Module THEO2011: Literature & Theology of the Old Testament

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2011: Literature & Theology of the Old Testament

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To examine a range of important Old Testament texts and genres and their relationship with the historical and cultural background.
• To examine the theological and religious ideas of OT literature within their original context.
• To discuss the main historical and literary approaches to OT literature.
• To build on any knowledge of the subject area acquired at level 1, to equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of this subject area at level 3, and to prepare students for the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a dissertation in the final year.

Content

• The module will examine issues related to key Old Testament texts, especially legal, historical, prophetic and wisdom literature, but also themes including quality of life and sexuality in the ancient world, focusing on the ways to bridge the gap between the texts and our own experience.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in Old Testament studies, along with an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed, and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.
• A knowledge and critical understanding of the principle literary genres found in the Old Testament, and of the problems involved in relating the literature to the historical context.

• Skills in the close reading of biblical texts.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

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

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars allow students to develop skills elated to the close reading of biblical texts.
• Essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

One formative essay (2500 words).