Skip to main content
 

TMMC3091: Further Biblical Studies

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Theology, Ministry and Mission

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • L6-20 Further Old Testament Studies L6-20 Further New Testament Studies

Aims

  • To enable students to explore in depth some biblical texts or themes within the context of contemporary scholarship and the Bible as a whole.
  • To enable students to examine the ways in which biblical texts or themes can address contemporary situations.
  • To illustrate ways in which biblical themes or texts can be communicated.

Content

  • In depth exploration of some texts or themes from the Old and New Testaments, including within the context of the Bible as a whole and of contemporary scholarship.
  • Examination of the ways the selected texts / themes can be used to address contemporary situations.
  • Consideration of ways in which the texts / themes can be communicated appropriately in a range of contexts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Describe and analyse in detail specific themes or texts within the Bible, interpret them within their context, and make confident and critical use of them in contemporary contexts, with reference to recent research methodologies and findings and the questions raised by them.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • Evaluate and apply different approaches to interpreting the selected biblical themes and texts through the critical employment of exegetical processes.
  • Relate biblical themes and texts and the questions raised by them to a variety of contemporary issues and audiences, communicating these with relevance, rigour, creativity and sensitivity.

Key Skills:

  • Identify, gather, analyse and evaluate textual source materials, including material from primary sources and scholarly research, for a range of purposes, and communicate their findings with clarity and fairness using a variety of media to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Critically evaluate ideas, arguments and assumptions, using them to construct and communicate coherent and well-reasoned arguments, showing critical awareness of their own and others beliefs, commitments and prejudices, to specialist audiences.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Teaching methods to be specified by each TEI, selecting from the following:
  • Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within a subject area 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 contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
  • Guided reading in conjunction with lectures encourages independent learning and underpins the knowledge and understanding gained in lectures and seminars.
  • Small group learning creates an environment where students learn to articulate their knowledge and understanding effectively and in a way that is relevant to the group and its context.
  • Programmed online learning materials guide students through knowledge content, its wider framework and different approaches to its application.
  • Virtual discussion forums offer students the opportunity to articulate the knowledge and understanding they have acquired to others and to engage in informed debate.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures121.75 hours21 
Lectures40.75 hours3 
Seminars 41 hour4 
Guided Reading152 hours30 
Personal Study142 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Book CritiqueComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Written critique1000 words100 
Component: ExegesisComponent Weighting: 30%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Exegesis1500 words100 
Component: EssayComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay2500 words100 

Formative Assessment

Students will be expected to demonstrate engagement with the subject matter and the learning outcomes throughout the module by suitable formative assessments that encourage integrative and reflective skills. Methods of formative assessment are likely to include class discussion, self-assessment, short quizzes

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our FAQ webpages, Help page or our glossary of terms. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the FAQ, or a query about the on-line Undergraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.