Write an exegetical paper on one (1) of the following passages from the Fourth Gospel:
John 1:1-18 (Prologue);
Your exegetical paper should be set out appropriately, with an introduction, a clearly structured body in which you synthesise your exegetical findings in a coherent manner, and a conclusion (in which you may reflect upon or apply your exegesis to your current context). Your exegesis should attend to the most important of the following issues for your chosen passage: historical and literary context; literary form and structure; socio-cultural dimensions of the text; the relation, when appropriate, between your chosen passage and parallel passages in other gospels; ideological issues; and distinctive theological terms, motifs and themes. So long as you are clear and consistent in your approach, you should feel free to adopt a suitable method or approach to your exegesis (for example, social-scientific, narrative, feminist, postcolonial). You should not give verse-by-verse notes on the passage. A wide range of sources (no fewer than twelve) should be consulted, including commentaries and relevant periodical literature, and your referencing should be correct and consistent.
Rationale
This assessment task will assess the following learning outcome/s:
- be able to demonstrate a critical and informed understanding of issues relating to the interpretation of the Johannine literature.
- be able to demonstrate familiarity with evidence indicating the history, development and distinctiveness of Johannine Christianity.
- be able to demonstrate critical appreciation of the distinctiveness of the Gospel of John.
- be able to demonstrate advanced competence in the exegesis and interpretation of biblical texts through critical engagement with primary biblical materials and constructive engagement with secondary literature.
- be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including advanced research, writing and communication skills.
In line with the first three and final two learning objectives for this subject, this assessment task assesses your ability to undertake self-guided learning to compose a clearly structured and coherent exegetical paper on a passage from the Gospel according to John. The exegetical paper provides an opportunity to demonstrate engagement with primary materials from the Johannine literature and relevant secondary sources. Furthermore, this exegetical paper assesses:
- your exegetical and interpretive insight;
- your capacity to engage critically with biblical texts and scholarly sources;
- your ability to utilise relevant methods and scholarly tools to exegete and interpret a biblical text; and
- your ability to present the results of your exegetical and interpretive investigations in the form of a coherent essay.
Marking criteria and standards
This exegetical paper will be assessed on the demonstration (or otherwise) of sound exegetical and interpretive method, appropriate use of relevant tools of biblical scholarship, evidence of wide reading and critical engagement, evidence of analysis and synthesis of relevant information, correct and consistent referencing, and both clarity and coherence of argumentation and presentation.
Marking criteria
This exegetical paper will be assessed on the following criteria:
- fulfil the stated requirements of the task;
- demonstrate sound exegetical competence and appropriate use of interpretive method;
- evidence of appropriate use of scholarly resources;
- evidence of wide reading and critical engagement with no fewer than twelve (12) scholarly sources representing a range of views;
- evidence of analysis and synthesis of relevant information;
- should exhibit a well organised (clear and coherent) structure;
- evidence of careful proof-reading, resulting in few grammatical, spelling or typographical errors; and
- should adhere to School guidelines for referencing, especially consistency of citations.
Presentation
Assessment items should be word processed with clear paragraphing, 12-point font (minimum) for body text, 1.5 or double spacing, margins of no less than two centimetres and numbered pages.
