Content

The core purpose of this unit is to introduce students to the Old and New Testament writings through a process of learning to read the Bible as literature and theology. Through a disciplined and scholarly process students will work with key 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. Students will research selected key Old Testament themes especially within the Pentateuch. 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.

Unit code: BS8303L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Examine and draw conclusions about the biblical text as literature while assessing the significance of its historical context for interpretation, in a quest to discern its theological intent

2.

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

3.

Explain the process of canonisation within the formation of Scripture

4.

Research and write while employing both primary and secondary resources

5.

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

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials 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)
  • Powell, Mark Allan. 2009. Introducing the New Testament: a historical, literary and theological survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker. This book is linked to a website which includes useful support materials. www.introducingnt.com (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.

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

  • Barton, John, and Julia Bowden. 2004. The original story: God, Israel and the world Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmanns.

  • Burge, Gary M., Lynn H. Cohick, and Gene L. Green. 2009. The New Testament in antiquity. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Ralph, Margaret Nutting. 2003. And God said what?: an introduction to biblical forms. Rev. ed. New York, NY: Paulist Press.

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

  • VanGemeren, Willem, ed. 1997. New International dictionary of Old Testament theology and exegesis, 5 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay 3000 words

0 40.0
Essay

Integrative response 1500 words

0 30.0
Journal

Reflective journal contributions 1500 words

0 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

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