Undergraduate Course: Old Testament Theology (BIST10043)
Course Outline
School | School of Divinity |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
Summary | An examination of theological themes in Jewish and Christian interpretation of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. |
Course description |
Academic Description:
This course aims to enrich students' understanding of and appreciation for the contribution of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT) to theological study and reflection. Central theological questions are used to structure an investigation of the breadth of theological responses to them found in the HB/OT. Historically, biblical theology has been a part of the tradition of Christian interpretation, so its discussions and interests predominate in the course. However, during the 20th C. it came increasingly to be discussed by Jewish biblical scholars, and attention is paid to these contributions as well.
Syllabus/Outline Content:
The course begins by providing an orientation to the history of biblical theology, and the contributions of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in particular. Fundamental theological questions structure the course: how can God be known? How is the character of God to be understood? What does it mean to be human? Who are the 'people of God'? What is sin, and what does it mean to be 'saved'? What is the nature of future hope? And, a key theological theme for later religious developments, how is the 'messiah' to be understood in Jewish and Christian perspectives?
Student Learning Experience Information:
The course has weekly meetings with sessions in two-hour blocks. All sessions are seminar based and interactive, with the instructor leading weekly sessions which provide orientation for that week's theme. In the second hour, students each take a turn to lead discussion on the key texts relating to the given theme. Through participation in the seminar discussions, as well as through the written work and the examination included in the assessment schedule, students will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites |
Students MUST have passed: (
Prophets and Their Oracles (BIST08019) OR
Moses and the Torah (BIST08020))
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Co-requisites | |
Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | Students may seek permission of the course organiser to register for the course if they do not meet the above pre-requisite. |
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisites | Visiting students should have at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above (or be predicted to obtain this). We will only consider University/College level courses. |
High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain how texts from the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament inform theological discussion.
- Demonstrate understanding of seminal contributions to the theological study of the HB/OT, from both Christian and Jewish perspectives.
- Integrate the study of the HB/OT with other theological disciplines.
- Offer independent, critical analysis of the HB/OT texts in relation to theological issues.
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Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
Course organiser | Dr Anja Klein
Tel: (0131 6)50 8960
Email: Anja.Klein@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Katrina Munro
Tel: (0131 6)50 8900
Email: Kate.Munro@ed.ac.uk |
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