Skip to main content
 

THEO3601: JOHN AND THE ARCHHERETICS: THE GOSPEL OF JOHN, THE LETTERS OF JOHN AND THE ORIGINS OF GNOSTICISM (IN GREEK)

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Not available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Theology and Religion

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to the key features of the Letters of John in historical context.
  • To familiarize students with Early Christianity in the first decades of the second century.
  • To familiarize students with Essentials of Gnosticism in the second century.
  • To hone students skills in the close reading of and critical engagement with primary texts.
  • To home students skills in assessing the critical interplay between biblical scholarship and systematic theology.
  • To build on students prior knowledge of biblical exegesis acquired at levels 1 and 2.

Content

  • The Letters of John present Johannine theology in a brief form and in a polemical context. In these letters, John or the Johannine circle defends a kind of Christology which became normative for mainstream Christianity in later times. This seminary aims at reconstructing Johannine theology and especially Christology on the one hand and the theology / Christology of the opponents on the other hand. This is a fascinating task because we have reasons to assume that these opponents have to do with Gnosticism, a fascinating religious movement of late antiquity. We will read Johannine letters in translation, and sources that are important to reconstruct the theology of the opponents and belong to Second Century Christianity (Ignatius; Acts of John; Hippolytus; some texts which can give an impression of classical Gnosticism as for example the Hypostasis of the Archons which is one of the most well-written texts of late antiquity).

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • In-depth knowledge of the Letters of John in historical context.
  • Understanding characteristics of Early Christianity in the first decades of the second century
  • Understanding characteristics of Gnositicism in the first decades of the second century

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate the Letters of John.
  • Ability to recognize polemics and interaction with ideologically different positions in the Letters of John.
  • Ability to situate the letters of John in their historical context.
  • Ability to understand and critically evaluate contemporary scholarship on the Letters of John.
  • Ability to evaluate extra biblical sources for the interpretation of the Letters of John.
  • Ability to read, interpret and evaluate sources pertaining to Gnosticism.
  • Ability to understand and critically evaluate contemporary scholarship on the Second Century Christianity and Gnosticism.
  • Ability to recognise the theological agenda of biblical scholars and the exegetical presuppositions of discourses in systematic theology.

Key Skills:

  • Skills in the acquisition and interpretation of information through close, nuanced reading of primary and secondary sources.
  • Skills in the structured presentation of information in written form.
  • Skills in the conducting of research.
  • Skills in thinking theologically and historically.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
  • Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
  • Through small-group or one-to-one discussion, tutorials and supervisions provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student research, knowledge and writing skills.
  • Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
  • Summative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
  • Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.
  • Oral presentations assess skills in the oral presentation of information or opinions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures126 in Michaelmas term; 6 in Epiphany term1 hour12 
Seminars147 in Michaelmas term; 7 in Epiphany term1 hour14 
Tutorials21 hour2 
Preparation and reading172 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: EssayComponent Weighting: 25%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
essay3000 words100 
Component: PresentationComponent Weighting: 15%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
presentation10-15 minutes100 
Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 60%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Examination2 hours100 

Formative Assessment

One 2000-word essay

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.