bibs224 324 course outline - university of otago · topic 8a: luke’s eschatology topic 8b:...

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE AND THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

This course provides a detailed discussion of important themes in the theology and in the interpretation of Luke’s New Testament writings, with exegesis of selected texts. You are about to study the writings of the largest contributor to the New Testament. With the enormous interest in the Pauline epistles people tend to think they are they make up largest portion of the New Testament, however, that is not the case. At 27.1 percent of the New Testament, the Gospel of Luke and Acts, both written by Luke, is larger than the Pauline Epistles. The other large contribution to the New Testament is the Johannine writings (gospel, epistles and Revelation), but Luke-Acts is larger than either the Johannine or Pauline collections.

Through the Gospel of Luke and Acts, Luke has made a substantial contribution to our understanding of Jesus and the early church. He offers some important theological perspectives and has some distinctive emphases, such as: the poor, women, and the role of the Spirit, that are particularly relevant to contemporary life. It is impossible to study the whole of Luke-Acts in this paper. So what we will be doing is looking at specific themes which should give you a good feel for both books and key issues that were significant to their author. We will spend the latter part of the course looking at specific texts that will expose you to further issues of interpretation and debate about Luke’s writings and the New Testament generally.

THEOLOGY & RELIGION BIBS 224 / 324 COURSE OUTLINE

BIBS 334 / 634

SEMESTER 1 2016

Lectures: Mondays 1:00-2:50 pm;; Videoconference: Monday 18th April, 6:10-8:00pm Distance students only Lecturer: Dr Don Moffat (09) 557 0643 [email protected] Course coordinator: Revd Dr James Harding (03) 479 5392 [email protected]

DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGY & RELIGION University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand

www.otago.ac.nz/theology


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LEARNING OUTCOMES At 200-level By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• identify and describe distinctive historical themes of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts;;

• present the distinctive theological features of the portrait of Jesus, the view of the Holy Spirit and the understanding of the Church in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts;;

• discuss the literary features of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts and the literary and narrative parallels between the two books;;

• evaluate the arguments presented for the sources of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts

At 300-level In addition to those at 200-level, you should be able to:

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of some key texts in Luke and Acts. • discuss the complexities of the interpretative history of Luke and Acts.

COURSE LECTURER AND COORDINATOR The lecturer for this paper is Dr. Don Moffat who is the Sir Paul Reeves’ Lecturer in Biblical Studies at St John’s Theological College and visiting lecturer in the Department of Theology and Religion. Dr. Moffat is based in Auckland. He can be contacted by phone on: (09) 557 0643 or by email: [email protected] The coordinator for the course is Revd Dr James Harding, who teaches Old Testament Studies in the Department of Theology and Religion. He can be contacted by phone on: (03) 479 5392 or by email at: [email protected] Inquiries about the course should be directed to Dr. Moffat

ASSESSMENT Online discussion worth 10%, one essay worth 30% and a three-hour exam worth 60% of the final mark.


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TEACHING • Weekly lectures with classes in Auckland, video linked to Dunedin campus or accessible online. The lectures are recorded and the recordings can be accessed through Blackboard.

• A Teaching Day will be offered in Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland - note that you need only attend the one closest to you

OUTLINE OF TOPICS Please note that all weekly lectures are taught as videoconferences. The lecture will be accessible on campus in Dunedin, at St John’s Theological College in Auckland or online.

