This level two course will concentrate in detail on selected biblical texts and themes in relation to questions of culture, theology, politics and/or literature. The emphasis will be on detailed analysis of select themes/texts and on introducing students to key critical issues in Biblical Studies today. Normally, the course will be structured around genres and/or specific themes from the Old and New Testaments.

4 x one hour sessions per week (lecture/seminar varied) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 11am over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

None

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2000-word essay (40%)

■ One research journal of 500 words OR 30-minute Hebrew or Greek language class test (10%)

■ Examination: one 90-minute examination (50%)

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essay, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the examination, but extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ conduct an in-depth study of select key texts and themes in the Old and New Testaments

■ increase their knowledge of key critical issues in Biblical Studies related to those texts and themes

■ explore contemporary critical issues in Biblical Studies (e.g. cultural, political, literary/interpretative and theological questions) in practise, by showing how they work in relation to particular themes and texts

■ acquire further skills in reading and interpreting selected texts in either Hebrew or Greek, for students taking the alternative language examination as part of their assessment.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ discuss key texts and themes in the Old and New Testaments

■ relate those texts and themes to literary, political, cultural and theological questions (as appropriate)

■ critically analyse secondary (critical) literature

■ develop reflective engagement with the critical literature through use of a research journal

■ translate and comment critically on a selection of the chosen texts in either Hebrew or Greek, for students taking the alternative language examination as part of their assessment.