THMN44830: Advanced Old Testament Studies
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Type | Open |
---|---|
Level | 4 |
Credits | 30 |
Availability | Available in 2024/2025 |
Module Cap | None. |
Location | Durham |
Department | Theology, Ministry and Mission |
Prerequisites
- None
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combinations of Modules
- None
Aims
- To enable students to explore in depth - and with some independence - selected Old Testament text(s) and/or theme(s) within the context of contemporary biblical and theological scholarship and the Old Testament as a whole.
- To enable students to analyse critically the ways in which Old Testament text(s) and/or theme(s) can be used to address contemporary situations.
- To illustrate ways in which Old Testament text(s) and/or theme(s) can be communicated
Content
- This module will involve
- Exploration of text(s) and/or theme(s) from the Old Testament, including within the context of the Old Testament and Christian Scripture as a whole.
- Examination of selected text(s) and/or theme(s) (they may vary from year to year) in greater detail, and how they can be used to address contemporary situations.
- Study of the critical, hermeneutical and theological processes by which we reflect on these text(s) and/or theme(s) in contemporary contexts.
- It is intended that the module will focus on the books of either Daniel or Exodus (and associated theological themes) in the initial years of running; with the focal text for a specific year advertised to students at the point of signing up for the module.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- Demonstrate in depth knowledge of specific themes and/or texts within the Old Testament and interpret them within their context with reference to the methodologies and findings of current scholarship.
Subject-specific Skills:
- Interpret Old Testament themes and/or texts through the employment of exegetical processes that draw upon historical, theological, and other contemporary modes of inquiry.
- Demonstrate the capacity to exercise independence in analysing and engaging critically with Old Testament texts in relation to contemporary issues for contemporary audiences.
Key Skills:
- Carry out systematic and creative research into complex issues and communicate their findings with clarity, sensitivity, fairness and imagination to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- Demonstrate initiative, self-direction and independence in tackling and solving problems, and in planning and implementing tasks.
- Exercise their independent learning skills to pursue further professional development or academic study
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within Old Testament studies and hermeneutics that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
- Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific reading contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
- Guided reading in conjunction with lectures and seminars encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total | Monitored |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lectures | 7 | weekly | 2 hours | 14 | |
Seminars | 8 | weekly | 2 hours | 16 | |
Preparation & Reading | 270 | ||||
Total | 300 |
Summative Assessment
Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 75% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Essay | 4000 words | 100 |
Component: Book critique | Component Weighting: 25% | ||
---|---|---|---|
Element | Length / Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
Book critique - of a critical monograph exploring a specific aspect of the focal text or theme | 1500 words | 100 |
Formative Assessment
A 2,500 word written commentary (exegetical essay) on a selected passage in the focal Old Testament text. It is compulsory to pass the formative before being admitted to the summative assessment. Students may also contribute to the leading of a section of a seminar in preparation for their summative essay (component 1).
More information
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