Week 1: Monday 29 February, 1.00-2.50pm Introductions: Topic 1a: Introducing Luke-Acts Topic 1b: Luke-Acts: Theology and History

Teaching Day: Tuesday 8 March: Dunedin: 3.00pm – 9.00 pm Monday 14 March: Auckland: 9.30am - 3.45pm Tuesday 15 March: Wellington: 9.30am -3.45 pm

Teaching Day Session 1: Topic 2a: Jesus in Luke Topic 2b: Jesus in Acts

Teaching Day Session 2: Topic 3a: Salvation in Luke Topic 3b: Salvation in Acts

Week 4: Monday 21 March, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 4a: The Death of Jesus in Luke Topic 4b: The Death of Jesus in Acts

Mid Semester Break 25 March – 1 April (Easter 25/4-28/4) Week 5: Monday 4 April, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 5a: The Spirit in Luke Topic 5b: The Spirit in Acts


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Week 6: Monday 11 April, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 6a: Luke’s ecclesiology Topic 6b: The Church in Acts

Week 7: Monday 18 April, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 7a: Discipleship (Jesus as model) Topic 7b: Discipleship (Church Leaders as models) Monday 18 April, 4.10-6.00pm. Videoconference for Distance Students only

Assignment B (Essay) due: Friday 22 April. Monday 25 April ANZAC Day – no class

Week 8: Monday 2 May, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 8a: Luke’s Eschatology Topic 8b: Luke’s Eschatology

Week 9: Monday 9 May, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 9a: Reading Parables Topic 9b: Exegesis of Luke 15

Week 10: Monday 16 May, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 10a: Exegesis of Luke 20 Topic 10b: Jesus as political figure

Week 11: Monday 23 May, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 11a: Exegetical study of Acts 13 Topic 11b: Paul’s preaching

Week 12: Monday 30 May, 1.00-2.50pm Topic 12a: Exegetical study of Acts 15 Topic 12b: Controversy and Christian conversion

RESOURCES • The Course Book, and this accompanying Course Outline

• The Department's 'Essential Information' web page for helpful information and

resources:


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THIS IS IMPORTANT! You will find there is a lot of helpful information and resources on the Department’s website. In particular, we require you to read the section called ‘Essential Student Information’. You’ll find it here:

http://www.otago.ac.nz/theology/study/studentresources/

This page provides a number of useful resources such as the Study and Style Guide and the Plagiarism Declaration Form you must attach to your assignments. It supplies detailed information on assessment and student support. In particular, it contains guidance on the topics of plagiarism and deadlines, both of which can incur penalties if not heeded. This also is where you will find instructions for making online discussion posts and submitting assignments electronically if required, as well as guidance on using videoconferencing software and Blackboard. So it is very important you make yourself familiar with this material. Our assumption is that you have read it. This page also contains information particularly for our distance students regarding videoconferences, using Otago Connect, and teaching days

• The handbook Distance Learning: Information and Support, 2016. (You may download the PDF from the 'Essential Information' web page).

• Blackboard, which is the online learning environment used by the University of Otago. The Blackboard site provides additional resources, recordings of videoconferences, as well as facilities for assignment submission. Please see the ‘Essential Information' webpage for instructions on accessing and using the features of Blackboard.

• The Department’s Study and Style Guide, which gives guidance on writing

assignments, and is available on the 'Essential Information' web page.

RECOMMENDED BOOK This course does not have a text book, however, there is one book that I recommend. I will frequently refer to it for supplementary reading. That is D.L. Bock, A Theology of Luke and Acts. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012

BIBLE The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) published in 1989 is the recommended Bible text. Note that there are editions with or without the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books. The full edition (with the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical books) is recommended. It is sometimes helpful to compare the NRSV's translation with that of other modern English versions, but the NRSV is the text from which we shall be working.


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COURSE BOOK Accompanying this Course Outline is a Course Book that is a learning guide for the issues we are addressing in this course. The Course Book is designed to give you background information that will enable you to understand the lectures and to take part in class room discussion and other activities with confidence. The Course Book information on each topic should be read before coming to the lecture. The Course Book and lectures are complementary. I will not repeat the content of the pre-reading in lectures, although lectures may at times summarise material in the course book, generally the background knowledge in the Course Book will be presumed and built on in the lectures. I prefer an interactive style of lecture and so welcome comments and questions and will look for active participation in discussion and other learning activities. Distance students who are unable to join the videoconference live can email questions to me and I will either email a reply or respond in the next lecture. In general the Course Book provides you with introductory reading on a topic and some questions to guide your thinking as you read. You will occasionally find other activities designed to develop your knowledge and skills.

