Last modified: 24 Jun 2020 14:40
This module will examine the representations of Jesus that are found in the four canonical gospels as well as in a selection of non-canonical (apocryphal) gospels. By evaluating the evidence of witnesses and reading this against the social and cultural backdrop of first century Palestine, the module will consider the question of what "the Historical Jesus"" was really like and how this figure relates both to the theological traditions of the church and to popular reworkings of the gospel stories through the centuries. It will be of interest to Theology and Religion students
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
|
||
This course will examine in detail the representations of Jesus that are found in the four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), as well as in a selection of non-canonical (apocryphal) gospels. By evaluating the evidence of such witnesses and reading this against the social and cultural backdrop of first century Palestine, the module will consider the question of what "the Historical Jesus" was really like and how this figure relates both to the theological traditions of the church and to popular reworkings of the gospel stories through the centuries. As well as involving careful study of the gospel material and Historical Jesus theories, the module will therefore consider representations of Jesus in visual art, in novels and in films. The module will provide important foundations for advanced Honours study in New Testament, but will also be of interest to students who want to learn more about the impact of the figure of Jesus on societies and cultures for the last two millennia.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Open Book Online Test (30%)
2x250 word critical summary (10% each)
1500 word essay (50%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Developed knowledge of select examples of the cultural reception and reworking of the Jesus tradition, such as modern Jesus novels or the use of Christ-figure imagery in popular novels or films. |
| Factual | Understand | Developed knowledge of the content of the gospel writings that constitute the principal witnesses to the historical traditions about Jesus. |
| Procedural | Analyse | Practical competency in the reading and analysis of the gospel writings as appropriate to a range of tasks (historical reconstruction; literary analysis; theological analysis). |
| Conceptual | Apply | An understanding of the character of these writings and their relationship to the earliest Christian communities. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | A critical understanding of the various theories of "the Historical Jesus," and their methodological foundations and a capacity to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of such theories, based on both |
We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.
