RT2103: Introduction to the Bible
School | Religion |
Department Code | SHARE |
Module Code | RT2103 |
External Subject Code | 100801 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Reverend Simon Woodman |
Semester | Spring Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
The Bible is one of the most influential books ever written, affecting history, literature and art, not to mention social debates down to the present day. It is also considered to be a holy book by Jews, Christians and Muslims. This module will introduce students to the literature and religions of the Bible and help them begin to develop the use of the critical skills and techniques of Biblical Studies. Students will engage with some of the approaches which have characterised scholarly work on the Old and New Testaments in the past hundred years. Through interacting with selected texts, students will gain familiarity with the main literary genres of the Bible, its contents and contexts.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Select and use appropriate critical methods to analyse biblical texts.
- Recognise and recall the main scholarly debates concerning different parts of the Bible.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the main contents of selected books of the Bible, and the contexts in which they were written.
- Critically assess the theological contributions of different biblical authors/books.
How the module will be delivered
This module combines lectures with supplementary seminars. The lectures will provide critical introductions to sections of the Bible, as well as a summary of important contents. The introductions will include an overview of scholarly positions on the books of the Bible and associated critical methods. The seminars will give students the opportunity to engage in detail with selected sections of the Bible, exploring different genres and practising different methodological approaches.
Skills that will be practised and developed
- Reason from evidence, whilst being tolerant of other interpretations of the evidence.
- Critically evaluate evidence and its interpretation.
- Sustain a logical argument and reach a defensible conclusion.
- Analyse and synthesise information.
- Make individual presentations, and contribute effectively and creatively to group discussion.
- Actively respond to peer and teacher feedback.
- Discuss and question new ideas.
- Understand how people have thought and acted in contexts other than the students’ own.
- Present analyses in a clear and coherent manner, both orally and in writing.
- Solve problems.
- Demonstrate a willingness to seek, and accept, help and guidance.
- Accept responsibility for the student’s own activities and their outcomes.
- Display self-reliance.
- Adopt a demanding work-schedule.
- Revise judgements in the light of new evidence.
- Use computers as a research and writing aid.
How the module will be assessed
A 1.5 hour exam, a 1,500 word essay and a 15 minute presentation.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Spring Semester | 50 | Introduction To The Bible | 1.5 |
Written Assessment | 35 | Essay | N/A |
Written Assessment | 15 | Presentation | N/A |
Syllabus content
Lectures will cover critical introductions to such topics as:
- The History of the Bible and the Bible of History.
- The motivation, methods and history of scholarship in Biblical Studies.
- The Pentateuch.
- The Historical Books.
- Psalms and Wisdom.
- Apocalyptic.
- Apocrypha.
- Jesus and the Gospels.
- Paul and his Letters.
- Catholic Epistles.
- Revelation.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Indicative Reading and Resource List: