Content

The core purpose of this unit is to introduce students to the Old and New Testament writings. In this process students will be introduced to basic tools and approaches used in biblical studies, focusing on reading the biblical text as literature while giving attention to its historical context in the quest to discern its theological intent. Attention will be given to selected key Old Testament themes especially within Genesis. Study of the New Testament will concentrate on the gospels, Paul’s letters and Revelation and selected key themes within them. The development of the Old Testament and New Testament canons and the relationship between them as Christian Scripture will be explored. Along the way the unit will challenge the learners to a broader and deeper understanding and appreciation of the Bible and its place within Christian faith and life and as well as the implications of their learning for use of the Bible in Christian education.

Unit code: BS1303L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine the biblical text as literature giving attention to its historical context and theological intent

2.

Discuss key content and major themes running through the Old and New Testament writings

3.

Appraise their own current understanding of the nature of the Bible in the light of new insights

4.

Identify a range of applications for a Christian educator

Unit sequence

Prohibited combinations:
The Bible Today A & B Bible Introduction 1 & 2

Pedagogy

Coursework, lectures, workshop intensive, discussions Online—engagement with online learning materials, including audio/video, tasks, forums, and asynchronous discussion with lecturer.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Drane, John. 2011. Introducing the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK: Lion. (recommended for purchase)
  • Drane, John. 2010. Introducing the New Testament. 3rd ed. Oxford, UK: Lion. (recommended for purchase)
  • The Bible, preferably the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or Today’s New International Version (TNIV) and preferably in the form of a study Bible.

  • Achtemeier, Paul J., Joel B. Green, and Marianne Meye Thompson. 2001. Introducing the New Testament: its literature and theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans.

  • Alexander, T. D. 1998. From Paradise to the Promised Land: an introduction to the main themes of the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. (Löhe Memorial Library also holds an ebook of this text)

  • Arnold, Bill T., and Brian E. Beyer. 2008. Encountering the Old Testament: a Christian survey. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

  • Brown, Raymond E. 1997 An introduction to the New Testament. New York, NY: Doubleday.

  • Burnette-Bletsch, R. 2007. Studying the Old Testament: a companion. Nashville: Abingdon Press.

  • Charpentier, Etienne. 1982. How to read the New Testament. Tr. John Bowden. London, UK: SCM Press.

  • ———. 1982. How to read the Old Testament. Tr. John Bowden. London, UK: SCM Press.

  • Dumbrell, William J. 2002. The faith of Israel: a theological survey of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Leicester: Apollos.

  • Elwell, Walter A., and Robert W. Yarbrough. 2013. Encountering the New Testament: a historical and theological survey. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

  • Evans, Craig A., and Stanley E. Porter, eds. c.2000. Dictionary of New Testament background. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

  • Jacobson, Diane L., and Robert Kysar. 1991. A beginner’s guide to the books of the Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.

  • La Sor, William Sandford, et al. 1996. Old Testament Survey: the message, forms and background of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans.

  • Pilch, John. 1991. Introducing the cultural context of the Old Testament. New York, NY: Paulist.

  • Stegemann, Wolfgang, Bruce J. Malina, and Gerd Theissen, eds. 2002. The social setting of Jesus and the Gospels. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Integrative response essay 1000 words

0 30.0
Essay

Essay 1600 words

0 40.0
Forum

Collaborative and reflective online forum participation. 1400 words

0 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 31 Aug, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000