The Johannine Writings

Module Description:

This module studies the literature found within the New Testament that is attributed to John (i.e. Gospel of John, Johannine “epistles”, the book of Revelation) and may be discussed as stemming from a common school of thought or religious milieu. Approaches that were introduced and applied in HE 2313 will be related to the Gospel of John to reflect on the transformation of the Jesus tradition in the late first century. Another focal point of this semester is an investigation into the development of apocalypticism and particularly John’s Apocalypse.

Indicative Bibliography:

Barr, D.L. (ed.), Reading the Book of Revelation (Resources for Biblical Studies 44; Atlanta: SBL, 2003). 
Brown, R.E. The Community of the Beloved Disciple: The Life, Loves, and Hates of an Individual Church in New Testament Times (New York: Paulist Press, 1979).
Haenchen, E., A Commentary on the Gospel of John (Hermeneia, 2 vols.; Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1984).
Schüssler Fiorenza, E., Revelation: Vision of a Just World (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1992).

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Discuss features of John’s gospel that distinguish it from the synoptics.
• Assess the relationship between the Fourth Gospel and the emergence of “Gnosticism”.
• Evaluate basic relationships between the apocalypticism of John’s Apocalypse and that of early Jewish apocalyptic writings.
• Identify key issues that reflect the relationship of communities in 1 John.

Methods of Assessment and Student Workload:

Annual examination and essay.