Unit Code A-B

A7110/A8510 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

This unit introduces the basic elements of Biblical Hebrew. It leads to the reading of Hebrew Biblical texts with the use of dictionaries and grammars. The focus is on the Hebrew alphabet, basic Biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax, the lexical and grammatical study of selected Hebrew texts, translation of selected Biblical Hebrew texts and an introduction to the use of Biblical Hebrew /English dictionaries and concordances.

All A units are not included in the structure of Majors or Sub-majors.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Humanities in the Christian Tradition
Sub Discipline Humanities
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites Nil

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Memorize sufficient vocabulary to translate selected Biblical Hebrew passages.
  2. Recognize basic Biblical Hebrew grammar and syntax.
  3. Translate, parse and analyse simple Biblical Hebrew into English.
  4. Use Biblical Hebrew dictionaries and concordances.
  5. Employ their knowledge to read critical exegetical commentaries on biblical texts.

A7120/A8520 Introduction to New Testament Greek

This unit introduces the elements of New Testament Greek. It develops basic professional skills in New Testament exegesis and translation. The focus is on the Greek alphabet, the basics of Greek grammar and syntax, textual, lexical and grammatical study of selected New Testament texts. There is translation of selected New Testament texts, and working with Greek/English dictionaries, and concordances.

All A units are not included in the structure of Majors or Sub-majors.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Humanities in the Christian Tradition
Sub Discipline Humanities
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites Nil

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate familiarity with basic Grammar and Syntax of New Testament Greek
  2. memorize basic Greek vocabulary
  3. translate selected texts into English
  4. use dictionaries and concordances
  5. apply the knowledge of New Testament Greek to translating the New Testament

A7135 Theological English

This unit assists Language Other Than English students to understand and acquire some basic elements of grammar and structure in the English language in a theological context.

It assists students to acquire a preliminary/introductory vocabulary and pronunciation to enable them to talk and write about a theological topic in English. It assists students to have some access to the range of theological materials available in English so they can apply Biblical/theological English in various practical situations. It provides an effective approach to learning English, including basic research methods to extend knowledge of unfamiliar contexts. It fosters an understanding of English thought and expression. It also provides a familiarisation with English and Biblical/theological terminology required to discuss Biblical/theological ideas through exploring passages from one of the books in the Contemporary English Version of the Bible.

All A units are not included in the structure of Majors or Sub-majors.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Humanities in the Christian Tradition
Sub Discipline Humanities
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 36 Credit points

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Match English and first language written descriptions or definitions of simple Biblical/theological ideas and concepts and match spoken English descriptions or definitions of simple Biblical/theological ideas and concepts with first language written descriptions
  2. In written English, use simple sentences (allowing a few errors, either in form or use, that do not impede meaning) to discuss Biblical/theological ideas using vocabulary and Biblical/theological terminology that address the basic question but do not show a wider vocabulary even when a wider vocabulary is known.
  3. Recognise examples of correct use of basic English grammar and sentence structure and correct simple errors in passages adapted from the contemporary English Version of the Bible
  4. Write a short simple prayer in English and read it aloud with at least intelligible fluency so that the listener hears and understands at least 60% of the words.
  5. Apply elementary research methods to explain in written or spoken language

a. (in English) simple topics in Christianity and
b. (in first language) basic comprehension of prepared passages from Contemporary English Version of the Bible.

B7120/B8520 Introduction to the Old Testament

This unit introduces the literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes of the Old Testament to provide a foundation for further biblical and theological study. The unit involves the study of the Canon, introductory questions of each book of the Old Testament (authorship, date, historical, political and cultural contexts, etc.), structure and outline of the major Old Testament books, literary genres of Old Testament literature, key theological themes of the Old Testament collection, and Critical approaches to Old Testament interpretation.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites Excludes B7110 Introduction to Biblical Studies

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a general understanding of the overall structure and contents of the Old Testament
  2. identify the literary shape, themes, social and historical background of the individual books of the Old Testament
  3. employ critical methodologies in the interpretation of Old Testament texts.
  4. access secondary literature

convey the relevance of the Old Testament to Christian life and the contemporary world

B7130/B8530 Introduction to the New Testament

This unit introduces the critical study of the New Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes. It provides a solid foundation for further biblical and theological study. The focus is on an outline of the books of the New Testament, their historical, cultural, political and religious contexts, approaching the books of the New Testament as literary works, key methodologies of Biblical interpretation, developing skills in exegesis and writing an exegetical essay, and key New Testament themes.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites Excludes B7110 Introduction to Biblical Studies

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a sound knowledge of the contents of the New Testament
  2. display a sound understanding of the historical, social and cultural context of the New Testament
  3. demonstrate basic exegetical skills in critical interpretation of New Testament texts
  4. access and use significant secondary literature

apply the fruits of New Testament studies to a range of life and ministry situations

B7214 Pentateuch

This unit builds on the foundation unit(s) by examining the forms and content of the Pentateuch. It does so in light of its historical, cultural and religious settings and explores the role of the Pentateuch within the canon and the life of Israel. It considers the formation and composition of the Pentateuch, its historical, cultural, religious and political context and the literary forms within the Pentateuch and their influence on interpretation. Theological themes found within the Pentateuch are highlighted and there is exegesis of selected passages.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 9 credit points in Biblical Studies

