Module THEO47030: Biblical Reception

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO47030: Biblical Reception

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• to explore the significance of biblical reception in some of its many manifestations, complementing the emphasis on textual origins within biblical scholarship
• to illustrate the diversity of modes in which biblical reception occurs, from homiletics, liturgy, and theology to the arts, philosophy, and politics
• to develop a coherent methodology, emphasising the need for both a close reading of texts and an informed understanding of the specific contexts in which they are received and used

Content

• Students can expect to study closely some particular examples of biblical reception in their social and historical contexts, and to consider their significance, in dialogue with modern scholarship both in biblical study and more widely within in the study of theology and religion. The case studies will vary from year to year, depending on the expertise of the staff teaching it; the focus for a particular year will be advertised in advance. One or more of the following areas will be prioritised in discussion:
• the earliest phase of the reception-process that sees some texts but not others receive “canonical” status as “holy scriptures”, ultimately constituting a “Bible”
• the use of scriptural texts in shaping key aspects of Christian identity and theological construction
• the relation between form and meaning e.g. reception in arts, liturgy, and other media
• the modern critical reception of biblical texts, interrogating approaches to scriptural authority in light of history, philosophy, theology and/or ethics
• the impact of biblical texts outside formal church contexts

Learning Outcomes

• to show advanced knowledge of case studies in biblical reception in their social and historical contexts,
• to show understanding of theological and ethical issues that arise in biblical reception
• to show advanced critical understanding of modern critical approaches to biblical reception

• skills in identifying diverse factors (e.g. social, theological, material) that play into the reception of a biblical text in a particular context
• skills in analysing the interplay between those different factors in the reception of the text and its impact
• skills in evaluating the significance of biblical reception in social and/or ecclesial settings, including ethical and/or theological issues that arise

• Communicate complex information and arguments in a clear and orderly way,
• Understanding of a range of complex phenomena, including textual, theological, and social issues
• Evaluate methodological approaches to biblical reception

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

• Seminars based on prior reading of key texts or other resources, made available in advance, and including student presentations
• Seminar presentations develop analytical skills and skills in presenting information orally in a concise manner; they also offer opportunity for feedback
• 2000-word formative essay develops written skills within the sub-discipline
• 5000-word summative essay on a topic relevant to the module’s content and selected by the student in dialogue with the module convenor

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2000 word essay. Seminar presentations also serve a formative function

■ 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.