Unit information: Contextual Biblical Interpretation in 2013/14

Unit name	Contextual Biblical Interpretation
Unit code	THRS30107
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. John Lyons
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The dominant forms of academic biblical interpretation over the last two centuries have been the various methodologies that trade under the term 'historical criticism'. At its most successful, this 'approach' took on the status of a given - the Bible was correctly understood in its historic context and only in that context. Yet differently contextualised forms of reading have always remained within the Academy as a niggling challenge to its dominance. This unit examines the contextualised nature of historical criticism before turning to consider different reading strategies under the headings of (a) liberation interpretation and (b) feminist interpretation. (These will include both academic and non-academic interpreters). Students will critically examine examples produced within these three 'contexts' and be encouraged to provide their own contextualised readings of biblical texts. The unit will conclude by looking at the criteria that validate these readings and asking, what does this all mean for biblical interpretation.

The aims of the unit are:

a) to examine the complex phenomenon of biblical interpretation in the modern world.

b) to critically investigate the contextualised settings of each of three major forms of contemporary Bible reading.

c) to distinguish between the validation strategies of these forms of reading.

d) to provide a context in which students can develop their own assessment of the contextualised nature of biblical interpretation

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students should:

a) have examined the complex phenomenon of biblical interpretation in the modern world.

b) be familiar with the contextualised settings of each of three major forms of contemporary Bible reading.

c) be able to distinguish between the validation strategies of these forms of reading.

d) be able to provide their own assessment of the contextualised nature of biblical interpretation.

Teaching Information

10 x two hour interactive seminars

Assessment Information

One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours (50%).

Reading and References

• Collins, J.J., The Bible After Babel: Historical Criticism in a Postmodern Age (Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson, 2005).

• Court, J.M., Reading the New Testament (London: Routledge, 1997).

• Rowland, C. (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999).

• Sawyer, J.F.A. (ed.), The Bible and Culture (Oxford: Blackwell, 2006).

• Schottroff, L. et al (eds), Feminist Interpretation: The Bible in Women's Perspective (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, c1998).

• Yarchin, W. History of Biblical Interpretation (Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson, 2004).