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NT1725 Jesus of Nazareth (Fall 2006)
Class Homepage: Follow the link at www.bts.edu/trobisch
Course Description
This course introduces students to the historical evidence and the oldest
literary sources concerning Jesus of Nazareth.
The course will feature different approaches.
- Literary approach to Jesus and the canonical gospels: A literary reading of
the New Testament writings will be the starting point and will serve as the
reference point throughout the course.
- Historical approach to the canonical gospels:
- Reconstruction of the time frame and geographical location of Jesus.
- Different interpretations of the evidence, including scholarly readers and
readers with a non-Christian traditions.
How we will work together
Homework will consist mostly of reading assignments
from the text book and from a primary source. Every session will begin with
questions about the previous session and about the readings. These questions
will form part of the two quizzes.
After several sessions you will be given an opportunity for feedback.
Your suggestions are important to me. You may use the anonymous
feedback form at any time.
Attendance: If you are not able to attend a session, I
expect you to tell me beforehand or leave a message. If this should not be
possible, please let me know the reason for your absence the next time we meet.
Textbooks
The following textbooks are required and can be ordered through the
BTS bookstore (bookstore@bts.edu):
Grading
 | One book review (2-5 pages each). A list of books will be
distributed in class. Instructions
for Book Reviews. |
| Paper with bibliography
15 pages. You are expected to describe a
primary source of your choice and discuss its historical value. Sources
to choose from are: Jesus in Koran, Rabbinic literature, in one
extra-canonical gospel, in Paul, in Acts, in the General Letters. Or as an
alternative you can follow the text book and pick an interpretation of Jesus
(§8 charismatic leader, §9 prophet, §10 healer, §11 poet, §12 teacher)
and relate it to the relevant sources. In this paper I want you do document
that your are able to access and critically discuss primary sources on
Jesus. Due date: 12/6/2006. |
| Two written quizzes. They will be posted on the website. Honor
system. |
As I will leave for a sabbatical after the semester, the due dates are
firm.
Grade Distribution
| Book Reviews (30%) |
| Paper (30%) |
| Quizzes (30%) |
| Cooperation in Class and Voluntary Assignments (10%) |
A = 100-90%; B = 89-80%; C = 79-70%; D = 69-60%.
Goals (MA, MDiv)
The course is designed to provide foundational biblical,
theological, and historical knowledge.
| Dates |
Taught From |
Notes |
| 9/6 |
Portland |
Introduction |
| 9/13 |
Bangor |
Paul |
| 9/20 |
Portland |
Four Gospel Book |
| 9/27 |
NO CLASS on Wednesday |
|
| 9/30 (3 sessions) |
Bangor
From 10 to 7 |
SATURDAY
IN BANGOR
Historical Approach to New
Testament sources |
| 10/4 |
NO CLASS |
|
| Reading Week |
|
|
| 10/18 |
Portland |
Jewish Background |
| 10/25 |
Bangor |
quiz (1)
Sources outside the Bible |
| 11/1 |
Portland |
Birth, ministry, death: Where and when? (1) |
| 11/8 |
Bangor |
Book Review
due
Birth, ministry, death: Where and when? (2) |
| 11/15 |
Portland |
From
Jesus to Christ (1) |
| Reading Week |
|
|
| 11/29 |
NO CLASS |
PAPER DUE |
| 12/6 |
Bangor |
quiz (2)
From Jesus to Christ (2) |
| 12/13 LAST CLASS |
Portland |
Summary |
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TROBISCH HOME PAGE
Last modified August 03, 2007
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