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. summarize the significant critical issues associated with the study of the Pentateuch including its formation, unity and history
  2. identify the themes found within the Pentateuch and their relationships to the development of Israel’s faith
  3. exegete selected passages from the Pentateuch
  4. analyse literary forms and the contribution these forms make to understanding the text
  5. demonstrate the application of a theme or text to a contemporary audience or community

 

 

B7231 Prophetic Literature

This unit builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the prerequisite Biblical Studies units. It examines the literary forms and theological content of Israel’s prophetic books, with due consideration of their historical, cultural and religious settings/contexts. It develops an appropriate context for the study of prophetic literature, studies prophetic literary forms and their content/ themes. It examines aspects of the theology of prophetic books and undertakes exegesis of selected texts.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 9 credit points in Biblical Studies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate knowledge of the critical issues associated with the study of prophetic literature
  2. show how various prophetic literary forms communicate their theological content
  3. exegete selected passages from prophetic books
  4. utilise the relevant secondary literature in a critical manner
  5. apply insights of prophetic literature to various aspects of teaching, ministry, and spirituality

B7326 Psalms

This unit studies Israel’s poetic literature and practice of prayer and worship as represented in the Psalter. It provides an opportunity to develop exegetical skills in the analysis of Hebrew poetry. It examines the characteristic features of Hebrew Poetry, and the historical, sociological and religious background to the Psalter. It investigates representative psalms and aspects of the theology of the Psalms.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 18 credit points in Biblical Studies

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of the techniques of biblical poetry and the different types of Psalms found in the Psalter
  2. discuss the relevant historical, sociological and religious contexts of the Psalms
  3. exegete selected Psalms from the Psalter
  4. access and use the relevant secondary literature in a critical manner

make effective use of the Psalms in theology and worship

B7368 Johannine Literature

This unit builds upon the knowledge and skills learned in the pre-requisite units. It examines the historical context, literary forms and theological content of the Gospel and Letters of John, and their application to a range of spiritual and pastoral concerns. It examines issues of authorship, date, relationship of the Gospel with the Synoptics, the history and religious perspective of the Johannine community especially as reflected in the Johannine epistles. There is a focus on the distinctive literary style, imagery and narrative features of the Fourth Gospel and the key theological themes of the Johannine tradition. There is exegesis of selected passages from the Fourth Gospel.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 18 credit points in Biblical Studies

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. assess the historical, cultural and religious background of the Johannine community
  2. identify the principal literary forms in the Gospel and letters of John and show how they communicate their theological content
  3. demonstrate well-developed critical exegetical skills in written essays on selected passages from the Fourth Gospel
  4. integrate significant secondary literature into critical studies of the Johannine corpus
  5. apply insights gained from the Johannine Literature to contemporary Christian preaching, teaching and spirituality

B7382 Hebrews and General Epistles

This unit introduces study of Letters to the Hebrews and of James, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude. It examines the historical, geographical, social and religious background of each of these Letters as well as their literary structure, style and purpose of Hebrews and the General Epistles. There is a focus on key theological themes of these letters and exegesis of selected passages from Hebrews and the General Epistles.

Study Level Undergraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 18 credit points in Biblical Studies

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. identify the various social, cultural and pastoral contexts of each of these letters
  2. describe the key theological themes of Hebrews and the General Epistles
  3. apply hermeneutical and exegetical skills to selected passages from these letters
  4. access and use significant secondary literature for the critical study of Hebrews and the General Epistles
  5. apply insights from this later New Testament epistolary literature to a range of life and ministry situations.

 

 

B9603 Interpretation of the Bible

This postgraduate unit  introduces the history, goals and general principles of biblical interpretation with specific attention paid to the recognition and interpretation of various literary genres within the Bible. It investigates the need for a principled approach to biblical interpretation to construct responsible bridges between the biblical text and the current context.

Study Level Postgraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 9 credit points in Biblical Studies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced knowledge of principles for the interpretation of the Bible
  2. evaluate a broad range of scholarly approaches used in interpreting Scripture
  3. apply pertinent interpretation principles to biblical texts
  4. recognize the various literary genre used in the Bible and interpret the texts according to the specific requirements of each genre
  5. appreciate the value of a diverse range of approaches used in the interpretation of the Scriptures within the Christian tradition

B9610 Israel’s Beginnings: the books of Genesis and Exodus

This postgraduate unit  builds on the basic knowledge and skills of the foundational Biblical Studies unit. Special attention is paid to the literary forms, theological content and historical, cultural and religious setting of these books. The unit includes exegesis of selected passages in the light of the unique theologies of Genesis and Exodus.

Study Level Postgraduate
Discipline Biblical Studies
Credit Points 9
Prerequisites 18 credit points in Biblical Studies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the biblical books that deal with Israel’s formative period
  2. show an awareness of recent secondary literature resources that discuss the books of Genesis and Exodus
  3. exhibit a perceptive understanding of the importance of the books of Genesis and Exodus for Old Testament faith and Israelite identity
  4. demonstrate well-developed skills in the exegesis of selected Old Testament texts
  5. show a critical appreciation of Genesis and Exodus as expressions of Israel‘s faith in God’s action in history and of their application to Christian life and worship in the present era.

 

 

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