Postgraduate Course: Hebrew Scripture Theology (BIST11009)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | An examination of theological themes in Jewish and Christian interpretation of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. |
| Course description |
Academic Description:
This course aims to enrich students' understanding of and appreciation for the contribution of the Hebrew Bible to systematic theology. Questions central to theological discussion are used to structure an investigation of the diverse responses to them found in the Hebrew Bible. Historically, biblical theology has been a part of the tradition of Christian interpretation, so its discussions and interests predominate in this course. However, during the 20th C. it came increasingly to be discussed by Jewish biblical scholars as well, and attention is also paid to these contributions. Discussions are based on texts studied in their original languages, whether the classical language of the Hebrew Bible, or the Greek of the Septuagint.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course begins by providing an orientation to the history of biblical theology, and the contributions of the Hebrew Bible in particular. The dialogue between major theological themes and scripture provides the dynamic for course discussions. Theological questions structure the course, e.g.: how can God be known? How is the character of God understood? What does it mean to be human? Who are the 'people of God'? What is sin, and what does it mean to be 'saved'? What is the nature of future hope? And--a key theological theme for later religious developments--how is the 'messiah' to be understood in Jewish and Christian perspectives?
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 leading weekly sessions which provide orientation for that week's theme. In the second hour, students each take a turn to lead discussion on the key texts relating to given theme. Weekly preparatory writing exercises form a portfolio which contributes to course assessment. Through participation in the seminar discussions, as well as through the written work and the substantial research essay at the course's culmination, students will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | This is a graduate-level course. Please confirm subject prerequisites with 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 a critical understanding of how key texts from the Hebrew Bible inform theological debate.
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of seminal contributions to the theological study of the Hebrew Bible.
- Identify commonalities and contrasts in Jewish and Christian uses of the Hebrew Bible in constructive theology.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr David Reimer
Tel: (0131 6)50 8977
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Joanne Hendry
Tel: (0131 6)50 7227
Email: |
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