Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module THEO2051: NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2051: NEW TESTAMENT THEOLOGY

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap Location Durham

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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • 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

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Lectures 21 1 per week in MT and EpT; 1 in ET 1 hour 21
    Seminars 10 5 in MT, 5 in EpT 1 hour 10
    Preparation and Reading 169
    Total 200

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    unseen written examination 2 hours 100%
    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 40%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    essay 3000 words 100%

    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