TEACHING DAY/EVENING In addition to the videoconference lectures this course involves a teaching day/evening at one of the following venues. Although it is not compulsory to do so, students are strongly encouraged to attend ONE of the following teaching days. The same content will be repeated in each of the three venues. Students who are unable to attend one of the teaching days will be able to access a recording of the day. During the teaching day you will cover four topics which will be done through a mixture of lectures and interactive activities. Please email [email protected] when you know which venue you plan to attend.

Dunedin Date: 8 March 2016 Time: 3:00-9:00pm Venue: University of Otago, Room TBA

Timetable for Dunedin Teaching Evening 3:00-6:00 Session 1 6:00-7:00 Dinner (students are responsible for providing their own dinner) 7:00-9:00 Session 2


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Auckland

Date: 14 March 2016 Time: 9.30-3.45pm Venue: St John’s College, 202-210 St Johns Road, Meadowbank, Auckland Lunch will be provided, as well as tea and coffee, but please bring your own lunch if you have any special requirements. Parking available onsite

Wellington Date: 15 March 2016 Time: 9.30-3.45pm Venue: TBA

Timetable for Auckland and Wellington Teaching Day 9.30-12:30 Session 1 12:30-1:45 Lunch 1:45-3:45 Session 2

Teaching Day Session 1: Topic 2a: Jesus in Luke Topic 2b: Jesus in Acts

Teaching Day Session 2: Topic 3a: Salvation in Luke Topic 3b: Salvation in Acts NOTE: for catering purposes it would be very helpful if students could email [email protected] when they have decided on which venue they will attend. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation for the Teaching Days

VIDEOCONFERENCES All lectures will be conducted as videoconferences. This will allow participation in the lecture by all students whether campus based or distance. If you are unable to attend a videoconference, or want to review a lecture, a recording will be available from the Blackboard site for this paper. There will be one evening videoconference for Distance Students unable to join the live lectures. This will be held from 4.10 – 6.00 pm on Monday 18 April. The will


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provide a review and summary of the course to date and will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the course.

Accessing the Videoconferences Videoconferences are taught using Zoom. In order to participate you will need a computer with access to reliable broadband, a microphone and headphones (or headset), a web camera, and a quiet place to yourself with no distractions. Please ensure that you have tested your connection prior to the first videoconference. Full instructions on using Zoom are given on the 'Essential Information' web page which will take you to the web site. Instructions and an email with an invitation to the first meeting will be posted on Blackboard and sent out to students.

ASSESSMENT 200-level Assignments

Assignment A: Online Discussion Value: 10% Word Limit: Initial answer 500 words, responses 250 words max. See

instructions below. Due Date: Part 1: First post by March 19th, responses by 25th March Part 2: First post by May 13th, responses by May 20th. The online discussion assignment involves engaging in discussion through the discussion forum on Blackboard with your fellow students and your lecturer. Two topics will be discussed in designated blocks during the semester. You will post an initial statement in response to a question and engage with at least one other student. More detailed instructions are given below.

Assignment B: Essay Value: 30% Word Limit: 2500 words Due Date: Friday, 22 April Answer one of the following questions: 1. Discuss the role and significance of the Spirit in Luke and Acts.

OR 2. Discuss Luke’s portrayal of Jesus in Luke and Acts?

OR 3. Discuss Luke’s understanding of Christian discipleship.

Exam A three-hour exam worth 60% of the course grade.


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300-level Assignments Assignment A: Online Discussion Value: 10% Word Limit: Initial answer 500 words, responses 250 words max. See

instructions below. Due Date: Part 1: First post by March 18th, responses by 25th March Part 2: First post by May 13th, responses by May 20th. The online discussion assignment involves engaging in discussion through the discussion forum on Blackboard with your fellow students and your lecturer. Two topics will be discussed in designated blocks during the semester. You will post an initial statement in response to a question and engage with at least one other student. More detailed instructions are given below.

