Synoptic Gospels
- Arts
- 200 level
- 118 pages
- 14 units
This course, CRS213: The Synoptic Gospels, is a two-credit unit course designed for undergraduate students of Christian Theology. It explores the first three gospels of the New Testament, examining their interrelationships and the 'Synoptic Problem.' The course delves into the authorship, sources, purposes, and unique features of each gospel, while also analyzing various approaches to studying them. It also covers the universalism of the gospel message.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS213, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS213 · UNIT 2: THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM
The specific formulation and study of these issues as "the Synoptic Problem" is a relatively recent endeavor, dating to the 18th century and the rise of the analytical study of Scripture as a result of the Enlightenment. Yet, there had been previous observations about the relationship of the Gospels and "traditional" conclusions had been reached about them.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain the subject matter of Gospel and the Synoptic Gospels.
- Analyze the different approaches and methods to the study of the Synoptic Gospels.
- Trace the history and development of the sources of the Synoptic Gospels.
- Identify the influence of Jewish as well as Graeco–Roman practices on the Synoptic Gospels.
- Explain why differences occur in the narration of the Synoptic writers.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Educator
- Theologian
- Pastor
- Missionary
- Chaplain
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Charitable Organizations
- Social Services
- Community Development
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark
Unit 2: The Synoptic Problem
The unit requires understanding the complex interrelationships between the Gospels and various scholarly theories.
- Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke
Unit 4: Major Themes in St. Luke
The unit involves grasping Luke's unique perspective on salvation history and its implications for understanding the gospel's message.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark
Unit 1: Preliminaries · 3 hours
Read the introduction to understand the meaning of 'gospel' and its historical context.. Examine the origin of the gospels and the emergence of Christian writings.. Define the term 'synoptic gospels' and understand its significance..
- Week 2Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark
Unit 2: The Synoptic Problem · 3 hours
Analyze the literary relationships between Matthew, Mark, and Luke.. Identify the key questions and challenges related to the Synoptic Problem.. Explore proposed solutions to the Synoptic Problem, including the early church approach and the priority of Mark..
- Week 3Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark
Unit 3: The Composition of St. Mark · 3 hours
Examine the arguments surrounding the authorship of Mark.. List and describe Mark's literary characteristics.. Evaluate Mark's literary accomplishments and the literary unity of Mark..
- Week 4Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark
Unit 4: The Purpose of the Gospel of St Mark · 3 hours
Relate the purpose of writing the Gospel of St. Mark.. Critically examine the doctrine of Christ as contained in Mark.. Evaluate Mark's concept of Jesus as the Agent of God..
- Week 5Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark
Unit 5: Special Features of Mark · 3 hours
Unravel the mysteries behind the issue of Messianic Secret in Mark.. Relate the distinctive features of Mark.. Explain the reason for the simplicity of Mark..
- Week 6Module 2: The Gospel of St. Matthew
Unit 1: Preliminaries · 3 hours
Explain who the author of Matthew is.. Identify the place of origin of the book.. Argue convincingly on the possible date of composition..
- Week 7Module 2: The Gospel of St. Matthew
Unit 2: The Sources of Matthew · 3 hours
Identify the various sources of St. Matthew.. Explain how Matthew made use of the Markan source.. Explain what the 'Q' source is all about..
- Week 8Module 2: The Gospel of St. Matthew
Unit 3: The Purposes of Matthew · 3 hours
Evaluate Matthew's purpose of writing.. State Matthew's understanding of the law.. Discuss Matthew's Christology..
- Week 9Module 2: The Gospel of St. Matthew
Unit 4: Special Features of Matthew's Writings · 3 hours
Describe what made Matthew different from other synoptic gospels.. Analyse Matthew's system of relating the miracle stories.. Account for Matthew's humane treatment of issues..
- Week 10Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke
Unit 1: Preliminaries · 3 hours
Identify the person of Luke.. Explain who the author of Luke was.. Relate the date of St. Luke..
- Week 11Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke
Unit 2: The Sources of Luke's Gospel · 3 hours
Account for the sources of Luke.. Explain how Luke made use of Mark.. Relate what source 'Q' is all about..
- Week 12Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke
Unit 3: Luke's Purposes · 3 hours
Assess the extent of accuracy in St. Luke.. Explain how Luke achieved his purpose of persuasiveness.. Examine the currency of Luke for his community..
- Week 13Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke
Unit 4: Major Themes in St. Luke · 3 hours
Discuss the theology of St. Luke's gospel.. Evaluate Luke's conception of Christ as the expected messiah.. Assess the place of the Holy Spirit in Luke's gospel..
Unit 5: The Universalism of Luke's Gospel · 3 hours
Evaluate the extent of universalism in the gospel of Luke.. Understand how Luke used his knowledge of History to write an orderly account of Jesus tradition..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key events in each Gospel to compare and contrast narratives.
- Develop a chart outlining the sources used by each Gospel writer (Mark, Q, M, L).
- Practice essay questions comparing and contrasting the theological themes in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
- Form study groups to discuss and debate different interpretations of the Synoptic Problem.
- Review key passages and parables in each Gospel, focusing on their unique emphasis and context.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS213 about?
This course, CRS213: The Synoptic Gospels, is a two-credit unit course designed for undergraduate students of Christian Theology. It explores the first three gospels of the New Testament, examining their interrelationships and the 'Synoptic Problem.' The course delves into the authorship, sources, purposes, and unique features of each gospel, while also analyzing various approaches to studying them. It also covers the universalism of the gospel message.
How many units does CRS213 have?
CRS213, Synoptic Gospels, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 118 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
Is CRS213 hard?
CRS213 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS213 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is CRS213 assessed?
CRS213 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS213?
Religious Educator, Theologian, Pastor, Missionary and Chaplain.
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