B7291 – Apocalyptic Literature

Unit Code

B7291

Unit Name

Apocalyptic Literature (undergraduate)

Unit Weighting

9  Credit Points

Type of Unit

Specialised

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

9 Biblical Studies credit points (i.e. Intro to NT or Intro to OT)

Note: Apocalyptic Literature will run over Weeks 1-6 of Semester One; with 6 live Zoom lectures on Saturday mornings (mandatory attendance online via Zoom), and 6 pre-recorded lectures. Assignments will be completed over the full 12 weeks of the Semester as per usual.

Academic Staff

Prof. Edith Humphrey Ph.D., McGill University; B.A., Victoria College, University of Toronto; A.R.C.T., Royal Conservatory of Toronto

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit provides a basic foundation in apocalyptic studies and introduces the student to significant apocalyptic literature.  It examines the theological issues of the Book of Revelation, the Book of Daniel, and other apocalyptic texts in the New Testament against the historical and literary background of the texts.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. explain the historical and literary background to the literary genre known as Apocalyptic
2. critically evaluate the key apocalyptic ideas and themes in the Old Testament, the Intertestamental Literature, and the New Testament
3. critically evaluate significant secondary literature in examining apocalyptic texts
4. display a well-developed ability to interpret apocalyptic literature, particularly the Book of Revelation, for the contemporary world
5. apply an understanding of apocalyptic to preaching and worship

Content

1. The literary genre known as Apocalyptic: origin and development
2. Apocalyptic and the Old Testament
3. Selected texts for exegesis from Daniel and the Intertestamental Literature
4. Apocalyptic and the New Testament
5. The Book of Revelation: background, structure, and theology
6. Selected texts for exegesis from Revelation

UNIT WEEKLY SCHEDULE