Module THEO2051: NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2051: NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY

Prerequisites

• Introduction to the New Testament (THEO1121), Biblical Studies (THEO1931) or equivalent.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To explore in detail the texts and theology of two major theologians of the New Testament.
• To develop knowledge of the subject area introduced at level 1 (or gained through equivalent study).
• To prepare students for the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a dissertation or other further work in biblical study in the final year.

Content

• This course will focus on two central bodies of literature in the New Testament, which have had the most influence on Christian theology, e.g. the letters of Paul and one of the Gospels.
• In each case, we will explore their central theological convictions and examine closely some of their most intriguing texts, in dialogue with leading contemporary interpreters.
• In the process, we will also investigate how and why this literature has been so fertile for subsequent Christian thinkers (and others) down to this day.

Learning Outcomes

• A close knowledge of two bodies of literature in the New Testament.
• Principles and methods of scholarly enquiry into New Testament literature and theology.
• An understanding of the way in which those principles have developed, and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Close reading of New Testament texts.

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 skills and promote awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Formative gobbets develop subject-specific skills in close reading and written comment on small passages of text.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with 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:

One formative essay (2000 words) and four gobbets (500 words each).

■ 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