Module THEO2921: Reading Biblical Texts

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2921: Reading Biblical Texts

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To develop specialized knowledge of texts in either the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament.
• To prepare students for the skills and knowledge needed to undertake a dissertation or other further work in biblical study in the final year.

Content

• This course will focus on a close, detailed reading of one or two English texts in either the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament (e.g. Ecclesiastes, Gospel of John and 1 John), the meaning of the text, and why it matters.
• In each case, students will be introduced to the text(s) and influential scholarship about them, explore the text(s) comprehensively, and examine more closely debated and intriguing portions of the text.
• The module will also investigate reading methodologies and reception appropriate to the text, and the way these render different meaning to different people bringing different lenses.

Learning Outcomes

• A detailed and specialized, rather than general, knowledge of one or two texts in the Bible.
• Familiarity with the secondary literature and scholarly debates and approaches to the analysed text(s), and the ability to evaluate these critically.
• Understanding of principles and methods of scholarly enquiry into biblical literature and other associated interpretive skills, and ability to appraise the appropriateness of different methods.

• Close reading of biblical texts and the ability to discuss its meaning and importance with others.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written or oral form.
• Close reading of biblical texts.

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 evaluation.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific skills and promote awareness of different viewpoints and approaches as well as critical evaluation of them.
• Formative learning journals develop and assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, the acquisition of information through listening and research, critical reflection and self-evaluation of engagement and skill development.
• Summative essay plan presentations and essays assess subject-specific knowledge of biblical texts and secondary literature, skills for close reading of texts, the acquisition of information through research, understanding of interpretive approaches and methods, critical evaluation skills, and the structured presentation of information in written form.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Selection(s) from learning journal (500 words).

■ 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.