Redaction criticism Assignment. Religion 212 class

Writing Assignment #1: Redaction Criticism (a.k.a. Coloring and Analysis) Due Date: Tuesday October 20, 2015

Length: 3-4 double-spaced pages

One of the learning objectives in this course is to become familiar with some of the methods used in

biblical studies. One of those methods is redaction criticism. The goal of this assignment is to study the

account of the resurrection of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels (Matt 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12)

using redaction criticism.

The assignment will consist of two parts: 1) a redaction critical analysis of this passage using the provided

synopsis (also available on Sakai; 5% of your final grade) and 2) the written report of your observations

and analysis (15% of your final grade).

In the written report, you should:

1. Briefly introduce the task and structure of the paper (what texts you’ll consider and outline of the paper).

2. Briefly describe the major similarities in the three accounts (what is the general plot on which all three Synoptic Gospels agree?).

3. Identify and state at least FIVE significant differences between the three accounts (you may wish to chart these differences before you begin writing). Be sure to describe each difference clearly and

thoroughly:

a. What does Matthew say? What does Mark say? What does Luke say? b. How are they different?

4. Most importantly, for THREE of the five significant differences identified in Step #2, provide an explanation on the basis of each gospel’s style, structure, portrait of Jesus, and/or themes

discussed in class. (Note: not every theme that we have discussed in class is found in every passage

of a particular gospel.)

5. Conclude the paper with a brief summary of the preceding discussion.

Since specific similarities will be identified in the synopsis (and since you have only three to four pages),

the bulk of your essay should focus on explaining the significant differences between the accounts on the

basis of the themes of each Gospel as discussed in class.

Biblical references should be included throughout your report; these need to be cited correctly. You are

not expected to conduct outside research for this paper; thus, a bibliography is not expected. However, if

you wish to refer to a secondary source (e.g. Ehrman), then you will need to provide proper documentation

(i.e. with footnotes and a bibliography). Primary sources do not need to be included in the bibliography.

You may not, under any circumstances, use material from the WWW.

An electronic copy of the written report will be submitted on Sakai prior to class (under “Assignments”)

and a hard copy will be submitted in class (1. grading rubric; 2. written report; 3. synopsis).

When grading your papers, I will use the grading rubric. Other considerations:

 Instead of a traditional title page, please include the grading rubric. Do NOT place your name on

any page except the title/rubric page. This allows me to grade the papers “blindly.”

 Proper format: double-spaced; 1” margins; 12 point font (any footnotes should be 10 point)

 Please number your pages; it allows me to refer to particular pages when I make my comments.

 You must submit the synopsis with the final essay.

If you encounter difficulties or if questions arise, please feel free to make an appointment to see me. I will

not provide answers for you, but I am happy to assist you in thinking about the text.