Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module THEO2271: Reading the New Testament in Greek

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2271: Reading the New Testament in Greek

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • New Testament Greek and Exegesis (THEO1161) or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To consolidate the linguistic skills learnt in Greek at L1
  • To begin to develop skills in New Testament exegesis
  • To begin to develop skills in translation technique
  • To gain scholarly understanding of a portion of the New Testament

Content

  • The course will focus on a selected portion of the New Testament in Greek. We will work closely through the Greek text, consolidating linguistic understanding, developing skills in translation and exegesis. Weekly seminars will involve elements of grammar recap, translation, lecture, student-led exegesis, and discussion. Building on prior knowledge, this course will equip students to become independent exegetes of the Greek New Testament.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Detailed knowledge of the set text
  • Knowledge and critical understanding of exegetical issues arising from the set texts, and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to these issues
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to translate New Testament Greek at intermediate level
  • Exegetical skills in close study of texts, and use of relevant printed resources
Key Skills:
  • Generic linguistic skills.

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.
  • Formative essays and prepared exegesis 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.
  • Summative essays both develop (through feedback) and assess subject-specific understanding, cognitive and interpretative skills, and key skills of written communication and acquisition of information.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 44 2 per week 1 hour 44
Preparation and Reading 156 156
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 2 hours 100%
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

1500 word exegesis.


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