Theology and Religion BIBS226/326 Distance Course Outline

Transcription

1 BIBS 226/326 Jesus in the New Testament Distance Course Outline 2018 See particularly p. 4 for information about the reading you are required to do prior to the Intensive SEMESTER Intensive: 1pm Monday 2 July to 1pm Friday 6 July Lecturer: Prof Paul Trebilco (03) paul.trebilco@otago.ac.nz This paper focuses on the way the New Testament presents the person of Jesus. One way to consider this is by looking at the portrait of Jesus in some key New Testament texts the Gospels of Mark and of John, the writings of Paul, and the Book of Revelation. How do these texts portray Jesus? What do they regard as the important features of who Jesus is? We could consider all of the New Testament in this way but a sample of texts will enable us to get a good overview of the Christology of different books. We will also look at some key titles used of Jesus in the New Testament Son of God (as part of looking at Mark s Gospel) and Lord (as part of looking at Paul s Christology). How do these titles help us to understand who Jesus is for New Testament authors? What is the background of the titles, and what is their significance for different New Testament authors? An important part of the topic is looking at the historical Jesus what can we know about Jesus as a figure of history, and about his ministry, its aims and outcome. We will investigate this by looking at the work of some key New Testament scholars who have looked at this topic Ben Meyer, Tom Wright and James Dunn. We will also discuss some important themes or areas of study related to our topic the way belief about Jesus developed in the very early years of the Christian Church, belief in Jesus resurrection, and the ways that feminist scholars have studied New Testament Christology. Hence the topics covered in the Course are: The Christology of Mark The Christology of Paul The Development of Christology The Historical Jesus The Christology of John The Resurrection 1

2 Feminist Christology of the New Testament The Christology of Revelation. LECTURER'S INTRODUCTION The course lecturer and co-ordinator for this paper is Professor Paul Trebilco who teaches New Testament studies at the Department of Theology and Religion here at Otago. LEARNING OUTCOMES For BIBS 226 At the end of this course, students should be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the various portraits of Jesus in a range of New Testament documents. Explain the common features of different New Testament Christologies, and outline the unique features of different strands of the New Testament. Explain the development of Christology, as this is evident in the New Testament. Demonstrate understanding of various Christological titles, and Christological themes. Identify key issues in the interpretation of selected New Testament texts. For BIBS 326 In addition to these learning aims for BIBS 226, at the end of this course, students at 300- level should also be able to: Critique arguments put forward in the literature of the discipline, through in-depth discussions of particular topics, which demonstrate advanced understanding of critical approaches to New Testament Christology. Demonstrate understanding of the implications of topics studied in the course for New Testament Studies in general. TEACHING A five day Intensive in Dunedin, from 2-6 July. Please note that this is the only teaching contact offered for the paper, and that attendance at the Intensive is compulsory. 2

3 ASSESSMENT For both BIBS 226 and 326, the assignments will be worth 50% in total 35% for the major assignment and 15% for the minor assignment. There will be a final two-hour examination worth 50% for BIBS226 and BIBS326. RESOURCES Blackboard, the University s online learning tool; This Course Outline and the Course Book, containing a Study Guide and Readings; written by Nick Brennan and Paul Trebilco; ereserve, a resource for extra readings, which you can access via Blackboard; The Department's Study and Style Guide which recommends students use the 16 th edition of the Chicago citation style when writing essays. It is available online at The handbook Distance Learning Information and Support 2018, providing advice on administrative matters not covered in this course book and on the Distance Library Service. (You may download the PDF from the 'Essential Information' web page). THIS IS IMPORTANT! Please Note: You must have access to Blackboard and your University address in order to complete this paper. You will receive access once your enrolment is complete. Communications from your lecturer regarding teaching matters will be provided only through Blackboard and your University address, as outlined in the University's Student Communications Policy, so you must check these s regularly. Student Administration will also send important messages through your University . If you have any concerns about your access to Blackboard or to other course resources, please contact the lecturer or administrative staff immediately so that these can be resolved. You will find there is a lot of helpful information and resources on the Department s website. In particular, we require you to read the section called Essential Student Information. You will find it here: This page provides a number of useful resources such as the Study and Style Guide and the Plagiarism Declaration Form you must attach to your assignments. It supplies detailed information on assessment and student support. In particular, it contains guidance on the topics of plagiarism and deadlines, both of which can incur penalties if not heeded. This also is where you will find instructions for making online discussion posts and submitting assignments electronically. So it is very important you make yourself familiar with this material. Our assumption is that you have read it. We will make reference to information on the website in the following pages, so do take the time to follow the links and absorb the material. It will save you from making costly mistakes and help to make the practical experience of distance study a straightforward one. 3

