The Nature of the Course:
This course aims to introduce and develop issues related to the collection of material known as Johannine literature [The Gospel of John, Johnannine Epistles, and Revelation]. Through this course the student will learn about the literary and historical context of these documents. The course will deal exclusively with the literary material found in the books of John, 1,2,3 John and Revelation. In addition to the biblical material the historical context of the Greco-Roman world and Judaism in Antiquity will be studied as it pertains to these literary works. This course will introduce the beginning student to the New Testament and the group of material associated with the apostle John and will allow the student to explore critical issues within this field. The class will study issues of authorship, date, and historical background as it related to the Johannine writings.
The approach to this class is academic rather than religious in scope and will deal with the issues related to the scholarly study of the Johannine material. Critical issues such as authorship and historicity will also be discussed within this academic framework. This approach aims at providing a free atmosphere of learning for the religious and non-religious student.
In addition to the scholarly understanding of this material, students are encouraged to have open discussions in class concerning critical issues within the text and historical material.
Objectives:
-To provide an understanding of the Johannine material and the world which it emerged to the beginning student.
-To provide the foundation for further and advanced study of the Johannine material.
-To help students develop scholarly method within the Johannine material.
-To help students develop an appreciation for the Johannine writings and historicity regardless of religious preference or belief.
Assigned Texts:
Johannine Reader-provided by teacher.
Bible (suggested versions):
The New Oxford Annotated Bible (with the Apocrypha). New Revised Standard Version.
Third Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001 (Paperback).
HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version
New American Standard Version (NASB)
Requirements:
The student will be evaluated on the lectures and required reading in a Mid-term and final examination. These examinations will consist of objective (multiple choice, short answer, etc.) and essay questions. In addition to the exams students are required to write 1 short paper between 4 and 5 pages in length (doubled spaced). This will be on a particular Johannine topic chosen from a provided list. Students are also responsible for three short quizzes, which will be discussed in class. In addition to this material students are required to attend class, a 5 % participation grade evaluates class attendance.
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
Paper
Quiz # 1
Quiz # 2
Quiz # 3
Participation (Attendance)
|
20%
30%
15%
10%
10%
10%
5%
|