Pauline Letters in Context

Module Description:

This module studies the historical-social approaches that have developed in the last decades for assessing early Christian literature, in this second part attention shall be turned to considering Pauling letters in detail. Paul’s letters will be analysed with concern to critically evaluate theological motifs and developments reflected in Paul’s letters alongside Paul’s contemporaries.

Indicative Bibliography:

Murphy-O’Connor, J., Paul: his Story (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004).
Roetzel, C., The Letters of Paul: Conversations in Context (Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1998).
Ziesler, J., Pauline Christianity (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1983).

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

• critically assess early Christian writings.
• engage with the Pauline writings from a social perspective.
• Distinguish between theological approaches verses historical and literary ones to reading Paul.

Methods of Assessment and Student Workload:

Annual examination and essay.