University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 12.00 noon Mon, Tue, Thu

The purpose of this module is to build a fundamental understanding of the historical and theological significance of the life and teachings of Jesus, particularly as represented in the four ‘canonical gospels’ of the Christian ‘New Testament’. (Tradition comes to call these the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.) The module thus lays the foundations for modern academic study of the canonical Gospels and the historical Jesus. The module introduces pressing issues in modern Gospel research, pressing issues related to the historical Jesus, and pressing issues of historical and interpretive method. Students will thus explore, articulate, and confront hermeneutical issues involved in reading ancient texts in a modern world and, of course, explore, articulate, and confront a particular executed Jewish peasant who has affected this world in manifold ways.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures and 1 tutorial

Scheduled learning hours: 42

Guided independent study hours: 158

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%


Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr T J Lang
Module teaching staff: Dr T J Lang
Module coordinator email tjl5@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• By the end of the module, students will be able to: 1. identify historical factors relevant to Jesus and the early Christian movement. 2. discuss the content and theological interests of the four canonical gospels. 3. interact with critical issues pertaining to the historical Jesus. 4. articulate ideas in written and spoken formats. 5. manage and analyse information through critical assessment.