for spring 2013

REL 207: Final exam (see schedule below)

The final exam will be an oral examination covering the entire semester, including terms on the terms list and the questions listed below. You will be permitted to pass on 1 question only. You may be asked to pursue one question in depth and relate it to other issues or texts covered in the course, or we may cover 2 or more questions as time allows.

During the exam, you may use any books or notes you bring with you (NB: you may not simply read prepared answers).
Caveat: time will be very precious, so the less you rely on your books and notes, the better.

The evaluation of your responses will follow the A–F scale as stipulated in the syllabus.

For a C (satisfactory), you need to demonstrate your general knowledge of the topics covered by the questions (with as much detail as you can remember).

For a B (superior), you need to demonstrate 1) your mastery of some relevant terminology and 2) your ability to make connections between the questions and other related topics and readings covered during the semester.

For an A (outstanding), you need to demonstrate mastery of details related to the questions (e.g., specific texts, terms).

The more details, examples, and terms you include in your responses, the better.

Questions you should be ready to answer:

►   Explain and discuss the synoptic problem and the three main hypotheses that try to address it. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each theory?
 
►   What is meant by Markan priority? What are the various reasons for this theory?
 
►   What are the arguments for Q and against Q?
 
►   What are the redactional tendencies of Mark? Matthew? Luke?
 
►   What does it mean to observe that Mark is the "middle term" among the Synoptics?
 
►   What is meant by “Double Tradition”? What observations can be made about it?
 
►   What are some significant contrasting features of Matthew and Luke (e.g., birth narratives, Sermon on the Mount)?
 
►   Explain the “proper distinction” between the two realms of theology discussed in Gabler’s inaugural address. What are the two (including subdivisions)? What does Gabler mean by them and how are the two related? In what ways or concerning what issues may we apply Gabler’s methodology to the Synoptics? Show your understanding of Gabler and synoptic issues by applying Gabler’s approach to specific examples from the Synoptic Gospels or Goodacre?
 
►   What does Meyer mean by the issue of “faith and history”? How does he propose that we understand all the Gospel claims about Jesus as the Christ? What does he mean by “synthetic judgment”? What does he mean by “analytic judgment”? What does he mean by “language game”? What are the weaknesses of these 3 approaches? What is Meyer’s proposal in contrast to the 3 approaches??
 
►   See also midterm exam preparation.

►   Be ready to analyze synoptic passages.

Exam schedule

Please be there on time (i.e., slightly before your scheduled time).

9 May 2006 (Thursday)

03:00    ?

03:45    ?

04:30    ?