CRS4011A - CCRS - The Bible: Old Testament

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the books and types of literature which make up the Old Testament and be able to set them in their context;
2 make connections between a particular type of literature and the belief the words express;
3 recognize the diversity of images of God in the Old Testament;
4 appreciate the significance of the covenant relationship for the people of Israel;
5 understand the relevance of the Old Testament and its use in the Catholic Community today;
6 communicate what they have learned from an adult stance.

Content:

• How the Church looks at the Old Testament today, particularly in the light of Vatican II and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
• Introduction to the formation of the Hebrew scriptures in terms of the historical, geographical, cultural, political and religious background.
• Study of types of literature contained in Scripture (e.g. myth, epic, history, prophetic writings, liturgy).
• Study of selected texts which focus on the Covenant, the centrality of the Exodus experience and the formative effects of the Exile.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This will include:
• reflection on personal experience;
• related input to deepen understanding;
• the gathering of information through reading and listening;
• group discussion.

Lectures and seminars
Contact hours: 5 x 2hr sessions
Number of groups: 1

Assessment: