TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
1:00pm-2:15pm
TuTh
Rich Building 104
Robbins, Vernon. HAPW. 42053 TBA.

August 29, 2012- December 11, 2012

Catalog Description: The study of the New Testament gospels through approximately ten Christian gospels and fragments of gospels written during the first two centuries, including modern studies and debates about the historical Jesus.

Semester Details:

Differing views of Jesus existed during the first two centuries as well as today. Discoveries of lost ancient writings and excavations of forgotten archeological sites during the last fifty years have brought these differing views to light for scholar and general reader alike. This course will begin with the New Testament gospels and work progressively through ten or twelve Christian gospels and fragments of gospels written during the first two or three centuries. While studying these gospels, students also will learn about the different faces of Jesus in early Christianity and in the present.

Required Textbooks, Articles, and Resources

  1. The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
  2. Bart D. Ehrman and Zlatko Plese. The Apocryphal Gospels: Texts and Translations. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.
  3. Daniel J. Scholz, Jesus in the Gospels and Acts. Winona, MN: Saint Mary's Press, 2009.
  4. Vernon K. Robbins, Exploring the Texture of Texts: A Guide to Socio-Rhetorical Interpretation. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 1996.
  5. Vernon K. Robbins, The Invention of Christian Discourse. Volume 1. Blandford Forum, UK: Deo Publishing, 2009.

Grading

Assignment/ExamDetails% of Total Grade
AssessmentEach student will write two papers focused on interpreting selected passages in gospels both inside and outside the New Testament. In addition, there will be cumulative quizzes. The class will post weekly exercises on LearnLink and use Twitter in relation to class assignments.

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.