Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module THMN2011: Old Testament Texts

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN2011: Old Testament Texts

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To give students the skills to engage exegetically and hermeneutically with a range of Old Testament texts, beyond those covered in THMN101 Introduction to the Old and New Testaments.

Content

  • The areas to be covered by the syllabus will normally be :
  • Introduction to Old Testament exegesis of prophetic, Psalm & wisdom texts in historical & canonical perspective
  • The Psalms - the Psalter ; themes in the Psalms ; exegesis of selected Psalms
  • The wisdom literature - wisdom then and now ; themes in OT wisdom books ; exegesis of selected passages in OT wisdom books
  • Prophecy in the Old Testament - its nature ; function and setting(s)
  • Studies in one of the major prophets - context ; themes ; and exegesis of selected passages in one of Isaiah, Jeremiah or Ezekiel
  • Studies in the minor prophets - detailed study of (at least) two of the minor prophets

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module the student will be able to:
  • relate specific Psalm, wisdom & prophetic texts to their historical and canonical context(s)
  • assess the strengths and weaknesses of confessional interpretation of selected Old Testament texts
Subject-specific Skills:
  • evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of seeing Old Testament texts in their original context(s) and in a Christian perspective, especially with regard to prophecy
Key Skills:
  • use differing approaches and methods of interpretation (literary & theological)
  • make appropriate use of the texts as the basis for preaching
  • make appropriate use of the texts in worship and other ministerial settings

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

  • 28 hours contact time consisting of lectures including discussion

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment 4000 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

1500 word book critique

■ 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