Assignment B: Essay

Value: 30% Word Limit: 3000 words Due Date: Friday, 22 April 1. Critically analyse the Luke’s portrayal of the Spirit in his gospel and Acts.

OR 2. Critically analyse Luke’s Christology in Luke and Acts.

OR 3. Critically analyse Luke’s messages on Christian discipleship in Luke and Acts.

Exam A three-hour exam worth 60% of the course grade.

Online Discussion Assignment The online discussion assignment is in two blocks. Discussion 1. First post by 18th responses by 25th of March Discussion 2. First post by 13th responses by 20th of May These discussions are a virtual form of a small group discussion and are conducted through the discussion section of Blackboard. You will find in the Discussion Board on Blackboard a question to which you will need to post an answer of 500 words. (To find the topic follow the first two steps in the instructions for posting a response below.) The answer should show a thoughtful response to the issue and engagement with scholarship. You should footnote any references you refer to, or draw from, but you do


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not need to include a bibliography. Footnotes should follow standard format. You will need to create a thread in the discussion board for your answer to the question. To post a response:

• Go to Blackboard and select the Discussion Board (blue panel on the left) • In the Discussion Board click on the discussion topic (topic is written in blue) • Click on Create a Thread • Add your comments to the text box • Click submit

I recommend that you formulate your discussion post with a word processor and “cut and paste” it into the text box on Blackboard. Please do not submit it as an attached document as that complicates the reply task for your respondents. Once you have submitted your answer, read the answers submitted by your fellow students. Choose at least one student’s answer to respond to. You can ask questions, make a comment, make an observation, offer a suggestion, or any other response that is appropriate to the subject under discussion. Your response should be a maximum of 250 words. Note also the responses that are made to your answer and engage with your respondent(s) as appropriate. You will have a week in which to engage in discussion and should have at least two conversations; one with a respondent to your answer and one with the student you respond to. You can engage in conversation with more students if you wish but please do not monopolise the discussion. All responses should adhere to the 250 word limit. Treat this like an in-class discussion except it can take place over a week and you can engage in more than one conversation at the same time. Please read and adhere to the protocols for online discussion below. To post additional discussion:

• Go to Blackboard and select Discussion Board • Select the discussion topic • Select the discussion thread (click on the blue title) • Click the reply button at the bottom of the comment • Add your comments to the text box • Click the submit button

When the second discussion block is complete please fill out an assignment cover sheet and submit it to Assignment submission section of Blackboard. You do not need to submit anything else. Your online posts will be assessed according to the criteria. You will receive a criteria feedback page and a grade will be recorded on Blackboard.


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Online Discussion Protocols Please keep the following guidelines in mind as you participate in the discussion: 1. Keep your messages relevant, focused and to the point. You are not expected to

write all you know about the topic but to engage meaningfully with the other participants.

2. Justify your posts with reference to relevant biblical, ancient and scholarly

literature. Biblical texts can be acknowledged with the reference in brackets but footnote other sources in the standard way. Footnotes do not count toward the word limit but should be limited to acknowledging references. It is recommended that you formulate your ideas in a word document and “cut and paste” it into Blackboard. That allows you to take the time to formulate your comments after critical reflection.

3. Your replies should add to the discussion and not simply repeat ideas already

expressed. You can certainly agree with others’ statements but support your agreement with reasons and evidence. Disagreement should likewise be supported with clear reasons. Be open to new ideas and don’t dismiss ideas out of hand. Be courteous in your disagreement.

4. Keep your discussion focused on the topic. If you want to discuss a related but

different subject, start a new thread. Label the post so others can identify it easily.

