Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Unit Description

The subject begins with an exploration of the biblical metanarrative tracing major themes including: redemption, covenant and revelation of God. The chronology of the Bible history is outlined through identifying key events in the people of God and major historical figures. Emphasis is placed on the themes of: creation, fall, redemption, restoration and consummation. Attention then turns to the authority and authenticity of the Bible. This is explored briefly with attention given to the claims of authority including internal and external evidence. Manuscript and archaeological evidence is outlined that offers support for the reliability of the biblical text. Common claims of mistakes and contradictions in the biblical text are examined and responses offered. The nature and structure of the Bible is presented with particular attention paid to formation of the canon, authorship and types of literary genre. The remainder of the subject is focused on the establishment of hermeneutical principles for the interpretation of the biblical text. Exploration of the factors affecting interpretation including: presuppositions, linguistics, the hermeneutical gap, and the nature of Scripture is undertaken. A brief history of biblical interpretation is outlined to allow students to understand the various methods employed and identify their contribution to contemporary methods. A range of biblical critical approaches are outlined. Emphasis is placed upon the need for and use of basic hermeneutical principles: recognition of genre, historical context, literary context and literary content and number of exercises are undertaken utilising these principles. The difficulty of application, the final step in interpretation, is emphasised and students are required to assess and critically analyse commonly used types of application.


Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every Year, Semester 2)
Online: (Every Year, Semester 1)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.