Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module THEO1931: Introduction to the Bible: Texts, History, Culture
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO1931: Introduction to the Bible: Texts, History, Culture
| Type | Open | Level | 1 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- To examine a range of important biblical texts and genres and their relationship with their historical and cultural backgrounds.
- To examine the theological and religious ideas of biblical literature within their original context.
- To discuss important historical and literary approaches to biblical literature.
- To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament.
Content
- This module offers a selective introduction to the content of both the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament, and to representative issues of their interpretation, and introduces students to the close reading and analysis of biblical texts.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- A knowledge of the characteristic interpretative challenges posed by the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament.
- A knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with the study of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and New Testament, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within their contexts.
- An introduction to the close reading and analysis of selected biblical texts.
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 the analysis of texts.
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.
- Seminars allow students to improve their critical reading skills and prepare for summative assignments.
- Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | 1 per week in Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms | 1 hour | 20 | Yes ■ |
| Seminars | 10 | 1 per fortnight in Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms | 1 hour | 10 | Yes ■ |
| Preparation and Reading | 170 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay | 2,000 words | 100% | |
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Online Examination | 2 hours (with a four-hour window for completion) | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
None.
■ 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.