4 TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE The translation that is used in the Department of Theology and Religion is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). This translation attempts to stay reasonably close to the original Greek text, while using contemporary and gender inclusive language. You will be required to bring a copy of your Bible with you into the exam so it MUST be a hard copy version; electronic copies of the Bible will not be permitted in the exam. Please see the requirements under 'Examinations' below. ABOUT THE INTENSIVE The five-day Intensive or Block Course begins at 1.00pm on Monday, 2 July It ends at 1.00pm on Friday, 6 July It is being held at the University of Otago. Your programme for the week is printed below. (Please refer to the Essential Information link shown above for any general information relating to this course that does not appear in this section.) PLEASE NOTE: In preparation for the Intensive, you are asked to read Readings 7, 8, 12, 15, 16 (for Reading 16, p is for the Intensive), 20 and 24. Doing this reading is vital so that you can fully participate in discussions and in group work. Please see pp.6-8 below for further instructions on this. Note that some readings will be on ereserve only. ereserve is accessible through a link on Blackboard and you will need to be fully enrolled in order to access it. Please contact the Department if you are unable to access any online-only readings prior to the Intensive. Programme for the Intensive: Day 1: Monday 2 July Introductions, Overview The Christology of Mark Who Jesus is, is shown by what he does Break The Christology of Mark Crucifixion Day 2: Tuesday 3 July The Christology of Mark The Meaning of the Death of Jesus Break 4

5 The Christology of Mark Abba, Son of God and Implicit Christology Break The Christology of Mark Discussion of Reading 7: Hooker, M.D. Who Can This Be? The Christology of Mark s Gospel in Longenecker, R.N. ed. Contours of Christology in the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005), p (See below for further details on this) Lunch Working with a Text: The Christology of Paul Phil 2:6-11, drawing on Reading 8: Fowl, S. E. Philippians (The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005), p (See below for further details on this) Break The Christology of Paul Jesus is Lord Day 3: Wednesday 4 July The Development of Christology Hurtado (1) Break The Development of Christology Hurtado (2) Break The Christology of Paul Hays - Discussion of Reading 12: Hays, R.B. The Story of God s Son: The Identity of Jesus in the Letters of Paul in Gaventa, B.R., Hays, R.B. eds. Seeking the Identity of Jesus: A Pilgrimage (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008), p Lunch Working with a Text: The Christology of Paul Col 1:15-20 drawing on Reading 15: Sumney, J. L., Colossians: A Commentary (New Testament Library; Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008), p Break The Development of Christology Bauckham Day 4: Thursday 5 July The Historical Jesus Break The Historical Jesus Break The Historical Jesus Discussion of Reading 16: Meyer, B.F. Jesus Christ in D.N. Freedman ed., The Anchor Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), Vol 3, p

