Approaches to Hermeneutics: Ways of Biblical Interpretation (BS9072L)

Postgraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit incorporates key hermeneutical approaches, concepts, issues, and terms within an advanced historical overview of the development of biblical hermeneutics, from early Christian and Jewish interpretation to contemporary critical approaches. Current methodologies of biblical interpretation will be critically evaluated, and students will explore their own ways of applying methods and elements of interpretation to passages from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, with the aid of dictionaries and commentaries.

Unit code: BS9072L

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically discuss key issues associated with the historical development of biblical interpretation
2.

Analyse, evaluate, compare and contrast views arising from the application of hermeneutical methods to biblical texts
3.

Critically examine biblical texts using a range of hermeneutical approaches, including the principles of Lutheran hermeneutics
4.

Apply knowledge and skills developed in the unit to critique contemporary applications of the biblical texts

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 9 unit in postgraduate theology, ministry and education courses

Pedagogy

This unit combines asynchronous student engagement with unit materials and weekly one-hour tutorials. Emphasis is placed on student engagement with primary texts using a range of interpretative methods and approaches, so students learn and acquire of basic analytical skills for interpreting the bible.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bauckham, R. The Bible in the contemporary world: hermeneutical ventures, 2nd ed., Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2015.
  • Gorman, Michael. Elements of biblical exegesis: a basic guide for students and ministers. Rev. ed. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2009.
  • Hauser, A. J. and Watson, D. F. eds. A History of Biblical Interpretation: The Ancient Period (vol. 1). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003.
  • Hauser, A. J. and Watson, D. F. eds. A History of Biblical Interpretation: The Medieval through the reformation Periods (vol. 2). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009.
  • Keane, Niall, C. Lawn, eds. The Blackwell Companion to Hermeneutics. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2016.
  • Malcolm, Matthew R. From Hermeneutics to Exegesis: The Trajectory of Biblical Interpretation. Nashville, TN: B & H Academic, 2018.
  • Porter, Stanley E, Beth M Stovell, and Craig Blomberg. Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views. Spectrum Multiview Books. Downers Grove, Ill.: IVP Academic, 2012.
  • Soulen, Richard N., R. Kendell Soulen. Handbook of Biblical Criticism. Fourth edition. Louisville, KY: Westminster Knox Press, 2011.
  • Thiselton, Anthony C. Hermeneutics: An Introduction. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2009.
  • Wengert, Timothy J. Word of life: introducing Lutheran hermeneutics. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2019.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report

A dialogue between the critical issues associated with the historical development of biblical interpretation and the principles of Lutheran hermeneutics.

 1800 30.0
Essay

A critical analysis and evaluation of contrasting views arising from the application two hermeneutical methods to the same biblical text.

 1800 30.0
Exegetical Essay

An interpretative analysis of a biblical text

 2400 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 28 Sep, 2023

Unit record last updated: 2023-09-28 11:56:42 +1000