Reading John's Gospel with Thomas Aquinas

Course description:

Journey through the mind of Thomas Aquinas as you read the Gospel of John. This course introduces you to the theological thinking of the 'Angelic Doctor'. It does this through the notes on his lectures on John's Gospel at the University of Paris, and through the notes that he made on the different chapters and verses of John's Gospel from important figures in Church History. You will learn how to identify different meanings of Scripture from his writings, and also how to evaluate his commentary. 

Objectives: 

• To understand medieval exegetical methods
• To analyse the value of Thomas Aquinas's commentary on John's Gospel
• To evaluate the use by Aquinas of medieval exegetical methods

Learning outcomes: 

1. To practice exegesis of selected passages from John's Gospel using medieval methods
2. To differentiate the literal and spiritual meanings of selected texts from John's Gospel
3. To learn how Thomas used authorities in his commentary

Assessment methods:

There are 20 self-assessed activities to complete. These activities are marked by the student. They do not contribute to the final grade, but are part of the learning process.

A final assignment provides the final assessment activity.

There is no quiz. The self-assessed activities replace the quiz.

Course Contents:

1. Prologue.
2. Biblical exegesis in the thirteenth century.
3. The Purpose of the Reportatio and the Catena Aurea. 
4. Thomas's Introduction to the Lectures. 
5. Thomas on John 1:1-2. 
6. Thomas Aquinas on John 3:5-6. 
7. Thomas on John 14:27. 
8. Appendix