6 Lunch Working with a Text: The Christology of John s Prologue: John 1:1-18 drawing on Reading 20: Smith, J. Moody. John (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries; Nashville: Abingdon, 1999), p Break The Christology of John Father and Son Day 5: Friday 6 July The Resurrection Break The Resurrection Discussion of Reading 24: Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Resurrection in Meyer, M., Hughes, C. Jesus Then & Now: Images of Jesus in History and Christology (Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2001), p Break Feminist Christology of the New Testament Final Reflections Some explanation of these sessions Four sessions are entitled Discussion of Reading. The readings are: Reading 7: Hooker, M.D. Who Can This Be? The Christology of Mark s Gospel, in Longenecker, R.N. ed. Contours of Christology in the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005), p Reading 12: Hays, R.B. The Story of God s Son: The Identity of Jesus in the Letters of Paul, in Gaventa, B.R., Hays, R.B. eds. Seeking the Identity of Jesus: A Pilgrimage (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2008), p Reading 16: Meyer, B.F. Jesus Christ in D.N. Freedman ed., The Anchor Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), Vol 3, p NOTE: For the Intensive you are asked to read from p (Section 5. The Identity and Destiny of Jesus: Traditions Public and Private, and Section 6. Why and How Jesus Died.) 6

7 Reading 24: Wright, N. T. Jesus and the Resurrection, in Meyer, M., Hughes, C. Jesus Then & Now: Images of Jesus in History and Christology (Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2001), p It is very important that you read these four readings prior to the Intensive. At the Intensive we will go around the class and everyone will have the opportunity to contribute to a discussion. As you go through these readings before the Intensive, you should think carefully and critically about what you read. At the Intensive you will be asked to share with the group ONE insight that you have gained from the reading, or ONE question you would like to pose, arising from the reading. So, as you read, try asking the following questions: What new insights have I gained from this author s work? What are the strengths and weaknesses of her or his approach and overall argument? What are the main issues involved in this topic? What answers do the authors I am reading give to these topics? Are they helpful answers, or do they ignore some key point? What one question could I ask of this author s work? Can I synthesise what I have read on this topic into an overall perspective on this topic or passage? It is answers to these sorts of questions that you can contribute to the class discussion at the Intensive. So please come to the Intensive prepared to contribute in this way. Three sessions are entitled Working with a Text The texts are Phil 2:6-11, Col 1:15-20 and John 1:1-18, which are each passages of great Christological significance. For each text, I have supplied two readings which are excerpts from commentaries on these particular passages. In each case, it is very important for you to read one reading (Readings 8, 15 and 20) before the Intensive. The other is an additional reading (Readings 9 and 21) it would be very helpful, but not essential, to read this before the Intensive. Therefore, please read through the readings 8, 15 and 20 before the Intensive. In the session during the Intensives relating to these passages, you will be divided up into groups, and will be asked: to read the text together and discuss its general significance you will be given a part of the passage to discuss in detail 7

8 you will be asked to present your views about what the passage says about the person of Jesus to the class as a whole. The readings associated with these three sessions are: Phil 2: Reading 8: Fowl, S. E. Philippians (The Two Horizons New Testament Commentary; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005), p This is the supplementary reading: Reading 9 (on ereserve): Cousar, C. B. Philippians and Philemon: A Commentary (New Testament Library; Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009), p Col 1: Reading 15: Sumney, J. L., Colossians: A Commentary (New Testament Library; Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008), p John 1: Reading 20: Smith, J. Moody. John (Abingdon New Testament Commentaries; Nashville: Abingdon, 1999), p This is the supplementary reading: Reading 21 (on ereserve): Lincoln, A. T. The Gospel According to Saint John (Black s New Testament Commentary; London: Continuum, 2005), p Topics not covered in the Intensive, but which are part of the course and for which there are readings in the Course Book: 15a. The Historical Jesus Tom Wright s views 15b. The Historical Jesus James Dunn s views 21. The Christology of Revelation Topics not covered in the Intensive, and not part of the course: 5a. Son of Man BIBLIOGRAPHY A Bibliography for the Course, which will also be helpful for the assignments and exam preparation, is on Blackboard, under Course Documents. It is also expected that students will look on ATLAS for Bibliographical material relating to assignments. For assistance in using the Distance Library service, students should consult the 2018 Distance Learning Guide to the Library: 8