5. Follow the usual etiquette of civil discussion. Deal with the issues, not the people.

Give space to others and don’t dominate, intimidate or use uncivil or harsh language. Putting posts on a discussion site can sometimes feel a bit intimidating and everyone needs space to express their ideas and have them heard.

6. Electronic discussion can very easily be misunderstood. It is too easy to cause

offence unintentionally so choose your words carefully and be as precise as you can. Consider how your comments might be received before you submit the post. The emoticons can help communicate your intentions. Don’t take offence too quickly – what you perceive as a slight may not have been intended as such. If you don’t understand or are confused about what someone has said, ask for clarification. If that does not resolve your concerns you can contact your lecturer, however, the lecturer will not control the discussion and will expect you to engage in informed critical debate.

7. Enjoy the process. Discussion is a very effective learning tool and it allows you to contribute to the learning of others as well as learning from others. If you learn best from participatory forms of engagement this is a medium you will gain a good deal from.


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Criteria for Marking All Assignments

The criteria against which your assignments will be marked are:

• Depth of critical analysis and understanding of the issues involved in the topic or Biblical text

• Ability to understand and explain key concepts and ideas • Depth of coverage of the theological, literary and historical issues and debates

that are part of the topic, or of the scholarly discussion about the Biblical text • Demonstrated ability to provide convincing, well-articulated arguments supporting

a point of view • Depth and range of reading and ability to understand and interact with readings

and their differing viewpoints • Ability to identify, describe and discuss appropriate exegetical methods, issues or

problems • That the assignment is written in an understandable and coherent way • That the assignment is well-structured and well organised • That footnotes are given, acknowledging quotations and sources, following

acceptable conventions • That a Bibliography is included, following acceptable conventions.

REFERENCING SYSTEM For writing essays, the Department requires that you use the 16th edition of the Chicago Style Guide, which is the norm for many academic journals in the humanities and often recommended for theses in the humanities. The Department has prepared a Study and Style Guide, which outlines the Chicago Style and offers other advice on essay presentation. You may find it via the Department’s web site: www.otago.ac.nz/theology

SUBMITTING WRITTEN WORK All assignments shall be submitted electronically via the ‘Assignment’ feature on Blackboard by midnight on the due dates notified. For full instructions about how to submit assignments electronically via Blackboard as well as other important information on plagiarism, grading, and deadlines, please see the 'Essential Information' web page.

PLAGIARISM All Assignments submitted in the Department of Theology and Religion must be prefaced with a student Plagiarism Declaration Form. It can be downloaded from http://www.otago.ac.nz/theology/study/studentresources/ It is also on the Blackboard site for this course.


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ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Academic integrity means being honest in your studying and assessments. It is the basis for ethical decision-making and behaviour in an academic context. Academic integrity is informed by the values of honesty, trust, responsibility, fairness, respect and courage. Students are expected to be aware of, and act in accordance with, the University’s Academic Integrity Policy. Academic Misconduct, such as plagiarism or cheating, is a breach of Academic Integrity and is taken very seriously by the University. Types of misconduct include plagiarism, copying, unauthorised collaboration, taking unauthorised material into a test or exam, impersonation, and assisting someone else’s misconduct. A more extensive list of the types of academic misconduct and associated processes and penalties is available in the University’s Student Academic Misconduct Procedures. It is your responsibility to be aware of and use acceptable academic practices when completing your assessments. To access the information in the Academic Integrity Policy and learn more, please visit the University’s Academic Integrity website at www.otago.ac.nz/study/academicintegrity or ask at the Student Learning Centre or Library. If you have any questions, ask your lecturer.

http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago116838.html http://www.otago.ac.nz/administration/policies/otago116850.html

STUDENT SUPPORT The ‘Essential Information' web page provides helpful information on how to access the University Library’s resources, as well as a guide to the support services available to students at the University of Otago, including the Student Learning Centre and Disability Support. For all administrative enquiries, please contact: The Administrative Assistant for Theology and Religion. Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 479 8516 For all questions and issues regarding distance learning, please contact: Katherine Rae, Administrative Assistant for Theology and Religion. Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 479 8639 We recommend that you contact the Department as soon as possible if you have any problems participating in the course or accessing resources. Please remember to check your University email account regularly for updates and announcements.


