Unit rationale, description and aim
From popular culture to law and ethics, the Bible has had an enduring impact on society. It is a central carrier of revelation for Christianity. It is also a book made up of diverse texts from different times, contexts and authors. At the same time, many hold that these books are united by a coherent narrative in which God reveals Godself to the Israelite people and enters into covenantal relationship with them. This relationship comes to its climax when God becomes human in Jesus, who is said to teach and heal, die and rise again to usher in a new covenant between God and creation. Study of the Bible is therefore fundamental to understanding Christian perspectives. Yet the study of the Bible does not happen in a vacuum, and it is also necessary for the interpreter to reflect on, and account for, their own assumptions and methodologies. THBS501 is designed to introduce students to a range of interpretative approaches and methodologies for the study of the Bible. Its aim is to enable students to broaden and deepen their engagement with the Bible in a spirit of open and critical inquiry.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Describe a range of approaches to biblical interpr...
Learning Outcome 01
Reflect critically and ask deep questions, both of...
Learning Outcome 02
Construct a reasoned response to the text and eval...
Learning Outcome 03
Content
Topics will include:
- A survey of selected texts from the Old and New Testaments;
- The canons of Scripture;
- Forms of biblical literature;
- Definitions of exegesis and hermeneutics;
- Different methods and aims of biblical interpretation, e.g. historical criticism, literary criticism, contextual hermeneutics.
Assessment strategy and rationale
In order to pass this unit, students are required to demonstrate achievement of all three learning outcomes and achieve an overall mark of 50% or higher
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed for students to progressively demonstrate their achievement of each learning outcome.
Task 1 asks students to define and describe a foundational concept or approach for the study of the Bible (e.g. exegesis or hermeneutics). The task is principally designed to allow students to display achievement of Learning Outcome 1. It allows them a relatively low-risk piece of assessment to test their research skills, as well as academic writing techniques.
Task 2 gives students an opportunity to research one or more methodologies for the study of the Bible and begin to critically reflect on its/their implications for the way the Bible is read and used in contemporary situations. The principal purpose of this task is to allow students to demonstrate achievement of Learning Outcome 2.
Task 3 asks students to expand upon tasks 1 and 2 by applying a range of methodologies to the study of a biblical text (or texts). Students should also be encouraged to reflect critically on the appropriateness and usefulness of those methodologies. This reflection should serve as the basis for students to articulate a response to the text and to evaluate its contemporary significance, with sensitivity to different contexts and perspectives. The principal focus of this task is to allow students to display achievement of Learning Outcome 3.
Overview of assessments
Short research task
Short research task
20%
Extended research task
Extended research task
40%
Exegesis and reflection task
Exegesis and reflection task
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit involves 150 hours of focused learning, or equivalent of 10 hours per week for 15 weeks.
Students learn through formally structured and sequenced learning activities that support the achievement of the learning outcomes. Students are asked to critically reflect, analyse, and integrate new information with existing knowledge, draw meaningful new connections, and then apply what they have learned. Collaborative and peer learning is also emphasised.
The learning activities enable students to acquire and assimilate foundational knowledge of biblical studies through application of, and critical reflection on, modern interpretative approaches. The learning activities are supported by the presence and articulation of the lecturer and tutors. Students will be guided to develop the academic skills needed for biblical study.
THBS501 emphasises students as active, adult learners. Students are recognised as adult learners who engage best when what they are learning is relevant to them and gives them the opportunity to be responsible for their own learning. In many ways, the student is the one who drives the learning forward. Active participation in this unit is essential. Learning is designed to be an engaging and supportive experience, which helps students to develop critical thinking and reflection skills.
Mode of delivery: This unit may be offered in different modes to cater to the learning needs and preferences of a range of participants:
On Campus
Most learning activities or classes are delivered at a scheduled time, on campus, to enable in-person interactions. Activities will appear in a student’s timetable.
Multi-mode
Learning activities are delivered through a planned mix of online and in-person classes, which may include full-day sessions and/or placements, to enable interaction. The full -day sessions may be timetabled outside of regular working hours. Activities that require attendance will appear in a student’s timetable.
Online unscheduled
Learning activities are accessible anytime, anywhere. These units are normally delivered fully online and will not appear in a student’s timetable.
Online scheduled
All learning activities are held online and will require some attendance to enable online interaction. Activities will appear in a student’s timetable.
ACU Online: This mode uses an active learning approach to support students in the exploration of knowledge essential to the discipline. Students are provided with choice and variety in how they learn. Students are encouraged to contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions. Active learning opportunities provide students with opportunities to practice and apply their learning in situations similar to their future professions. Activities encourage students to bring their own examples to demonstrate understanding, application and engage constructively with their peers. Students receive regular and timely feedback on their learning, which includes information on their progress.