LEARNING OBJECTIVES

ASSESSMENTS

1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the field of NT study, including:
   1. Key terms relating to NT study
   2. Significant personages of the first century CE
   3. The basic outline of Jesus' life and ministry
   4. Dates of the significant events and key writings of the NT
   5. Key themes and characteristics of each of the canonical gospels and of the Pauline corpus

2. Identify the key themes of Jesus' message and explicate their significance in his cultural context

3. Outline and explain the significance of the relationship of the Jesus-movement to the various trajectories of first-century CE Judaism

4. Delineate and exemplify the Roman Catholic view of Scripture and its interpretation

5. Engage in academic research relating to New Testament interpretation, including:
   1. Showing familiarity with current scholarship on a topic of interest
   2. Demonstrating the use of basic historical-critical methods of analysis
   3. Making fruitful use of the standard reference tools for GNT study (e.g., Bible commentaries, critical apparatuses)
   4. Constructing a clearly written argument in support of a thesis
   5. Explaining how the historical-critical method of Biblical interpretation enhances understanding of the NT (i.e., why it is worthwhile)

6. Improve critical thinking and writing skills.

7. Delineate a coherent theology of work that distinguishes between a “career” and the Biblical understanding of “vocation”

8. Meet other objectives specific to one of the following tracks of study

1. Identify key areas in which the NT might offer a critique of contemporary U.S. culture, and vice-versa
2. Integrate an understanding of the NT with analysis of contemporary cultural movements/phenomena (e.g., the arts, film, hymnody, popular music)
3. Exemplify how the NT might inform the popular debate on a disputed topic or other contemporary concern

1. Identify key NT attitudes, examples, and teachings with respect to social justice
2. Identify one critique the NT provokes concerning contemporary U.S./Ohio/Cleveland social structures
3. Integrate the understanding of the gospel with the actual praxis of it in addressing a specific, concrete, contemporary social problem
4. Exemplify how the gospel energizes believers to concrete action to foster social justice (e.g., the traditional "works of mercy," political action)

1. Identify key NT resources for contemporary Christian spirituality
2. Identify one critique the NT raises concerning contemporary American attitudes toward ÒspiritualityÓ
3. Integrate the understanding of the gospel with the actual praxis of it in a daily life in imitatio Christi
4. Exemplify how the NT energizes the Christian faith-life through study, prayer, and praxis