Unit code B8150
Unit name Introduction to the New Testament
Unit weighting 9 cp
Exclusions B5001 Survey of the Bible; B5050 Survey of the New Testament; B8101 Biblical Studies Introduction; B7101 Introduction to Biblical Studies; B7150 Introduction to the New Testament
Curriculum objective This course unit introduces students to the critical study of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes. It provides a solid foundation for further biblical and theological study.
Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:
- Analyse the major narratives, themes and structures of the books of the New Testament
- Assess the significance of the main historical, social and cultural factors that provided the context of the composition of the New Testament
- Integrate significant secondary literature into a formal critical essay on the text of the New Testament
- Utilise skills of historical-critical exegesis in the interpretation of New Testament texts
- Apply insights from their study to Christian life and ministry within a range of contexts.
Content
- Contents of the New Testament
- Historical, cultural, political and religious contexts of the New Testament materials
- The literary nature of the New Testament
- Key methodologies and approaches to Biblical interpretation and critical issues
- Developing skills in exegesis and writing an exegetical essay
- Identification and analysis of key New Testament themes
Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:
- Engage with relevant scholarship in a critique of New Testament themes and purposes [Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
- Write a formal interpretive essay on a New Testament text using an accepted exegetical methodology [Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]
- Produce a thematic analysis of a key New Testament theme or critical issue, with application to life and ministry in the contemporary context [Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5]
