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of this subject area at level 2.
Content
- The New Testament consists of books by which first century Christians struggled to define their faith in relation to Judaism and the broader environment of the Mediterranean world. This module introduces students to New Testament literature, to its historical and religious contexts and devotes special attention to historical methods used to analyse the sources. Some of the the most influential of the New Testament documents are considered: the four gospels, Romans, the Corinthian correspondence, Galatians, Colossians, Ephesians, the Pastoral Epistles, the Catholic Epistles (1&2 Peter), Hebrews, and the Book of Revelation.
- In addition to the lectures, the module consists of 6 seminars designed to improve skills in the comparative analysis of ancient texts.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with New Testament study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study.
- A knowledge of the main streams of thought in antiquity which influenced the New Testament writings.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Skills in the comparative analysis of ancient texts and the application of traditional and contemporary methods of study.
Key Skills:
- Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
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.
- 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
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 23 | 1 per week for 10 weeks Term 1; 1 per week for 9 weeks Term 2; + 1 Lecture & 1 Revision class in first 2 weeks of Term 3, +1 essay tutorial terms 1 and 2. | 1 hour | 23 | ■ |
| Seminars | 8 | 4 in Terms 1 and 2 | 1 hour | 8 | ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 169 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Gobbets (take-home exercise, over limited time) | Component Weighting: 15% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Gobbets | 1500 words | 100% | |
| Component: Critical review of scholarly views of a set topic | Component Weighting: 15% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Critical Review | 1500 words | 100% | |
| Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 20% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay | 2000 words | 100% | |
| Component: Written Examination | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Draft of the summative 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