Engaging with the Hebrew Bible (BS0141W)

Content

This unit is the first of a sequence of two that introduces students to some of the tools and perspectives employed in the study and interpretation of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. While developing interpretive and hermeneutical skills, students will be introduced to the narrative sweep of Scripture, detailing certain key figures and events within the biblical canon, setting biblical books in context and engaging sympathetically with different forms of biblical literature. Students will employ these perspectives to examine the relevance of the Bible today. Together, the two units will introduce students to:

1. The nature of Biblical Text
2. An overview of content and the general organization of Biblical texts.
3. Tools for biblical interpretation such as dictionaries, commentaries and surveys
4. Interpretive and hermeneutical skills and techniques This first unit focuses on reading and interpreting the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its narrative ark, particular genres and introducing elementary skills and concepts in biblical interpretation.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

This unit is first in a sequence of two units (BS0141W and BS0142W) that together introduce students to the study and interpretation of the Bible. It is expected that students work through these units in sequence.

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials.
The delivery strategy will also utilise field trips and excursions to provide students with the opportunity to explore biblical texts in various contexts and settings.

Indicative Bibliography

• Brueggemann, W., An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003.
• Campbell, Antony SJ. Experiencing Scripture. Adelaide: ATF, 2012
• Collins, J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis, Fortress, 2004.
• Coggins, R and J L Houlden (eds.) A dictionary of biblical interpretation. London: SCM, 1990.
• Finzel, H. Unlocking the Scripture: Three Steps to Personal Bible Study. Colorado Springs, Victor, 2003.
• Gravett, Sandra L., Karla G. Bohmbach, F. V. Greifenhagen and Donald L. Polaski. An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: A Thematic Approach. Louisville/London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008
• Gorman, M.J., Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody: Hendrickson, rev. edn, 2009.
• Knight, Douglas A. and Amy-Jill Levine. The Meaning of the Bible: What the Jewish Scriptures and Christian Old Testament Can Teach us. New York: Harper One, 2011
• Motyer, Alex. Roots: Let The Old Testament Speak. Ross-Shire, Christian Focus, 2009.
• Smith-Christopher, D., The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2007.

Assessment