B9260 Pauline Literature and Theology

Unit code B9260

Unit name Pauline Literature and Theology

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites 9 cp of Level 8100 B (Biblical) units

Exclusions B7260 Pauline Literature

Curriculum objective This course unit aims to build on the basic knowledge and skills of the foundational Biblical Studies unit, focusing on New Testament literature associated with Paul, with special attention to their literary forms, theological content and historical, cultural and religious setting.

Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Articulate a cohesive knowledge of the various social, cultural and pastoral contexts of each of Paul’s letters
2. Provide a cogent understanding of the key Pauline theological concepts
3. Evaluate critically a range of recent secondary literature resources related to the study of Pauline literature
4. Produce a scholarly exercise in the exegesis of selected passages from the Pauline letters
5. Apply a critical appreciation of Pauline literature to a range of life and ministry situations

Content

1. The life of Paul
2. Historical, geographical, social and religious context to Pauline letters
3. Rhetoric, structure, style and aim of Paul’s letters
4. Central theological concepts in the Pauline literature
5. Exegesis of selected pericopes from the Pauline literature
6. Recent developments in Pauline scholarship including the ‘new perspective’ debate

Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:

1. Student Presentation on the critical analysis of historical, cultural, political, religious or theological issues that arise in the Pauline literature [Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
2. Interpretative and exegetical essay on a selected passage from the Pauline letters using accepted methodology [Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
3. Analytical essay on a key theological concept of the Pauline literature [Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5]