The History and Subsequent Influence of Biblical Literature

The course will provide an introduction to the main disciplines and methods of biblical research. Students will learn methods for understanding the texts of the Bible based on their historical and cultural context. An essential part of the course is accessing current methods for biblical interpretation through the study of a selection of New Testament texts. A general survey of the Old Testament is also included. The course presents the relationship between biblical view and biblical research as well as the theory of interpretation (hermeneutics). In relation to this the course also considers aspects of the reception history of the Bible, the Bible in art in particular.

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills)

Knowledge:
The candidate has attained
- basic knowledge of the New Testament era, the life of Jesus and the history of ancient Christianity
- basic knowledge of the New Testament, and its textual and canonical history
- knowledge of theological main points of the Gospel of Matthew, Galatians, and 1 Corinthians, as well as the literary and theological distinctive character of the Gospel of John
- knowledge of central issues in the Old Testament
- a survey of the political and religious history of Israel

Skills:
The candidate will develop skills to
- account for, compare and discuss texts from the New Testament
- account for central issues in the Old Testament
- apply exegesis on texts from the New Testament
- use bible dictionaries, commentaries and other academic literature, and make well-founded decisions

The instruction consists of lectures and seminars.
The exam consists of a written assignment (exegesis, 3000-3500 words) and a 6-hour written test. In order to take the exam, the written assignment (exegesis) has to be submitted for tutoring during the teaching semester.