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THO 3161 Gospel Intepretation - Mark
THO 3161 Gospel Introduction - Mark is intended to be not only an introduction to the study of the Gospel of Mark, but also an introduction to the study of the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Thus, we will study common historical and cultural traditions that pervade each of these Gospels, common methods of study used to explore each of these Gospels, but also literary and theological commonalities among the three as well as particularities unique to each.
We will undertake our introduction in a scholarly and respectable academic way, but also prayerfully, since the goal will be how best to use this Gospel, along with the other two, for deeper theological reflection. In the end, your grade matters less than how you do on "having ears to hear" -- in all senses! It is a fascinating study. I know that you will enjoy it!
Please see the course OVERVIEW (below), the FINAL OVERVIEW (below the OVERVIEW), and CALENDAR (here).
Overview
| CODE: THO 3161 | TITLE: Gospel Interpretation - Mark | | CREDITS: 3 cr. | | | SESSION: Fall, 2009 | Professor: L. Gregory Bloomquist | | DESCRIPTION | This course presents students with an introduction to the New Testament in its social, cultural, and historical milieu, an opportunity to explore ways of reading New Testament texts, and a closer reading of one particular New Testament text, the Gospel of Mark. | | OBJECTIVES | This course is intended to develop skills in careful, attentive reading of sacred Christian texts for theological understanding and being able to discuss the same with others. In order to develop these skills of analysis and communication, the course proposes to provide an opportunity to identify, discern and discuss issues in the study of a New Testament text (Mark), as well as an opportunity to explore contrasting approaches to the same issues (from scholars and members of the class). | | WORKLOAD | The course will employ active learning technologies geared to the above objectives (rather than lectures geared to content retention). This will mean that most of the work will be done in preparing for the class and in class. Accordingly, the workload will be predominately student involvement and will include - readings (geared to class discussion)
- homework assignments (including papers)
- mid-term written exam
- final written exam
| | EVALUATION / REVIEW | - Homework assignments 40%
- Mid-Term Exam (written) 30%
- Final exam (written) 30%
Please see GRADING SCALE for an interpretation of what a given grade means.
| | REQUIRED READING: |
Both texts will also be available on reserve in the SPU Library.
| | SUGGESTED BIBLIOGRAPHY AND/OR WWW SITES: | |
2009 Course Calendar DATE
(9 AM - 12 Noon) | SUBJECT
(Notes are available here after the class) | READINGS
(All readings must be completed BEFORE the class) | ASSIGNMENTS
(Course grades can be found here) | | September 14 | Introduction |
| | | September 21 | Who, what, when, where?
The historical background of the New Testament
| Brown, chapters 4-5
(Material available now here) |
In-class quiz on the assigned reading (9.00-9.15 - approximately)
10%
| | September 28 | Why?
The cultural world of the New Testament
| Malina, introduction and chapters 1-4
(You may also wish to consult David deSilva, Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Available in the SPU Library BS 2380 D48H65 ) |
Choose one of the following:
1. Identify and comment on the significance of honour/shame for understanding NT texts. Please cite one example from a NT text.
2. Identify and comment briefly on an example of the difference between individual and dyadic personality in relation to a NT text.
3. Identify and comment briefly on the significance of an understanding of limited good for our understanding of the NT. Please cite one example from a NT text.
(Due by class time, October 5)
10%
| | October 5 | The cultural world of the New Testament (cont) | Malina, chapters 5-7 and conclusion
(You may also wish to consult David deSilva, Honor, Patronage, Kinship and Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture. Available in the SPU Library BS 2380 D48H65)
| In-class quiz on the NT cultural world (including readings from Malina, class presentations, and class discussions)
10% | | October 12 | No class: Thanksgiving | | | | October 19 | Mid-Term Exam | | | | October 26 | Methods for the Study of the NT | Brown, chapters 1-3 and 6
(You may also wish to consult J. H. Hayes and C. R. Holladay, Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner's Handbook . Available in the SPU Library BS 476 H29B53 2007)
| | | November 2 | The Gospel of Mark
(1-3)
Notes from class are posted here. | Brown, chapter 7
Pertinent sections of a commentary of your own choosing | Identify the various sources (to the best of your ability) on the handout, using the colours proposed. (For a suggestion of what the identification looks like, click here.) Suggest some possible redactional implications as a result:
- On the basis of the commentary you are using, why does Mark have what he has?
- On the basis of your understanding of redaction, why do you think that Matthew has what he has?
- On the basis of your understanding of redaction, why do you think that Luke has what he has?
10%
| | November 9 | The Gospel of Mark
(4-8)
Notes from class are posted here. | Pertinent sections of a commentary of your own choosing |
Identify a pericope of interest in Mark 4-8
Answer the questions on the Template concerning the pericope
20%
Download Assignment template
(For an example of the kinds of answers one might want to note, see the example for Mk 1.2-8 here.)
DUE: By class time, Nov 16
No late papers accepted without prior permission.
| | November 16 | The Gospel of Mark
(9-13)
Notes from class are posted here. | Pertinent sections of a commentary of your own choosing |
Identify a pericope of interest in Mark 9-13
Answer the questions on the Template concerning the pericope
20%
Download Assignment template
DUE: INTRA mail by Nov 23 (please ask for time-stamp)
No late papers accepted without prior permission.
| | November 23 | No class: annual meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature | | | | November 30 | The Gospel of Mark
(14-16)
Notes from class are posted here. | Pertinent sections of a commentary of your own choosing |
Identify a pericope of interest in Mark 14-16
Answer the questions on the Template concerning the pericope
20%
Download Assignment template
DUE: By class time Dec 7
No late papers accepted without prior permission.
| | December 7 | Conclusions | Final overview
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Review readings and notes and prepare questions for discussion
| | | | | | Friday, December 11
9 - 12 Noon | FINAL EXAM | | |
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