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CRS827Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Gospel

This course introduces students to the Synoptic Gospels, focusing on Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It explores the historical context, authorship, sources, and purposes of each gospel. Students will analyze the synoptic problem, proposed solutions, and the unique features of each gospel writer. The course also examines the influence of Jewish and Graeco-Roman practices, the universalism of the gospel message, and various approaches to studying the Synoptic Gospels.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Synoptic GospelsMatthewMarkLukeGospel Sources

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Synoptic Gospels

2

Authorship of Gospels

3

Sources of Gospels

4

Theology of Gospels

5

Historical Context of Gospels

6

Literary Analysis of Gospels

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Religious Studies Teacher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Biblical Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Leader

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious OrganizationsEducational InstitutionsResearch InstitutesTheological Seminaries

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

3h

Unit 1: Preliminaries

3 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to the Gospels
  • •Define the term 'gospel'
  • •Discuss the origin of the gospels
  • •Explain the concept of the Synoptic Gospels
  • •Examine the emergence of Christian writings.
Week
2

Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

3h

Unit 2: The Synoptic Problem

3 study hours
  • •Relate the interrelationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke
  • •Critically evaluate the synoptic problem
  • •Identify proposed solutions
  • •Examine early Church's solution to the problem.
Week
3

Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

3h

Unit 3: The Composition of St. Mark

3 study hours
  • •Relate the argument surrounding Mark's authorship
  • •List Mark's literary characteristics
  • •Evaluate Mark's literary accomplishment
  • •Discuss the literary unity of Mark
  • •Explain Mark's theological understanding of the end of the world.
Week
4

Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

3h

Unit 4: The Purpose of the Gospel of St Mark

3 study hours
  • •Relate the purpose of writing St. Mark
  • •Critically examine the doctrine of Christ in Mark
  • •Evaluate Mark's concept of Jesus as the Agent of God
  • •Explain Mark's view of persecution and the end of the World
Week
5

Module 1: General Introduction and the Gospel of Mark

3h

Unit 5: Special Features of Mark

3 study hours
  • •Unravel the mysteries behind the Messianic Secret in Mark
  • •Relate the distinctive features of Mark
  • •Explain the reason for Mark's simplicity
  • •Discuss the problems relating to the ending of Mark
Week
6

Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

3h

Unit 1: Preliminaries

3 study 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
7

Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

3h

Unit 2: The Sources of Matthew

3 study 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
  • •State the content of ''M'' source.
Week
8

Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

3h

Unit 3: The Purposes of Matthew

3 study hours
  • •Evaluate Matthew's purpose of writing
  • •State Matthew's understanding of the law
  • •Discuss Matthew's Christology
  • •State the relationship between the church and Israel
  • •Discuss Matthew's universal scope of the gospel.
Week
9

Module 2: The Gospel of Matthew

3h

Unit 4: Special Features of Matthew's Writings

3 study 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
  • •Explain the use of numbers in Matthew
  • •Examine Matthew's concept of the church.
Week
10

Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

3h

Unit 1: Preliminaries

3 study hours
  • •Identify the person of Luke
  • •Explain who the author of Luke was
  • •Relate the date of St. Luke
  • •Identify the differences between the audience of Luke and Mark.
Week
11

Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

3h

Unit 2: The Sources of Luke's Gospel

3 study hours
  • •Account for the sources of Luke
  • •Explain how Luke made use of Mark
  • •Relate what source ''Q'' is all about
  • •Discuss Lukan use of ''L'' materials.
Week
12

Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

3h

Unit 3: Luke's Purposes

3 study 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
  • •Relate the historicity of Luke's records
  • •Analyse how Luke moulded his gospel as an apologia
Week
13

Module 3: The Gospel of St. Luke

6h

Unit 4: Major Themes in Luke

3 study 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
  • •Analyse Luke's modification of the return of Christ.

Unit 5: The Universalism of Luke's Gospel

3 study 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
  • •Show how Luke's writing reflects salvation that is restricted to the Jews
  • •Discuss Luke's concern especially for the poor, the outcast and women.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events in each Gospel

2

Compare and contrast the teachings of Jesus in each Gospel

3

Identify the unique themes and perspectives of each Gospel writer

4

Practice answering essay questions on the Synoptic Problem

5

Review the historical context and sources of each Gospel

6

Develop a strong understanding of the key theological concepts in each Gospel

7

Focus on the unique characteristics of each Gospel and its author's purpose

8

Create concept maps linking key themes and characters across the Gospels

9

Practice identifying and analyzing literary devices used in each Gospel

10

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and feedback provided by your tutor

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