What Should I Include?
Introduction - Basically this is going to include the answer to your question. Since the question is outline and COMMENT on the development of the NT canon, you need to take a stand about it. Was it developed as
* A record of history?
* An attempt to spread Christianity?
* A combination of both (salvation history perhaps?)
Remember, whatever stand you take, you will have to prove it
Outline the formation of the canon.
This will include the basic information on how it came to be in the form it is now. This was a fairly long process so you will need to include the following:
* Definition of the word canon
* The writing of the canon - who wrote what books and when. You will have to back this up with evidence so lots of sources required here. Remember to footnote!
* The history of the different versions of the canon - you may find a record of some early list of officially accepted books by Eusebius or Athanasius or in some early church councils like the Council in Hippo or Carthage
* The final version.
Why did the canon come about.
* This is where you get to comment. You need to explore the three ideas from the intro and show which is the most likely answer.
* A record of History.
There are two sides here - look at historical reliability. What are the sources that support it. Look at the authors of the books - were they eyewitnesses - are these primary sources. How long after the events occurred were these accounts written and how does that affect their reliability as historical evidence? . What are the strengths and weaknesses involved in the writing of these accounts? Look at the preservation of the text and the care in copying. Look at the methods used by the Council to select which books made it and which ones didn't. Are there any external sources that confirm the history of the text? Come to your own conclusion after having looked at evidence that shows both sides of this question.
* To Spread Christianity
Again there are two sides. Obviously there is a yes involved here - but how much of this bias changed the historical reliability of the events written about? Again look at the authors - can we get passed their bias? Did they believe they were recording history faithfully or is it obvious they are promoting a theological cause? (look at Luke/Acts in comparison to John's Gospel)? Look at the books selected and why. The church was often fighting heresy - did they pick books that reflected their beliefs or not? Was the DaVinci Code right - did the Church 'create' history in order to control the direction of Christianity? Again, give two sides here then come to your own conclusion.
* Both
It may be that you decide it is a bit of both. That's fine, just don't be a complete wuss and sit on the fence. Make sure you do pick the side you most believe is right and PROVE it.
Conclusion
Wrap up your essay by linking back to the question. By now you should have shown both how and why the canon was formed and given a clear argument as to what you think is true.