Unit information: The Bible and Theology in 2011/12

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Unit name The Bible and Theology
Unit code THRS11048
Credit points 20
Level of study C/4
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Emeritus Professor. Gethin
Open unit status Open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

In this unit students are introduced to some of the key elements of the academic study of theology and sacred texts. The unit will be centred around two foci: the nature and development of post-Reformation Christian theology on the one hand, and on the other, the origin and reception of the Bible. Through these students will develop an appreciation of the dynamics of historical context, authority, culture, reception, practice and doctrine.

Aims:

  • To provide an overview of Christianity in its historical dimensions;
  • To develop awareness and understanding of the basic questions asked by Christian theologians;
  • To develop critical interaction with primary and secondary materials;
  • To develop sensitivity to historical, cultural and institutional context;
  • To develop written presentation skills through the course assessment

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the unit students will be expected to have:

  • acquired knowledge and skill to discuss the roles of Scripture and tradition in its historical contexts;
  • acquired knowledge and skill to engage critically with the basic materials of the Christian tradition;
  • acquired knowledge and skill to discuss the relevance of historical, cultural and institutional context;
  • acquired knowledge and skill to articulate their arguments regarding the above in a well-structured and clear manner.

Teaching Information

20 x 1-hour lecture (2 x one-hour per week)

Assessment Information

1 x 3-hour exam (100%)

Reading and References

  • J. W. Rogerson, An Introduction to the Bible (London, 2000)
  • S. Moyse, An Introduction to Biblical Studies (London, 2004)
  • A. McGrath, The Christian Theology Reader (Oxford, 2006)
  • A. McGrath, Christian Theology: An Introduction (Oxford, 1994).
  • R. Brown, Introduction to the New Testament (Oxford, 1995).
  • D.F. Ford, ed. Modern Theologians: An Introduction, 3rd edn (Oxford, 2005)