DI1003 The Art of Biblical Literature: Introducing the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

20

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 7

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

12.00 noon Mon, Tue, Thu

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

Module coordinator

Prof W A Tooman

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

Module Staff

Dr W Tooman

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

Module description

The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) constitutes the earliest scriptures of Judaism and Christianity. It is one of the foundational documents of Western culture, deeply influencing literature, jurisprudence, philosophy, politics, ethics, religion, drama, visual arts, and music. Knowledge of the Hebrew Bible is basic to any knowledge of Western culture. This module is an introduction to the literature and thought of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. The module will introduce students to a variety of beliefs, religious practices, genres, and texts within this literary artefact. In addition, the module will explore different strategies for interpreting the Hebrew Bible.

Assessment pattern

2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

3 lectures and 1 tutorial (not first week)

Scheduled learning hours

43

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

Guided independent study hours

157

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, contents and major themes of the Torah and Prophets
  • Demonstrate an understanding of some of the different ways that biblical texts are interpreted by modern readers
  • Draw upon lectures, books, and academic articles on the Hebrew Bible to acquire information for analysis and critique
  • Discuss and critique examples of exegesis, and analyse select texts from the Hebrew Bible
  • Plan, research, and complete a structured and reasoned essay on a biblical text, presented in word-processed form