The New Testament - Biblical Theology NT513

In order to receive a final assessment, students must:

- Complete four reading-response journals of ca. 300 words. These journals should summarize and critically engage the week’s reading assignment, and include one discussion question for the seminar.

- Complete two scaffolded elements of the final research paper: 1) Proposal consisting of a research question, working thesis, and a preliminary bibliography of 5 secondary sources. 2) Content outline consisting of sections and paragraph-length description of each section.
- Participate in the in-depth evaluation of the course if such evaluation is stipulated in the relevant term.

When course requirements are not fulfilled, this will count as one examination attempt, unless the student withdraws before the set deadline (1 May).

The final assessment for NT513 is based on a research paper (3500-4500 words). This research paper will address one of the course themes through specific research question of the student’s choice and by engaging relevant primary and secondary literature.

In order to receive a final assessment, the student must fulfill the course requirements within the fixed deadline.The course and final exam will be graded as A-E (Pass) or F (Fail).

PART A: THE CULTURAL CONTEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT 2 ECTS

KNOWLEDGE

The student has

- good knowledge of Jewish culture in Hellenistic times

- good knowledge of the Graeco-Roman culture as backdrop and context for the New Testament

- advanced knowledge of how interpretation of New Testament texts takes place against the backdrop of and in the context of Jewish and Greco-Roman culture

SKILLS

The student can:

- relate knowledge of Jewish and Graeco-Roman culture to the interpretation of New Testament texts

- clarify what it means that the New Testament texts are created in and reflect a particular historical and cultural context

- demonstrate how questions especially within subtopics B and C are at home in cultural discourses

PART B: THE GOSPELS READ IN LIGHT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT 4 ECTS

KNOWLEDGE

The student has

- good knowledge of the use of the Scripture in the Gospels

- good knowledge about implications thereof for a historical reading of the Gospels

- advanced knowledge of the distinct literary and theological character of the canonical Gospels

SKILLS

The student can:

- discuss to what extent and in what ways the use of the Scriptures has shaped the message of the Gospels

- discuss the criteria used to identify the use of the Scriptures in the Gospels

- communicate what consequences Scriptural imitation has for a historical reading of the Gospels

PART C: PERSPECTIVES ON PAUL 4 ECTS

KNOWLEDGE

The student has

- good knowledge on the content of the epistle to the Romans and Galatians, on different views regarding Paul’s attitude to Torah, grace and the ability to observe the law and live in accordance with the will of God, and on God’s plan for bringing salvation to Jews and Gentiles

- good knowledge on the role attributed to Jesus Christ in Paul’s theology

- good knowledge on how Pauline dicta on grace have been understood by Marcion, Augustine, Luther as well as in modern theological debate- advanced knowledge about the historical and contextual situation in which Paul composed his letters, and on how this context is mirrored in his letters

- good knowledge on different and substantial view-points found in present-day Pauline scholarship, and also how these views are substantiated

SKILLS: The student can:

- discuss both strengths and weaknesses in key positions in current Pauline scholarship

- apply knowledge on current Pauline scholarship in interpreting texts from Galatians and Romans

- discuss Paul’s self-understanding as a Jew and also whether he abandoned Judaism of his time

- ability to reflect critically on assumptions that are decisive in how Paul has been understood in the tradition

- use knowledge on OT and Jewish traditions and ancient ideas on gift-exchange in the interpretation of texts from Galatians and Romans

- ability to reflect critically on the ecumenical, social and political implications that different interpretations of Paul may have

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The three subtopics together shall convey skills to

- reflect critically on assumptions a reader brings to the interpretation of New Testament texts, and also how these assumptions are at work in the process of interpretation

- communicate meaningfully on relevant questions, based on the knowledge and skills conveyed in this course

NT513 The New Testament - Biblical Theology overlaps partly with TEOL2210 New Testament Intermediate Level: Method, Context, Gospel of John and the Theology of Paul, BIB511 Theology of the Bible and BIB501 Biblical Theology, and completely with NT503 The New Testament - Biblical Theology and PEN513 The New Testament: Lucan and Pauline Theology.

- Students who have already completed TEOL2210 will receive 4 credit points (ECTS) for NT513 on their transcript of records or diploma.

- Students who have already completed BIB511 will receive 3 credit points (ECTS) for NT513 on their transcript of records or diploma.

- Students who have already completed BIB501 will receive 7 credit points (ECTS) for NT513 on their transcript of records or diploma.

- Students who have already completed NT503 will receive 0 credit points (ECTS) for NT513 on their transcript of records or diploma. MF therefore recommends not to combine these courses.

- Students who have already completed PEN513 will receive 0 credit points (ECTS) for NT513 on their transcript of records or diploma. MF therefore recommends not to combine these courses.

Students who are planning to take more than two of these overlapping courses are asked to contact a student advisor.