David Trobisch
 Throckmorton- Hayes Professor of New Testament Language and Literature
  Email: DTrobisch@BTS.edu //  Curriculum Vitae / short CV // tel (207) 774 5212 x 205 //  fax (207) 874 2214

NT1701 Gospel According to John (Spring 2008)
Videoconference: Wednesday 1:00 PM - 3:50 PM

Class Homepage: Follow the link at www.bts.edu/trobisch 

Course Description

The course will be taught using the video conferencing equipment. I will take turns teaching from each location. Once during the semester we will meet for one whole Saturday. Please make sure that you can attend on those days before signing up for the course. See the outline at the end of this document.

This course introduces students to the historical background and the literary beauty of the Gospel According to John.

The course will feature a literary approach (reading it at face value as the author intended us to read it) as well as an historical approach (comparing the book to information outside of John).

 Learning Goals

At the end of the semester the successful student will be able (assessment tools are noted in parenthesis):

  1. to structure the gospel in more than one way following scholarly standards (thought paper, two pages)
  2. to place the gospel within the narrative of the New Testament as a whole with specific attention to its place in the Four-Gospel-Book and its relation to the Letters of Paul (quiz)
  3. to compare passages from John with similar passages in other canonical and extra-canonical gospels (paper)

How we will work together

Homework will consist mostly of reading assignments. Every session will begin with questions about the previous session and about the readings. These questions will form part of the written quiz.

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):

bullet

Barbara Aland, Kurt Aland et al. (ed.), Greek-English New Testament (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1994).

bullet

The Gospel of John (Sacra Pagina Series) by Francis J. Moloney, Daniel J. Harrington, Liturgical Press (March 1998) ISBN: 978-0814658062.

Grading

bulletOne book review (2-5 pages each). A list of books will be distributed in class. Instructions for Book Reviews. 
bulletPaper with bibliography 15 pages. You will choose a passage from John and compare it to a similar passage in another gospel (canonical or extracanonical). The goal of this paper will be to describe one aspect of the literary quality of this gospel compared to another gospel. For example: What was the intention of the author? How does the author portray Jesus or another character? How does the author move the plot? How much poetic license does the author use?  The paper is due 4/30 if you want feedback. The last possible date to submit the paper is 5/7. This date is firm because I will be leaving for a trip to China afterwards and will not be able to hand in the grades in time.
bulletOne written quiz. The questions will be posted on the website and you will have one week to submit your answers. No books and notes allowed. Honor system.
bulletOne thought paper about the structure of John, two pages.

Grade Distribution

bulletPaper (30%)
bulletQuiz (30%)
bulletBook Review (20%)
bulletThought Paper (10%)
bulletCooperation in Class and Voluntary Assignments (10%)

A = 100-95%; B = 94-90%; C = 89-85%; D = 84-75%.

Goals (MA, MDiv)

The course is designed to provide foundational biblical, theological, and historical knowledge.

Outline

Dates Taught from Notes 
1/30 Portland  
2/6  Portland
(sorry Bangor, have to leave for the airport RIGHT after class)
2/13 Portland  
2/20 Reading Week    
2/27 NO CLASS  
3/5 NO CLASS  
3/12 Bangor Book Review Due
3/19 Easter Recess    
3/26 Portland  
4/2 Bangor Thought Paper Due
4/5 Waterville, Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 60 Eustis Parkway Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
4/9 Portland  
4/16 Bangor  
4/23 Portland Quiz
4/30 Bangor Paper due
5/7 LAST CLASS Portland  

RETURN TO THE TROBISCH  HOME PAGE

Hit Counter  

Last modified March 28, 2008