DI5433 Biblical Themes

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

10-1pm Tuesday

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr D G Snoek

Dr D G Snoek
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr T.J. Lang and Dr D Snoek

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will explore the development of one or more themes (e.g., temple, creation, kingship) through the biblical texts. Proper attention will be paid to the historical-critical dimensions of these themes, including textual/philological detail and background, but the module will be particularly concerned with the ways in which they develop across the Testaments. Where appropriate, attention will also be given to post-biblical Jewish texts, as well those from the wider Near East and Greco-Roman world. The specific theme(s) to be covered in a particular year will be publicised in the module handbook for that year.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 3 hr seminar (x10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

30

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

270

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • By the end of the module, students will be able to develop the skill of thinking synthetically across the biblical canon.
  • By the end of the end of the module, students will be able to sharpen the careful analytical aptitude that comes from comparing and contrasting thematic and historical data with an eye toward integration.
  • By the end of the end of the module, students will be able to broaden their exegetical abilities by learning to ask questions of historical and theological interpretation.
  • By the end of the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate the ability to plan, research, and complete a structured and reasoned argument, presented in written form.