TRS4502 - Introduction to the Hebrew Bible

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of what is meant by ‘Hebrew Bible’ and key themes within it;
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the different ways in which the text is used and interpreted by Jews, Christians and Muslim;
Apply methods of historical criticism to arrive at knowledge and understanding of how biblical texts came to be written; Demonstrate appreciation of biblical chronology in Israelite history and the religious and theological significance of key moments;
Apply some of the techniques of modern biblical criticism (e.g. historical, literary, social scientific, feminist, post-modernist);
Demonstrate competence in key study skills, including use of computer, library research, essay writing and scholarly conventions.

Content:

Through in-depth study of the Hebrew Bible, this module will introduce students to the disciplines of both Theology and Religious Studies. Historical, literary and theological approaches to the Bible will be introduced. Special attention will be given to the religio-cultural contexts from which the Hebrew scriptures emerged and the main communities of interpretation: Judaism and Christianity. Muslim appropriation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible will also be included. Key theological themes relevant to Christian theology will be highlighted.

A range of topics will be introduced and discussed through the study of selected texts. These may include the following:
• The Bible as library
• Overview of biblical history
• Meaning of the terms ‘Hebrew Bible’ and ‘Old Testament’
• Myth and history in the Bible
• Historical criticism (documentary hypothesis, form criticism, etc.)
• Literary genres (history, myth, legend, narrative, poetry, etc.)
• In-depth studies of selected books, such as Genesis, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Jonah
• The nature of prophecy in the Hebrew Bible
• The concept of Messiah
• Key biblical themes such as Creation, Covenant, Epiphany, Sacrifice, Human and Divine Love, The Suffering Servant, Lament, Loyalty and Friendship, Being ‘Called’

Key study skills will be introduced in this module through the portfolio.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching takes place in plenary sessions and using blended learning. It may also include group activities and also opportunities for individual help through face-to-face meeting or online means. Scheduled learning activities are varied and include include: lecture-style presentations by the module tutor or occasional guest speaker; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; debates; and other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Students receive guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity and learning is supported by the VLE (Moodle) and sometimes by readers and other resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing is integral to the learning and teaching process in each module and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans if requested. In this module, study skills – including library skills, essay preparation, scholarly conventions and use of feedback – are embedded in learning.

Lecture
Contact Hours: 20 hours
Intended Group size: 20

Seminar, group work, tutorial, etc.
Contact hours: 20 hours
Intended Group size: 3-20

Guided independent study
Hours: 160


Further details relating to assessment
The portfolio will normally consist of three pieces of work: an essay plan (300 words) and a book review (300 words) that contribute to the preparation of a 1,400-word essay.
Level 4 study skills for each of the programmes are built into this module so students will be expected to complete other formative assessments.

Assessment: