Unit code B8110
Unit name Introduction to the Old Testament
Unit weighting 9 cp
Prerequisites N/A
Exclusions B5001 Survey of the Bible; B5010 Survey of the Old Testament; B7101 Introduction to Biblical Studies; B7110 Introduction to the Old Testament; B8101 Biblical Studies Introduction
Curriculum objective This course unit introduces students to the critical study of the Old Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes. It provides a solid foundation for further biblical and theological study.
Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:
- Analyse the major narratives, themes and structures of the books of the Old Testament
- Assess the significance of the main historical, social and cultural factors that provided the context of the composition of the Old Testament
- Integrate significant secondary literature into a formal critical essay on the text of the Old Testament
- Utilise skills of historical-critical exegesis in the interpretation of Old Testament texts
- Apply insights from their study to Christian life and ministry within a range of contexts
Content
- Contents of the Old Testament
- Historical, cultural, political and religious contexts of the Old Testament materials
- The literary nature of the Old Testament
- Key methodologies and approaches to Biblical interpretation and critical issues
- Developing skills in exegesis and writing an exegetical essay
- Identification and analysis of key Old Testament themes
Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:
- Engage with relevant scholarship in a critique of Old Testament themes and purposes [Outcomes 1, 2, 3]
- Write a formal interpretive essay on a Old Testament text using an accepted exegetical methodology [Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4]
- Produce a thematic analysis of a key Old Testament theme or critical issue, with application to life and ministry in the contemporary context [Outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5]
