Engaging with the Hebrew Bible

Semester 2

This unit is the first of a sequence of two that introduces students to some of the tools and perspectives employed in the study and interpretation of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. While developing interpretive and hermeneutical skills, students will be introduced to the narrative sweep of Scripture, detailing certain key figures and events within the biblical canon, setting biblical books in context and engaging sympathetically with different forms of biblical literature. Students will employ these perspectives to examine the relevance of the Bible today.

Together, the two units will introduce students to:

The nature of Biblical Text
An overview of content and the general organization of Biblical texts.
Tools for biblical interpretation such as dictionaries, commentaries and surveys
Interpretive and hermeneutical skills and techniques

This first unit focuses on reading and interpreting the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing its narrative arc, particular genres and introducing elementary skills and concepts in biblical interpretation.

Code

BS0141W

Level

Undergraduate Diploma

Discipline

Biblical Studies (BS)

Field

Biblical Studies (B)

Prerequisites

Nil

Location

Mill Valley Ranch, Tynong North view location >

Faculty

Andy Mitchell

Class Time

Intensive: 5 days in September 2020

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. Outline a brief survey of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) including some key events and characters
2. Identify and describe different types of biblical literature found in the Hebrew Bible
3. Use tools for Biblical interpretation for selected Hebrew Bible texts including dictionaries, commentaries and surveys
4. Analyse selected Biblical texts in order to determine their probable authorial intent
5. Assess the relevance and applicability of selected Biblical texts in relation to personal and contemporary concerns
Assessment
- Two exegetical exercises (each 750 words) (50%)
- One thematic essay (1,500 words) (50%)
Recommended reading
- Brueggemann, W., An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003.
- Campbell, Antony SJ. Experiencing Scripture. Adelaide: ATF, 2012
- Collins, J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis, Fortress, 2004.
- Coggins, R and J L Houlden (eds.) A dictionary of biblical interpretation. London: SCM, 1990.
- Finzel, H. Unlocking the Scripture: Three Steps to Personal Bible Study. Colorado Springs, Victor, 2003.
- Gravett, Sandra L., Karla G. Bohmbach, F. V. Greifenhagen and Donald L. Polaski. An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: A Thematic Approach. Louisville/London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008
- Gorman, M.J., Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody: Hendrickson, rev. edn, 2009.
- Knight, Douglas A. and Amy-Jill Levine. The Meaning of the Bible: What the Jewish Scriptures and Christian Old Testament Can Teach us. New York: Harper One, 2011
- Motyer, Alex. Roots: Let The Old Testament Speak. Ross-Shire, Christian Focus, 2009.
- Smith-Christopher, D., The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2007.
Set texts recommended for purchase: Nil

Engaging with the Hebrew Bible

Learning outcomes

Assessment

Recommended reading

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