1.  Assess the differing functions of two or more of the gospels by referring to passages which offer variations on a similar theme.

2.  Do a close reading of a parable or a healing story, suggesting how it engages its reader as a work of literature.

3.  Discuss the relation between the genre of gospel and the genre of biography.  What is gospel doing that is different/the same as biography, and to what ends?

4.  Assess the relation between Judaism and Christianity as it is revealed in the gospels.  There was no "Christianity" as such when the gospels were written (at most, a kind of Christian Judaism), but one still notes tensions between the followers of Jesus and the established Jewish religion.  Related topics include:  discussing Jesus's relation to Jewish law or discussing the issue of "newness" as it relates to the movement surrounding Jesus in the gospels.

5.  Do a comparative character study of Jesus, exploring issues of his varying personalities in the four gospels, in terms which go beyond the issues discussed in class.

6.  Discuss the differences and similarities between the four passion narratives, building on the work your group did in class. 

7.  Evaluate the relation between Judaism and Christianity as it is revealed in the Letter to the Hebrews.  How does the Letter alter the Hebrew Bible and what do you make of these alterations.

8.  Do a comparison of prophecy and apocalypse as genres, using Revelation as your example of apocalypse.  What different ends do the two genres serve?

9.  Discuss the nature and ends of apocalypse as genre.  What kind of literature is apocalyptic literature and how does it work in individual passages?

Other topics are acceptable as long as you check with me first.

October 31, 2006