Content

This unit introduces students to current and emerging approaches to biblical studies that are often marked by inter-and cross-disciplinary interaction. It teaches how to meaningfully apply methods to the biblical text and integrate the results of biblical interpretation into any context of students’ life and ministry.

Unit code: BS8111B

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Proposing College: Eva Burrows College

Show when this unit is running

Learning outcomes

1.

Identify key hermeneutical categories at play in biblical interpretation and application

2.

Discuss a variety of methods of biblical criticism

3.

Apply selected methodologies to biblical texts

4.

Assess the relevance of methodologies of biblical interpretation for a variety of ministry/professional or personal contexts

5.

Reflect on a personal approach to biblical interpretation

Unit sequence

No prerequisites required.

Pedagogy

This unit applies a constructivist approach to HEd pedagogy attuned to online or blended delivery. Teaching and learning in the unit occur through various student-centered learning experiences. Apart from undertaking assessment-for-learning tasks, students will engage with guided readings, exegetical exercises, knowledge application exercises, reflections, video lessons, etc. Online tutorials, workshops, and student-led seminars will provide spaces for peer-to-peer learning and developing discipline-specific and soft skills.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bartholomew, Craig G. Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics: A Comprehensive Framework for Hearing God in Scripture. Ada, MI: Baker Academic, 2015. [ebook] 

  • Callen, Barry L. and Richard P. Thompson, eds. Reading the Bible in Wesleyan Ways: Some Constructive Proposals. Kansas: Beacon Hill Press, 2004. [ebook] 

  • Davies, Eryl W. Biblical Criticism: A Guide for the Perplexed.  London: Bloomsbury, 2013. [ebook] 

  • Green, Joel B. Practicing Theological Interpretation: Engaging Biblical Texts for Faith and Formation. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2012.

  • Lake, Meredith. The Bible in Australia: A Cultural History. Sydney: Newsouth, 2018. [ebook] 

  • McKenzie, Steven L. and John Kaltner (eds.). New Meanings for Ancient Texts: Recent Approaches to Biblical Criticisms and Their Applications. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2013. [ebook] 

  • Shea, Mark P. Making Senses of the Bible: Reading the Bible as the First Christians Did. Revised edition. Charlotte: Basilica Press, 2015. [ebook] 

  • Tate, W. Randolph. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. Third edition. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2008.  [ebook]

  • Witherington, Ben. Reading and Understanding the Bible. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. 

  • Wright, N.T. Scripture and the Authority of God: How to Read the Bible Today. Revised edition. San Francisco: Harper One, 2013. [ebook] 

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Summative Reflection 400 5.0
Seminar or Tutorial 3500 50.0
Exegesis 2500 35.0
Summative Reflection 600 10.0

Variant 2

Audio recording or Podcast 1000 15.0
Seminar or Tutorial 3500 50.0
Portfolio 2500 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Aug, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-08-16 10:54:06 +1000