BS111.15 Introducing the Christian Bible

Foundational Unit for MDiv

Using a range of multi-media resources, this unit will introduce undergraduate students to the content and context of the Christian Bible.

It aims to:
1. appreciate the continuity and discontinuity between the First and Second Testaments
2. understand the way in which the Christian Bible developed
3. appreciate the diversity of literary genres within the biblical canon
4. explore the distinctive geographical settings of the biblical literature
5. situate the biblical texts within their historical contexts
6. introduce the student to a range of study resources
7. encourage the development of oral and written skills in reflecting on the texts
8. allow a transition to further biblical studies

Outcomes: On completion of this unit it is expected that the student will be able to:
1. describe the likely chronological development of the biblical texts.
2. comprehend the basic geographical and historical contexts of the biblical texts.
3. appreciate major theological trajectories within the biblical literature.
4. locate appropriate resources for further study of the biblical text.
5. demonstrate competency in written responses to focussed study questions.

Class Time: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm

Assessment:
Weekly workshop exercises -1500 incremental words (40%)
Tutorial presentation - 1000 words (30%)
1500 word essay (30%)
 
Faculty: Merryl Blair

Offered: Fridays mornings in 1st semester 2008

Bibliography:
Barton, J & J. Bowden, The original story: God, Israel and the world. Grand Rapids MI/Cambridge UK: Eerdmans, 2005.
Drane, J Introducing the Old Testament. Oxford: Lion Publishing, 1987.
Drane, J Introducing the New Testament. Oxford: Lion Publishing, 1986.
Johnson, M. D. Making sense of the Bible. Literary type as an approach to understanding. Grand Rapids MI/Cambridge UK: Eerdmans, 2002.
Smith, D. E. (ed.) Chalice introduction to the New Testament. St Louis MS: Chalice Press, 2004.
Ryan, M. Reading the Bible. An introduction for students. Tuggerah NSW: Social Science Press, 2003.

Media resources - excerpts will be used from the following productions in accord with Federal Government copyright guidelines for educational institutions:Empires:
Kingdom of David: The saga of the Israelites SBS E1029
Empires: The Roman Empire in the first century. SBS E1022-3
Who wrote the New Testament? SBS E1061
Jesus: the complete story. BBC E2107
From Jesus to Christ. WBGH Education Foundation. PBS 88628