Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)

Module TMMC3091: Further Biblical Studies

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

TMMC3091: Further Biblical Studies

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • L6-20 Further Old Testament Studies L6-20 Further New Testament Studies

Aims

  • To enable students to explore in depth some biblical texts or themes within the context of contemporary scholarship and the Bible as a whole.
  • To enable students to examine the ways in which biblical texts or themes can address contemporary situations.
  • To illustrate ways in which biblical themes or texts can be communicated.

Content

  • In depth exploration of some texts or themes from the Old and New Testaments, including within the context of the Bible as a whole and of contemporary scholarship.
  • Examination of the ways the selected texts / themes can be used to address contemporary situations.
  • Consideration of ways in which the texts / themes can be communicated appropriately in a range of contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Describe and analyse in detail specific themes or texts within the Bible, interpret them within their context, and make confident and critical use of them in contemporary contexts, with reference to recent research methodologies and findings and the questions raised by them.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Evaluate and apply different approaches to interpreting the selected biblical themes and texts through the critical employment of exegetical processes.
  • Relate biblical themes and texts and the questions raised by them to a variety of contemporary issues and audiences, communicating these with relevance, rigour, creativity and sensitivity.
Key Skills:
  • Identify, gather, analyse and evaluate textual source materials, including material from primary sources and scholarly research, for a range of purposes, and communicate their findings with clarity and fairness using a variety of media to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Critically evaluate ideas, arguments and assumptions, using them to construct and communicate coherent and well-reasoned arguments, showing critical awareness of their own and others’ beliefs, commitments and prejudices, to specialist audiences.

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

  • Teaching methods to be specified by each TEI, selecting from the following:
  • Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within a subject area that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
  • Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
  • Guided reading in conjunction with lectures encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.
  • Small group learning creates an environment where students learn to articulate their knowledge and understanding effectively and in a way that is relevant to the group and its context.
  • Programmed online learning materials guide students through knowledge content, its wider framework and different approaches to its application.
  • Virtual discussion forums offer students the opportunity to articulate the knowledge and understanding they have acquired to others and to engage in informed debate.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 12 1.75 hours 21
Lectures 4 0.75 hours 3
Seminars 4 1 hour 4
Guided Reading 15 2 hours 30
Personal Study 142
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Book Critique Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written critique 1000 words 100%
Component: Exegesis Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Exegesis 1500 words 100%
Component: Essay Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Essay 2500 words 100%

Formative Assessment:

Students will be expected to demonstrate engagement with the subject matter and the learning outcomes throughout the module by suitable formative assessments that encourage integrative and reflective skills. Methods of formative assessment are likely to include class discussion, self-assessment, short quizzes


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