Course Description & Goals:

In this graduate seminar we will study various historical, literary, and theological aspects of the Fourth Gospel.  We will also try an innovative approach to New Testament Studies, namely by integrating the use of the Internet as fully as possible into our studies, along with more traditional methods and resources available in print.  Students will not only find and use resources already available on-line, but will also join me in writing and publishing new materials on the World Wide Web.  Only a few materials related to the Fourth Gospel are currently on the Internet (some brief introductions, isolated articles and book reviews, incomplete bibliographies), and some of these contain strong biases.  Our goal, in addition to gaining a thorough knowledge of the Fourth Gospel, will be to produce a fairly comprehensive website devoted to the academic study of John.  By participating in the development of this material, which will be permanently accessible on the Web, students will hopefully also gain an excitement for biblical studies overall.

Specific Goals and Objectives:

A) To attain a thorough knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Gospel of John:

1. we will investigate its structure, themes, symbols and terminology, including a basic knowledge of the ancient Greek alphabet and grammar.
2. we will also consider the relationship between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of the Gospels, as well as the history and development of the Johannine Community in its first-century context.

B) To become aware of the process, the complexity, and the rewards of doing biblical studies:

1. we will learn and use traditional library-based research methods and resources, as well as standard classroom-based teaching and learning methods.
2. we will also learn and use newer internet-based methods and resources for research.

C) To experience the inter-disciplinary nature of biblical and theological studies:

1. each student will choose one area of interest or specialization (see some suggestions below).
2. as we study particular chapters of John, each student will contribute to the learning process from the perspective of his or her chosen specialization.

D) To learn and be encouraged to produce material good enough for publication:

1. we will prepare multiple drafts of all materials, revising them throughout the semester.
2. we will receive written and oral feedback, not only from the professor but also from other students.

E) To become familiar and comfortable with academic publishing on the internet:

1. we will explore and study biblically related materials already available on the web, especially looking at the content, but also considering its formal presentation.
2. we will learn about and practice making and updating our own academic web-pages.

• Artistic Depictions of Scenes from John's Gospel (mosaics, paintings, sculptures, etc.)
• Johannine Bibliography (articles, books, book reviews; in print and already on line; new reviews)
• Literary and/or Structural Analyses of Johannine Chapters
• Linguistic Analyses of Typically Johannine Terminology
• Influence of John in Christian Liturgy, esp. in Liturgical Music
• Relation of John's Gospel to Film, Television, and Multi-media
• Use of John in Catechesis, Evangelization and Religious Education Materials
• Application of Johannine Themes in Social Justice Concerns
• Significant Differences in Texts and Translations
• etc.

Required Texts:

1. The Bible. Any modern translation, preferably a "Study Edition" with good introductions and notes.
2. One good, large commentary on the Fourth Gospel (see recommendations below).
3. Brown, Raymond. The Community of the Beloved Disciple: The Life, Loves, and Hates of an Individual Church in New Testament Times. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 1979.
4. Culpepper, Alan. The Anatomy of the Fourth Gospel: A Study in Literary Design. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1983.
5. Rensberger, David. Johannine Faith and Liberating Community. Louisville, KY: Westminster / John Knox Press, 1988.

1. Ashton, John, ed. The Interpretation of John. 2nd edition. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1997.
2. Segovia, Fernando F., ed. "What is John?" - Readers and Readings of the Fourth Gospel. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1996.

• Barrett, C. K. The Gospel According to John: An Introduction with Commentary and Notes on the Greek Text. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1978.
• Beasley-Murray, George R. John. Word Biblical Commentary, 36. Waco, TX: Word, 1987.
• Brodie, Thomas. The Gospel According to John: A Literary and Theological Commentary. New York: Oxford University Press, 1993.
• Brown, Raymond E. The Gospel According to John I-XII & XIII-XXI: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. 2 vols. Anchor Bible 29 & 29A. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1966-70.
• Bruce, F. F. (Frederick Fyvie). The Gospel of John. Revised ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1983.
• Bultmann, Rudolf. The Gospel of John: A Commentary. Transl. G. Beasley-Murray, et al. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1971.
• Dodd, C. H. The Interpretation of the Fourth Gospel. Cambridge: University Press, 1953, 1968.
• Fortna, Robert T. The Fourth Gospel and Its Predecessor: From Narrative Source to Present Gospel. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1988.
• Haenchen, Ernst. John 1 [or John 2]: A Commentary on the Gospel of John. Hermeneia Commentary Series. 2 vols. Trans. by R. Funk. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984.
• Kysar, Robert. John. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1986.
• Michaels, J. Ramsey. John. NIBC 4. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1984; 1989; 1995.
• Moloney, Francis J. The Gospel of John. Sacra Pagina 4. Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 1998.
• Morris, Leon. The Gospel according to John. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1995.
• Ridderbos, Herman N. Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1996.
• Schnackenburg, Rudolf. The Gospel According to John. 3 vols. New York: Seabury Press/ Crossroad, 1968-82.

1. Regular On-Time Attendance and Active Participation in Discussions
2. Weekly Reading of Assigned Texts and Presentations of Specialized Research
3. Final Preparation of Your Specialized Research for Publication on the Internet
4. Use of Library Materials and Resources;  Use of E-Mail and the World Wide Web

• Semester grades will be based on the quality of the student's oral and written work throughout the term.
• Auditors obviously do not receive grades, but are still expected to contribute in some way to the work of this seminar.

In most meetings of our seminar, we will do three things:

a) take a brief overview of the primary texts assigned for that day, especially the material not part of that day's focus;
b) consider some historical (Brown and Rensberger) and literary (Culpepper) aspects from our secondary reading;
c) study the focus text in depth, with contributions from each student based on his/her chosen specialized research field.

Everything in this syllabus is subject to modification in the course of the semester. Your suggestions for improvements are most welcome!