Unit information: The Bible in the Contemporary World: Hermeneutics (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2011/12

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Unit name The Bible in the Contemporary World: Hermeneutics (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code THRSM0010
Credit points 40
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Reverend Dr. Lucas
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit begins by orienting students to the main interests that have influenced interpreters, particularly over the last hundred years. Some of the main approaches to the interpretation of the Bible will then be introduced and critically examined. These will usually be grounded by the discussion of a particular text. They will include the radical questioning of the biblical text by ideological critics. The assignment, an exploration of a range of interpretations of a specific text, will be modelled by lecturers towards the end of the unit.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the unit students should be able to:

  • analyse and evaluate a range of interpretations of a biblical text.
  • engage critically with some influential schools of interpretation.
  • engage sympathetically yet critically with competing interpretations of a biblical text, whether they derive from pre-critical, critical or postmodern perspectives.
  • read the Bible in its own terms with confidence, enhanced understanding and enriched sensitivity.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through preparatory reading, lectures and seminars.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be through class discussions, seminars and the preparation and the presentation of a seminar paper.

Summative assessment will be through two 6,000 word essays.

Reading and References

  • Barton, J., Reading the Old Testament: Method in Biblical Study. London: DLT, 2nd ed. 1996.
  • Goldingay, J., Models for the Interpretation of Scripture, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994.
  • Tate, W.R., Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2nd ed. 1997.
  • Thistleton, A.C., New Horizons in Hermeneutics, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992.
  • Vanhoozer, K., Is There a Meaning in This Text? The Bible, the Reader and the Morality of Literary Knowledge, Leicester: Apollos, 1998.
  • Wright, N.T., The New Testament and the People of God. London: SPCK, 1992.

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