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WORK TIMETABLE FOR BIBS 224/324 - S1 2016

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 1. 29/2-4/3

Weekly class commences.

Videoconference lecture 1.00-2.50pm

Week 2. 7/3-11/3 Teaching Day

Dunedin

Week 3. 14/3-18/3

Teaching Day Auckland

Teaching Day Wellington

Assignment A: Discussion 1 First post due (18/3)

Week 4. 21/3-25/3

Videoconference. 1.00-2.50 pm.

Assignment A: Discussion 1

concludes (25/3)

28/3 - 1/4 MID –SEMESTER BREAK

Week 5. 4/4-8/4


Week 6 11/4-15/4


Week 7. 18/4-22/4

Videoconference. 1.00-2.50 pm

Videoconference for distance students 4.10-6.00pm

Assignment B: Essay due (22/4)

Week 8 25/4-29/4 ANZAC Day – no class

Week 9 2/5-6/5


Week 10 9/5-13/5


Assignment A: Discussion 2 First post due (13/5)

Week 11 16/5-20/5


Assignment A: Discussion 2.

Concludes (20/5)

Week 12 23/5-27/5


Week 13 30/5-3/6

Week To Prepare For Exam


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COURSE BIBLIOGRAPHY Bartholomew, C., J. Green, and A. Thiselton. Reading Luke: Interpretation, Reflection, Formation. Milton Keynes/Grand Rapids: Paternoster/Zondervan, 2005 Bird, M.F. “The Unity of Luke-Acts in Recent Discussion” JSNT 29.4 (2007), 425-448. _______. “Jesus the Messiah of God” The Reformed Theological Review 66.2 (2007): 69-82 Bock, D.L. A Theology of Luke and Acts. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. _______. Acts. Grand Rapids;; Baker Academic, 2007. _______. Luke 1:1-9:50. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1994. _______. Luke 9:51-24:53. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1996. Green. J.B. Methods for Luke. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2010. ______. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997. ______. The Theology of the Gospel of Luke. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. Jipp, J.W. “Luke’s Scriptural Suffering Messiah: A search for Precedent, A Search for Identity” CBQ 72.2 (2010): 225-274. Johnson, L.T. “The Christology of Luke-Acts” in Who Do You Say That I Am? Ed M.A. Powell and D.R. Baur;; Louisville: Westminster John Knox: 1999. Matera, F. Passion Narratives and Gospel Theologies: Interpreting the Synoptics Through Their Passion Stories. New York: Paulist Press, 1986. Marshall, I.H. "The Christology of Luke's Gospel and Acts" in Contours of Christology in the New Testament. Ed R. N. Longenecker;; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2005. _______. Commentary on Luke. NIGTC. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1978. _______. Luke: Historian and Theologian. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970. Marshall, I.H. and D. Peterson. Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. Menzies, R. “Spirit and Power in Luke-Acts: A response to Max Turner” JSNT 15:49 (1993): 11-20. Phillips, T.E. Acts Within Diverse Frames of Reference. Macon: Mercer University Press, 2009. Shillington, V.G. An Introduction to the Study of Luke-Acts. 2nd edition. London: Bloomsbury T & T Clark, 2015. Tannehill, R. The Shape of Luke’s Story. Eugene: Cascade Books, 2005. Turner, M. “The Spirit and the Power of Jesus’ Miracles in Lucan Conception” Novum Testamentum (1991): 124-152. Twelftree, G.H. People of the Spirit. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2009. Walton, S. et al. Reading Acts Today. London: T&T Clark, 2011.

bibs224 324 course outline - university of otago · topic 8a: luke’s eschatology topic 8b:...

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