DI5915 Bible and Contemporary Issues

Academic year

2026 to 2027 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

Online Learning

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

Module coordinator

Dr C M Froehlich

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

Module Staff

Dr Caleb Froehlich Dr TJ Lang Dr Madhavi Nevader Dr Madison Pierce Dr Doren 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 explores how biblical texts and theological traditions inform contemporary debates on issues such as environmental stewardship, wealth and poverty, nationalism, trauma, gender and sexuality, animal welfare, and political life. Students begin by engaging a range of interpretive approaches and interdisciplinary perspectives for relating biblical texts to contemporary issues. They then select a thematic track for focused research, allowing them to explore a contemporary issue in greater depth while developing skills in critical reflection, theological analysis, and interdisciplinary engagement. This flexible, student-led structure provides an excellent foundation for further postgraduate study and dissertation research.

Relationship to other modules

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU PASS DI5901

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

One live seminar on Microsoft Teams per unit (X2 weeks). Each seminar session will be offered twice on the same day, once in the morning and once in the evening to account for different time zones.

Scheduled learning hours

4

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

Guided independent study hours

286

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

Intended learning outcomes

  • critically evaluate interpretive strategies and theological frameworks used to relate biblical texts to contemporary issues
  • demonstrate interdisciplinary understanding of how the Bible functions in public discourse and cultural contexts
  • select and apply appropriate interpretive tools to a contemporary issue of interest, using biblical and secondary materials
  • engage analytically with biblical texts, theological themes, and contextual perspectives
  • construct clear and well-reasoned arguments that address interpretive challenges and ethical implications