UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Confirmation that this version of the module specification has been approved by the School
Learning and Teaching Committee:
………… A. Stähler, 04 JUN 2015……….(date)
MODULE SPECIFICATION
1.
Title of the module
TH345 – From Eden to the End of the World: An Introduction to the Bible
2.
School or partner institution which will be responsible for management of the
module
School of European Culture and Languages (Religious Studies)
3.
Start date of the module
September 2013 (Revised for September 2014)
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
25
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
6.
The level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
C Level
7.
The number of credits and the ECTS value which the module represents
15 (7.5 ECTS)
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn or Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
10. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BA Religious Studies; Humanities students may take this module as a ‘wild’ option
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
11.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the main themes and texts of the Old and New
Testaments;
11.2 Demonstrate and understanding of the basic chronologies behind these texts;
11.3 Demonstrate a basic understanding of key critical issues and concepts;
11.4 Demonstrate close-reading skills.
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12. The intended generic learning outcomes
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
12.1 Demonstrate good essay-writing and argument-construction skills (structured and
coherent);
12.2 Carry out research in relation to simple focussed tasks;
12.3 Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and principles;
12.4 Assess and present information related to specific discussion tasks.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum
The Bible is not a single book, but ta biblia, the library. At the most modest estimate, the
literatures of the Bible span a period of over eight hundred years. If we think of the
metaphor of a library, the books in the Bible would not just be shelved in the
Religion/Theology section, but also, say, Philosophy, Politics and Cultural History/Myth.
The influence of these books on ‘Western’ culture has been immense. This is a course
for those seeking basic biblical ‘literacy’, which is profoundly useful for studies in other
disciplines (e.g. History, or Literature), as well as for students in Religious Studies. It is a
course for those who think they already know the Bible (this course will help you read
the Bible in different ways, with new questions) and those who have never read a Bible
at all. The course gives a basic overview of the story and contexts of the books of the
Bible (Old Testament/Hebrew Bible and New Testament) from Genesis to the
Apocalypse of John, or from Eden to the End of the World.
This course provides a basic introduction to different sections of the biblical ‘library’,
combining a general overview with in-depth study of selected passages and books.
NB: As with all Biblical Studies courses at the University of Kent, ‘Bible’ is defined in the
broadest sense: the Christian and Jewish canons (73 or 66 books, though we won’t be
studying all of them!) apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, and also all the ancient and modern
intertexts, poems, films and novels, that inform and draw on biblical traditions.
14. Indicative Reading List
The focus of the course will be on the primary texts from the Bible.
The Bible with Apocrypha (NRSV)
David M. Carr and Colleen M. Conway, (2010), An Introduction to the Bible: Sacred Texts
and Imperial Contexts (Wiley-Blackwell)
Howard Kee, Eric Meyers, John Rogerson, Anthony J. Saldarini (eds.), (1997) The
Cambridge Companion to the Bible (Cambridge University Press)
John Barton, (2010) What is the Bible? (SPCK)
John Riches, (2000) The Bible: A Very Short Introduction (OUP)
Old Testament Guide and New Testament Guide series for each biblical book (T and T
Clark, various dates) — to be available for reference.
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended module learning outcomes
2 hours per week for 10 weeks: format lecture plus seminar
Total Contact Hours: 20
Total Hours: 150
Lectures will introduce students to the main themes and texts of the Old and New
Testaments; introduce the basic chronologies and contexts behind these texts; and begin to
introduce students to key critical issues and concepts. They will give students the
framework to identify the main themes and texts of the Old and New Testaments and fit
these themes and texts into basic chronologies and contexts (LO11.1-3)
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Seminars will be based around designated reading and simple research tasks.
Concentrated seminar work will help students to carry out their own research in relation to
simple focussed tasks and assess and present information related to specific discussion
tasks. (LO11.4, LO12.1-4)
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
module learning outcomes
100% Coursework
Commentary (1,000 words) 40%
Essay (2,000 words) 60%
Essay: will enable students to demonstrate good essay-writing and argument-construction
skills (structured and coherent); to demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and principles;
to assess and present information related to specific discussion tasks; to carry out research
in relation to simple focussed tasks; and to demonstrate knowledge of core concepts and
principles (LO11.1-4, LO12.1-4
The commentary exercise will focus particularly on the development of close reading skills,
but will also facilitate the development of good essay-writing and argument-construction
skills, and the ability to carry out research in relation to simple focussed tasks. (LO.11.4,
LO12.1-2)
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
The Biblical Studies stock needs developing and expanding in line with new courses. We
have already discussed this with library staff.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special
educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable
adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials,
teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where
needed.
19. Campus(es) or Centre(s) where module will be delivered:
Canterbury
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Module Specification Template (v.October 2014)