9 ASSESSMENT Please read the section on Assessment on the Essential Information webpage, together with relevant material in your handbook Distance Learning: Information and Support 2018 (located on the Essential Information webpage). Assignments are to be submitted via Blackboard. For instructions on using Blackboard please refer to the Essential Information web page. Examination For both BIBS 226 and 326, the exam will be worth 50% and will be 2 hours in duration. Assignments Two Assignments are required a major and a minor assignment. There are different assignments for BIBS 226 students and BIBS 326 students for the major assignment. Ensure that you choose an assignment from the correct category. You may choose to do the major assignment OR the minor assignment first. If your first assignment was the major assignment, your second assignment would be the minor assignment. Conversely, if you did the minor assignment first, you would do the major assignment second. The important thing is to do ONE MAJOR assignment and ONE MINOR assignment. Due Date: There are two due dates: Friday, 24 August 2018 Friday, 28 September 2018 Word Counts A Word Count must be given on the title page of all assignments. This word count is for the text of the essay only and does not include footnotes or bibliography. Please adhere to the word limits. An essay may exceed a word limit by 10%; if it is longer than the 10% allowed, marks will be deducted. Major Assignment BIBS 226 students Word Limit: 2500 words Value 35% CHOOSE ONE of the following topics: 1. In Mark, who Jesus is is shown by what he does and says. Discuss. 2. Discuss the meaning of the death of Jesus in Mark s Gospel. 3. Discuss Paul s use of the title Lord for Jesus. 9

10 4. How does John 1:1-18 present the person of Jesus? Major Assignment BIBS 326 students Word Limit: 3000 words Value 35% EITHER CHOOSE ONE of the following topics: 1. How does Phil 2:6-11 present the person of Jesus? (NOTE: If you do this question, you cannot also answer Question 3 for the Minor Assignment) 2. How does Col 1:15-20 present the person of Jesus? (NOTE: If you do this question, you cannot also answer Question 3 for the Minor Assignment) 3. Discuss the key features of Paul s Christology (NOTE: If you do this question, you cannot also answer Question 3 for the Minor Assignment) 4. Discuss the key features of John s Christology. 5. Critically evaluate the view of one scholar on the development of Christology. OR ALTERNATIVELY: 300-level students can choose to present a seminar to the class, on a date to be arranged. This would be their major assignment, worth 35%. The topic may cover any of the other topics to be covered in the course. Please talk to Paul about this at the beginning of the course. In addition to presenting a seminar, the student should hand in the contents of the seminar as a paper. Minor Assignment For BOTH BIBS 226 and BIBS 326 students Word limit: 1200 words Value: 15% CHOOSE ONE of the following topics: 1. Write a review of an article or a section of a book included in the Course Readings OR listed in the Bibliography (OR any other article or book related to the course PROVIDED you gain the approval of Paul Trebilco first). In your review you should summarise the argument of the article, and give an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses. Include a bibliography, showing your reading in preparation for the review. 2. A group is about to study one of the New Testament books covered in this course in order to discern the portrait of Jesus given in the book. Write an introduction for the group s studies. The introduction is to orientate them to that book s Christology. You should give an indication of key themes and tricky topics, and any other issues you consider they should be introduced to, which will enhance their study. Include a bibliography, showing your reading in preparation for the assignment. 3. Write a study for a group on Phil 2:5-11 or Col 1:15-20, bringing out how the passage presents the person of Jesus. You would need to give some background to the passage, some exegetical notes and some discussion questions that you would ask of the group. Give evidence in the study that you have grappled with 10

