THMN44830: Advanced Old Testament Studies

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• To enable students to explore in depth - and with some independence - selected Old Testament text(s) and/or theme(s) within the context of contemporary biblical and theological scholarship and the Old Testament as a whole.
• To enable students to analyse critically the ways in which Old Testament text(s) and/or theme(s) can be used to address contemporary situations.
• To illustrate ways in which Old Testament text(s) and/or theme(s) can be communicated

• This module will involve
• Exploration of text(s) and/or theme(s) from the Old Testament, including within the context of the Old Testament and Christian Scripture as a whole.
• Examination of selected text(s) and/or theme(s) (they may vary from year to year) in greater detail, and how they can be used to address contemporary situations.
• Study of the critical, hermeneutical and theological processes by which we reflect on these text(s) and/or theme(s) in contemporary contexts.
• It is intended that the module will focus on the books of either Daniel or Exodus (and associated theological themes) in the initial years of running; with the focal text for a specific year advertised to students at the point of signing up for the module.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• Demonstrate in depth knowledge of specific themes and/or texts within the Old Testament and interpret them within their context with reference to the methodologies and findings of current scholarship.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Interpret Old Testament themes and/or texts through the employment of exegetical processes that draw upon historical, theological, and other contemporary modes of inquiry.
• Demonstrate the capacity to exercise independence in analysing and engaging critically with Old Testament texts in relation to contemporary issues for contemporary audiences.

Key Skills:

• Carry out systematic and creative research into complex issues and communicate their findings with clarity, sensitivity, fairness and imagination to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate initiative, self-direction and independence in tackling and solving problems, and in planning and implementing tasks.
• Exercise their independent learning skills to pursue further professional development or academic study

• Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within Old Testament studies and hermeneutics that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
• Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific reading contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
• Guided reading in conjunction with lectures and seminars encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.

A 2,500 word written commentary (exegetical essay) on a selected passage in the focal Old Testament text. It is compulsory to pass the formative before being admitted to the summative assessment. Students may also contribute to the leading of a section of a seminar in preparation for their summative essay (component 1).

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