Units timetabled for 2013 and 2014 are provisional only, and details of semester and time will change. The official timetable for each year is released on 1 September of the prior year.

Archived unit descriptions for 2011 are available here.

Introduction to the Old Testament

Unit Code: 
BV100
RTI: 
United Faculty of Theology
Unit Value: 
15 points

This unit is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament. It examines matters of canon and translation, the forms of Old Testament literature, historical and theological issues. Texts discussed will deal with creation, flood, law, covenant, kingship, exodus, exile, prophecy, monotheism, divine compassion and justice. The diversity of form and theology within the Old Testament will be stressed and attention given to the relation of interpretation to faith in this context. Students are introduced to the exegesis of Old Testament texts.

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate the acquisition of fundamental skills and approaches used in biblical studies
  2. demonstrate familiarity with some of the biblical and extra-biblical texts basic to biblical studies
  3. demonstrate some familiarity with the textual, cultural, historical, literary, religious, and theological features of these texts
  4. locate and use appropriate resources for biblical studies in the library and on the internet
  5. research, document, and write an essay on a biblical text using primary and secondary resources
  6. identify different interpretations of texts in biblical studies and to construct an argument based on the analysis of the texts and these interpretations.
Lecturer/s: 
Megan Warner
Timetabling
Semester: 
Semester 1
Day: 
Wednesday
Time: 
2:15 - 5:15
Location: 
Trinity College Theological School
Unit Frequency: 
Annual
Years Offered: 
2010
Years Offered: 
2011
Years Offered: 
2012
Years Offered: 
2013
Years Offered: 
2014
Unit Fields
Courses: 
Advanced Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Bachelor of Theology
Courses: 
Diploma in Theology
Courses: 
Bachelor of Ministry
Field: 
Field B Biblical Studies
Disciplines: 
Biblical Studies
Disciplines: 
Old Testament
Department Name: 
Department of Biblical Studies
Unit Level
Undergraduate Level: 
1
Prohibited Combinations: 

Students who have previously completed BV111 Introduction to Biblical Text may not take this unit.

Mode of Teaching: 
Semester
Teaching Methods: 

Inductive approach through unit handbook and focus questions; group discussions; lectures; film and artwork.

Workload
Number of timetabled hours per week: 
3
Expected personal study hours per week: 
6
Total workload hours per week: 
9
Total workload hours for unit: 
108
Assessment
Assessment TypeWeightingLearning Outcomes Assessed
Assessment Type: 

Essay 1000 words

Weighting: 
30%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
1, 2, 3
Assessment Type: 

Theological assignment 1500 words

Weighting: 
35%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
4, 5, 6
Assessment Type: 

Interpretive essay 1500 words

Weighting: 
35%
Learning Outcomes Assessed: 
4, 5, 6
Recommended reading: 

* = set texts recommended for purchase

* Boadt, L. Reading the Old Testament: an introduction. New York: Paulist, 1984.

Brueggemann, W. An introduction to the Old Testament: the Canon and Christian imagination.  Louisville: WJK, 2003.

Campbell, A. F. The study companion to Old Testament literature: an approach to the writings of pre‑exilic and exilic Israel. Wilmington: Michael Glazier, 1989.

Rogerson, J. (ed.) Beginning Old Testament Study. London : S.P.C.K., 1998.

© United Faculty of Theology, 2008-2012.