Course content

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.

Learning outcome

Students will become more proficient in scholarly work on New Testament texts by using a Bible dictionary, commentaries, and other works of reference.
The student should come away with an understanding of the New Testament in these areas:
- The history of the New Testament text and canon.
- A survey of the New Testament era, the life of Jesus, and early Christianity.
- The contents of the individual texts of the New Testament, their distinctive character, and their literary history.
- Theological main points of the Gospel of Matthew, Galatians, and 1 Corinthians, based on the study of a selection of texts. Information on the texts can be found in the curriculum list.
- The literary and theological distinctive character of the Gospel of John.
The course also covers these aspects of the Old Testament:
- A survey of the political and religious history of Israel.
- The main features of the literary history of the Old Testament with an emphasis on textual and canonical history.
- Central issues of the Old Testament on the basis of a selection of texts. Information on the texts can be found in the curriculum list.
The student should come away with an understanding of these aspects of biblical research and the reception history of the Bible:
- Central approaches in Biblical research and various Biblical views.
- Several aspects in the reception history of the Bible.
For more information about the assessment, we refer students to the section's description of the grading scale. The description of the grading scale is found on the department's web pages and in hard copy.

Learning methods and activities

The instruction consists of lectures and seminars.
The exam consists of a written assignment and a 6-hour written test. The written assignment will concern exegesis of a biblical text. In semesters during course instruction, seminars are also offered providing students with assistance and tutoring to guide them in their work on the exegesis. The exegesis is difficult to carry out without tutoring, and this course is not suitable for self-tuition. Information on time frames is provided at the start of the semester

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions