This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Postgraduate Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
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
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 4 | 30 | Not available in 2015/2016 | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations
- 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 - Topics may include: hermeneutics; authors; texts; readers; meaning; theological and ethical perspectives
- II - Doctrine of Scripture - Topics may include revelation; inspiration and authority; clarity and sufficiency; canon
- III - Biblical Interpretation in Doctrinal & Hermeneutical Perspective - Topics may include textual criticism; historical criticism; biblical theology; canonical approaches; reception history; theological interpretation; literary readings; feminist interpretation; postcolonial interpretation; evangelical interpretation; postmodern interpretation
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- By the end of the module students will gain an in-depth understanding of:
- Hermeneutics with perspectives from theology and ethics
- The contemporary hermeneutical debate
- Biblical interpretation in Doctrinal and Hermeneutical Perspective
Subject-specific Skills
- 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 intepretation 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)
Key Skills
- By the end of the module students will:
- be able to identify and articulate possible areas of research
- develop their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively both orally and in written format
- develop research based skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The contact hours outline in the grid below give an indication of the split between lectures and seminars. This may vary depending on the size of the cohort.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 16 | Weekly for 2 terms | 1 hour 45 mins | 28 | |
| Seminars | 8 | 1 hour | 8 | ||
| Preparation & Reading | 264 | ||||
| Total | 300 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 100% | Essay | 5000 words | 100% |
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.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.