Content

This unit provides an introduction to the Bible for students beginning critical biblical studies. It surveys the content of the Old and New Testament, introduces important features of the biblical world relevant to interpretation, and considers the different kinds of literature contained within the Bible. Attention will be paid to the ways in which the Bible comes to us, through attention to traditions, texts, versions and translations. In treating the biblical texts as Christian Scripture, the unit explores the history of the development of the biblical canon(s) and understandings of biblical inspiration and authority. Students are introduced to initial skills, resources, and tools for biblical interpretation.

Unit code: BS8000P

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the contents of the Bible, the diversity of biblical texts and genres, the development of biblical traditions and texts, and the history of the process of canonization

2.

Demonstrate an awareness of the range of different approaches to notions of biblical inspiration, authority and interpretation

3.

Make use of primary and secondary sources relevant to critical biblical study to investigate two particular biblical texts.

4.

Offer a critical assessment of selected examples of contemporary biblical scholarship

Pedagogy

Lectures, Group Work, Tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

  • Carleton Paget, James and Joachim Schaper, eds. The New Cambridge History of the Bible Volume 1: From the Beginnings to 600. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013.
  • Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2014. (recommended for purchase)
  • DeYoung, Curtis Paul, Wilda C. Gafney, Leticia Guardiola-Saénz, George Tinker and Frank Yamada, eds. The People's Companion to the Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2010.
  • Gorman, Michael J., ed. Scripture: An Ecumenical Introduction to the Bible and Its Interpretation. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2005.
  • Johnson, Luke Timothy. The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation. 3rd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1999. (recommended for purchase)
  • Kugler, Robert and Patrick Hartin. An Introduction to the Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009.
  • McDonald, Lee M. The Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1995.
  • Rogerson, John. An Introduction to the Bible. 3rd ed. Sheffield: Equinox, 2012. [n.b. 2nd edition is available as an EBook]
  • Webster, John. Holy Scripture: A Dogmatic Sketch Current Issues in Theology Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Oral Examination

1 x reflection paper (1500 words) or 1 x 15 minute oral examination before two examiners

0 25.0
Essay

Short paper on specified biblical texts (750 words)

0 12.0
Essay

Short paper on specified biblical texts (750 words)

0 13.0
Essay

Essay on the development of either the OT or NT canon (3000 words)

0 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2014

Unit record last updated: 2020-10-28 14:50:32 +1100