Module THMN42730: Scripture and Hermeneutics: The Role of the Bible in Ministry

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN42730: Scripture and Hermeneutics: The Role of the Bible in Ministry

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To integrate critical theological reflection on the doctrine of scripture with inter-disciplinary hermeneutical reflection on the interpretation of the Bible, in order to explore the role of the Bible as Christian scripture in ministry.

Content

• The module will have three main sections:
• I - Introduction to Hermeneutics [1-5] Topics will include: hermeneutics; authors; texts; readers; ethics
• II - Doctrine of Scripture [6-10] Topics will include revelation; inspiration and authority; clarity and sufficiency; canon
• III - Biblical Interpretation in Doctrinal & Hermeneutical Perspective [11-20] Topics will include textual criticism; historical criticism; biblical theology; canonical approaches; reception history; theological interpretation; literary readings; feminist interpretation; evangelical interpretation; postmodern interpretation

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will:
• be able to state and critique constructively both traditional and contemporary articulations of a doctrine of scripture
• have analysed some of the many conflicting voices in contemporary hermeneutical debate
• be able to utilise contemporary hermeneutical reflection in their interpretation of the Bible
• have experience of exploring what difference hermeneutics makes in using the Bible by way of ‘case studies’ of interpretation of one key biblical passage (currently Genesis 1-3)

• have begun the process of integrating these insights into a coherent approach to scripture and into their ministerial practice
• have analysed some of the many conflicting voices in contemporary hermeneutical debate
• be able to utilise contemporary hermeneutical reflection in their interpretation of the Bible
• have experience of exploring what difference hermeneutics makes in using the Bible by way of ‘case studies’ of interpretation of one key biblical passage (currently Genesis 1-3)
• have begun the process of integrating these insights into a coherent approach to scripture and into their ministerial practice

• have begun to identify and articulate possible areas of research.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• enter text as appropriate for the module

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2500 word essay (normally a book critique); as well as seminar leading on a topic which will (normally) contribute to the summative essay. Feedback will be given on student presentations and seminar involvement, as well as written feedback on formative and summative essays.

■ 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