Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)
Module THEO2371: SEERS AND SAGES
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO2371:
SEERS AND SAGES
Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Not available in 2011/12 |
Module Cap |
None. |
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
Aims
- To explore critically themes of major Early Jewish literature
within their theological and historical contexts, and to assess the
significance of these writings for early Christian thought and as
interpretation of the Old Testament.
- To equip students with skills and knowledge for study of related
areas at level 3.
- To equip students with skills and knowledge ancilliary to other
modules which they are taking at level 2.
Content
- This module provides a critical exploration of Jewish
religious thought in the time of Jesus.
- It will focus on Ben Sirah, Wisdom of Solomon, Psalms of
Solomon, 1 Enoch, Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, 4 Esdras, 2
Baruch, Jubilees and Tobit. Each of these documents, except for 4 Esd.
and 2 Bar., which are treated together, will be explored in two lectures
and one seminar.
- The students will study wisdom literature, apocalyptic
literature, testamental literature, and the rewriting of scriptural
tradition.
- The module will stress that although one can speak of
different forms of expression, ideas expressed within the literature
show that stereotypical caricatures of Early Judaism often break down
when subjected to scrutiny.
Learning Outcomes
- A knowledge of the individual documents surveyed on the
course.
- A knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles
associated with the study of early Jewish literature, and an ability
to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of
study.
- Skills in the comparative analysis of ancient texts and the
application of traditional and contemporary methods of
study.
- Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and
research, and in the structured presentation of information in written
form.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to
the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the
subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of
the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating
information.
- Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding
both through preparation and through interaction with students and
staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and
approaches.
- Through small-group discussion, tutorials provide feedback on
student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail,
enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
- Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and
understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation
of information in written form under time constraints.
- Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and
understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of
information through reading and research, and in the structured
presentation of information in written form.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
19 |
Term 1: 1 lecture per week wks 1-2, 4-5, 7-8, Term 2: 2
lectures per week wks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 |
1 hour |
19 |
■ |
Tutorials |
1 |
Term 3: 1 revision tutorial wk 1 |
1 hour |
1 |
■ |
Seminars |
8 |
Term 1: 1 seminar per week wks 3, 6, 9, Term 2: 1 seminar
per week wks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 |
1 hour |
8 |
■ |
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Summative Essay |
Component Weighting: 40% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Summative Essay |
3,000 words |
100% |
|
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 60% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Unseen Written Examination |
2 hours |
100% |
|
Student presentations in the seminars. These will be
based on passages from the set texts, which the students will be expected
to analyse in written and oral presentations.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University