Undergraduate Course: Old Testament Texts (BIST10036)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Detailed study of selected passages from the Old Testament in English translation. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
This course deepens students' understanding of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT) through the close study of a selected text in translation. The text chosen for study changes from year to year; examples of past studies include the book of Job, with its profound probing of the issues surrounding unmerited suffering, and the book of Joshua, a central text for understanding the political theology of the HB/OT as well as providing focal point for discussions of theological violence. The historical, literary, theological, and ethical aspects of the text are open to investigation, extending also to relevant cognate literature and the history of interpretation.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course sets the chosen text in its religious and literary context. Key passages are identified for close scrutiny, and the course progresses through these in order to trace the development of thought through the text. Related themes are studied in tandem with the texts to gain a sense of the contribution the texts make to wider discussions, and vice versa. Sessions are devoted to structured exploration of the history of interpretation, typically towards the end of the course when students have gained familiarity with the text and its interpretative challenges for themselves.
Student Learning Experience Information:
"The course has weekly meetings with sessions in two-hour blocks. All sessions are seminar based and interactive, with the instructor providing seminar leadership for some sessions, while students take the lead in the remaining sessions. Active participation in discussion is expected of all those on the course. Brief pieces of weekly prepratory writing form a 'portfolio' which contributes to assessment. Students will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes through these, participation in discussion, a substantial interpretative essay investigating a particular passage or problem from the set text, and the final examination.
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Permission of the Course Manager. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the theological, literary, and ethical nature of the set text.
- Express independent critical assessment of the views of other scholars of the text under investigation.
- Demonstrate understanding of the history of interpretation of the set text from antiquity to the present day.
- Identify and explain interpretative issues arising in the set text, both in discussion and in written form.
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Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr David Reimer
Tel: (0131 6)50 8977
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Katrina Munro
Tel: (0131 6)50 8900
Email: |
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