11 some of the critical issues the passage raises. Include a bibliography, showing your reading in preparation for the assignment. 4. Present the Christology of one New Testament text in pictorial form, or present one of the Christological titles in pictorial form. You should provide a brief commentary on your art work, explaining its meaning to you and how it presents Christology, or the meaning of one title. Include a bibliography, showing your reading in preparation for the assignment. NOTE: If you would like to tackle another topic related to the course, please discuss this with Paul. Criterion for marking Marking for all assignments will take into account: At 200-level Critical analysis and understanding of the issues involved in the topic or Biblical text; Depth of coverage of the issues and debates that are part of the topic, or of the scholarly discussion about the Biblical text; Depth and range of reading and engagement with reading; Awareness of different viewpoints expressed in reading; That the assignment is written in a clear, understandable and coherent way; That the assignment is well-structured and well organised, with a strong well-argued line of thought. That footnotes are given, acknowledging quotations and sources, following acceptable conventions; That a Bibliography is included, following acceptable conventions. At 300-level Critical analysis and understanding of the issues involved in the topic or Biblical text; Coverage of the issues and debates that are part of the topic at a detailed and indepth level, or of the scholarly discussion about the Biblical text; Critical engagement with a wide range of reading; Detailed analysis of the different viewpoints expressed in reading; Evidence of independent research Evidence of the use of advanced texts and of journal articles; That the assignment is written in an understandable and coherent way; That the assignment is well-structured and well organised, with a strong well-argued line of thought. That footnotes are given, acknowledging quotations and sources, following acceptable conventions; That a Bibliography is included, following acceptable conventions. 11

12 EXAMINATION The date for the examination will be added to your evision calendar as soon as it has been set by the Examinations Office. It is your responsibility to check this and to familiarise yourself with the date, time and venue. The venue for Distance examinations will be arranged according to your Semester Address in evision, so please ensure that this is up to date, and contact the Examinations Office if there are any changes to this, and for all enquiries regarding examinations: Please note: students will be allowed to bring a Bible into the examination room. It should be a hard copy of the NRSV and it may or may not have the Apocrypha. It must have no annotations or underlinings and it must not be a study edition (which has extensive footnotes). If you have any doubts about your edition, please check with your lecturer. The examination supervisor will need to check your Bible before you are allowed to use it. If it does not comply with the above, the examination supervisor will hold your Bible until the examination is over, thus you will not have access to a Bible for the examination. REFERENCING SYSTEM For writing essays, the Department requires that you use the 16th edition of the Chicago Style Guide, which is the norm for many academic journals in the humanities and often recommended for theses in the humanities. The Department has prepared a Study and Style Guide, which outlines the Chicago Style and offers other advice on essay presentation. You may find it via the Department s Essential Information page: SUBMITTING WRITTEN WORK All assignments shall be submitted electronically via the Assignment feature on Blackboard by midnight on the due dates notified. Please do not submit paper copies. For full instructions about how to submit assignments electronically via Blackboard as well as other important information on plagiarism, grading, and deadlines, please see the Essential Information web page. All Assignments submitted in the Department of Theology and Religion must be prefaced with a student Plagiarism Declaration Form. They will not be deemed to have been submitted unless and until the Plagiarism Declaration Form has been submitted. It can be downloaded from 12

13 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Academic integrity means being honest in your studying and assessments. It is the basis for ethical decision-making and behaviour in an academic context. Academic integrity is informed by the values of honesty, trust, responsibility, fairness, respect and courage. Students are expected to be aware of, and act in accordance with, the University s Academic Integrity Policy. Academic Misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, is a breach of Academic Integrity and is taken very seriously by the University. Types of misconduct include plagiarism, copying, unauthorised collaboration, taking unauthorised material into a test or exam, impersonation, and assisting someone else s misconduct. A more extensive list of the types of academic misconduct and associated processes and penalties is available in the University s Student Academic Misconduct Procedures. It is your responsibility to be aware of and use acceptable academic practices when completing your assessments. To access the information in the Academic Integrity Policy and learn more, please visit the University s Academic Integrity website at or ask at the Student Learning Centre or Library. If you have any questions, ask your lecturer. STUDENT SUPPORT The Essential Information web page provides helpful information on how to access the University Library s resources, as well as a guide to the support services available to students at the University of Otago, including the Student Learning Centre and Disability Support: For all administrative and distance learning enquiries, please contact: The Administrative Assistant for Theology and Religion. admin.theologyandreligion@otago.ac.nz Phone: We recommend that you contact the Department as soon as possible if you have any problems participating in the course or accessing resources. Please remember to check your University account regularly for updates and announcements. DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY AND RELIGION University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand 13

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