I've asked you to read one additional book of your choice from the list on the Tasks page. This is to give you a sense of what the discipline of biblical studies can offer you as a reader and interpreter of the New Testament, beyond the usual introductory surveys you are getting from Powell and the Bible Project. As illuminating as they may be, they only scratch the surface, and you need to peer beneath the surface for a little while.
This assignment gives you a valuable opportunity to interact with the book you've read, so it doesn't just fade (or so you don't just skip it and take your chances on a test).
Write a report on the supplemental book you are reading, consisting of the following:
In the first part, summarize the author's project (i.e., what the author is trying to accomplish with the book, and how the parts contribute to that accomplishment). Can you even represent its flow of logic with a metaphor or graphic?
Then highlight two parts (chapters? arguments?) that shed light on some of the material already in our course. What difference does your book make to your understanding or appreciation of that material?
I'm looking for insightful reports with the appropriate level of detail that demonstrates genuine engagement with both the book and our course material.
I don't have a formal length requirement, but if you need one, I suggest about a thousand words. Follow the directions in my handout for writing papers. Remember, I want to see proper style, clear writing, a thorough answer to the question, and explicit citations of course materials. Of course, cite any sources you draw on, whether directly or indirectly, or you're plagiarizing.