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 |
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
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.
10 x two hour interactive seminars
One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours (50%).