Undergraduate Course: Old Testament Theology (BIST10043)
Course Outline
| School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
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/Old Testament (HB/OT) to theological study and reflection. Central theological questions are used to structure an investigation of the breadth of theological responses to them found in the HB/OT. Historically, biblical theology has been a part of the tradition of Christian interpretation, so its discussions and interests predominate in the course. However, during the 20th C. it came increasingly to be discussed by Jewish biblical scholars, and attention is paid to these contributions as well.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course begins by providing an orientation to the history of biblical theology, and the contributions of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in particular. Fundamental theological questions structure the course: how can God be known? How is the character of God to be 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 active participation is expected. The seminars may include, for example, lecture-style sections, textual analysis, thematic discussion, debate, and examination of visual artefacts. Brief pieces of weekly preparatory work 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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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed: (
Prophets and Their Oracles (BIST08019) OR
Moses and the Torah (BIST08020))
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | Students may seek permission of the course organiser to register for the course if they do not meet the above pre-requisite. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain how texts from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament inform theological discussion.
- Demonstrate understanding of seminal contributions to the theological study of the HB/OT, from both Christian and Jewish perspectives.
- Integrate the study of the HB/OT with other theological disciplines.
- Offer independent, critical analysis of the HB/OT texts in relation to theological issues.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
- Capacity to modify, suspend or otherwise change position when warranted
- Analytical ability and the capacity to formulate questions and solve problems
- Writing skills, including clear expression and citing relevant evidence
- Ability to engage critically with the meaning of documents and recognise that meanings may be multiple
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Anja Klein
Tel: (0131 6)50 8960
Email: |
Course secretary | Mr Jamie Smith
Tel: (0131 6)50 8913
Email: |
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