TEOL4154 – Beyond the Canon: Understanding Apocryphal Literature
Course content
The diverse stories included in the traditional biblical canon offer a rich narrative universe, explaining salvation history from creation, to Christ’s life and passion, to the Day of Judgment. People have added to this biblical storyworld by developing their own narratives set in the same universe. Such extrabiblical narratives are typically called apocrypha. These works are often viewed as lying outside mainstream religious discourse, but they offer a unique theological perspective on how people have interpreted biblical narratives throughout history, and how they have used them to better make sense of their own lived experiences. Apocrypha are important stories that have shaped, and continue to shape, Christian thought and tradition.
This course offers an overview of these so-called apocrypha. Students will study primary sources, exploring the contents of apocryphal writings. Through this, they will come to understand the theological implications and historical contexts of these works. Examples will include apocrypha from many different genres and distinct cultural and historical settings: infancy gospels narrating Christ’s childhood and youth, traditions surrounding the life and death of the Virgin Mary, narratives regarding the apostles’ adventurous missionary journeys throughout the world, otherworldly visions of hell, heaven, and the end of the world, and even entirely newly created mythologies that transport Christian narratives into new systems of belief.
Learning outcome
Students will learn different scholarly approaches to the study of apocryphal literature so that they are able to recognize and situate such works in the broader context of Christian tradition. Through a blend of textual criticism, historical analysis, and theological inquiry, students will explore the significance of apocryphal writings within Christian communities in different historical, cultural and geographical contexts and their enduring influence on contemporary Christian traditions and practices.
Furthermore, students will study the reception history of apocrypha and by doing so become acquainted with critical and affirming readers’ perspectives. Thus, students will gain insights into the complexities of Christian identity formation and the diversity of theological perspectives among Christians.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester?register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
Students on the six year study programme in Theology must have completed the first three years of study in the study programme.
Students studying at master’s level on the Teacher Education Programme may apply to the course by sending an email to?TF Information Centre?by the same?deadlines as for course registration for bachelor courses at TF.
Teaching
Seminars.
Mandatory activities:
- Each student will be assigned an apocryphal text. For this text, the student will prepare an oral presentation, summarizing the text’s contents and aspects of its reception history.
- Reflection paper (max. 1000 words) on a selected text and its theological content and implications.
Examination
Portfolio
The portfolio must contain:
- Reflection paper, max. 1000 words (20%)?
- Term paper, 2500-3000 words (80%)
The term paper must adhere to the following formal requirements:
- Word count of 2500 - 3000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography.
- Times New Roman size 12 font
- 1.5 line spacing
- 2.5 cm margins
- The chosen reference style must be applied consistently.
You must pass both papers in order to pass the whole exam.
A re-sit examination will be held for this course.
Language of examination
You may write your examination paper in Norwegian or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F?is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.