Literary and Historical approaches to the Gospels

Module Description:

What do the synoptic gospels (i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke) tell us about the historical Jesus, the early church and origins of the Christian religion? The focus of this course is the historical investigation of the earliest witnesses to the life and ministry of Jesus. While part of the course is concerned with the methods used when reading the gospels, sustained attention is given to historical-critical (“critical” in the German sense of the word kritisch, which should be understood as “analytical”) and literary approaches. Selected sections, or “pericope,” from the synoptic gospels will be examined vis-à-vis redaction, source, form, and narrative criticism. Students will become familiar with the many questions, proposed solutions and benefits of reading the gospels as ancient literature.

Indicative bibliography

Aland, K., Synopsis of the four Gospels: Greek-English edition of the Synopsis Quattuor Evangeliorum (Stuttgart: German Bible Society, 1972).
Ehrman, B.D., The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings (New York: Oxford University Press, 2008).
Perrin, N., What is Redaction Criticism? (London: SPCK, 1970).
Sanders, E.P. and Davies, M. Studying the Synoptic Gospels (London: SCM Press, 1989).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• define the various “criticisms” used in the study of the gospels.        
• apply appropriate analytical methodologies learned in class to reading selected pericope from the synoptic gospels.

• distinguish between historical discussions related to the early church and historical Jesus.
• discuss issues of genre and how they are significant for the study of early Christian literature.

Methods of Assessment

1,500 word essay and end of year examination