Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module THEO3041: BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3041: BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To explore and exemplify what it means to think theologically in relation to the combined Old and New Testaments as the Bible of the Christian Church. This will be done via the study of selected topics, which will be approached through detailed exegesis and interpretation of selected passages in both Old and New Testaments, interpretation which will be carried out in dialogue with a wide range of Christian, Jewish, and other perspectives.

Content

  • This module seeks to explore how best the Bible as a whole may be appropriated as a fundamental resource for contemporary Christian faith.
  • The underlying concern throughout is the meaning and validity of language in relation to God in both a biblical and a contemporary context.
  • This is approached via the exegesis and interpretation of selected texts in both Old and New Testaments (approximately two thirds of the content is OT and one third NT), which are presented in topics: Wisdom and Hermeneutics, the Nature of God and the Character of Religious Language, Discernment of God.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • A systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of theological exegesis, at least some of which is informed by the most recent research and methodologies.
  • Systematic understanding of a canonical approach to the theological interpretation of the Bible.
  • An understanding of how discernment of God within the life of the world might appropriately be practised according to biblical criteria.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • An informed ability to understand, evaluate and practise theological interpretations of biblical texts.
Key Skills:
  • 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.
  • Formative essays develop 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.
  • Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 22 Weekly through teaching year 1 hour 22
Tutorials 2 30 minutes 1
Seminars 22 30 minutes 11
Preparation and Reading 166
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
three-hour unseen written examination 100%

Formative Assessment:

2 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