Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)
Module THEO1931: Introduction to Biblical Study
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO1931: Introduction to Biblical Study
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2019/20 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To introduce students to selected important passages in both Old and New Testament
- To introduce students to the nature and purpose of modern biblical criticism
- To introduce students to the diversity of possible interests and purposes with which academic study of the Bible may be carried out
- To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of the Old / New Testament
Content
- This module offers a selective introduction to the content of both Old and New Testaments, and to representative issues of their interpretation.
- Although the selection of biblical texts that are discussed may vary from year to year, particular attention will usually be given to the early chapters of Genesis (in the Old Testament) and the Synoptic Gospels (in the New Testament).
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A knowledge of the characteristic interpretative challenges posed by Old and New Testaments.
- A knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with the study of Old and New Testaments, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within their contexts.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Skills in the close reading of biblical texts, and of related ancient texts.
Key Skills:
- Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
- Skills in discussion, through participation in seminars.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Through lectures the teachers will exemplify an engaged and engaging approach to the biblical subject-matter, which will enable students to develop a clear understanding of the Bible and biblical interpretation, and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating issues of both method and content.
- Formative essays will develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information and the making of reflective judgements in written form.
- Examinations will assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with skills in the structured presentation of information and the making of reflective judgements in written form under time constraints.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lectures | 22 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 22 | |
| seminars | 8 | 4 in MT, 4 in EpT | 1 hour | 8 | |
| preparation | 170 | ||||
| total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Critical Review | Component Weighting: 20% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Critical Review | 1000 words | 100% | |
| Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 30% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay | 1500-2000 words | 100% | |
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 50% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written examination | 2 hours | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
Gobbet (500 words) and essay (1500-2000 words)
■ 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