MODULE DESCRIPTION
1. Module Title: QF614
2. Module Code: Reading the Prophets in Context
3. Aims: This module aims to:
 Offer a discussion of the introductory issues pertaining to particular prophetic texts
 Analyze their major theological themes and ideas, through detailed examination of the texts
themselves.
 Assess the way in which the texts have been used by interpreters, appropriately or otherwise.
 Consider how the texts address and inform contemporary Christian discipleship.
4. Summary:
This module engages with texts from the prophetic corpus of the Old Testament, especially those that
address faith and practice operative at the fringes of society. Special consideration will be given to the books
of Amos and Daniel and the way in which they may be said to be “prophetic”. The module seeks to probe, in
particular, how the different types of audience might impact upon, shape and enrich the reception of the
prophetic material, and encourages students to explore the text with different reading audiences.
5. Special Features:
This module is partially delivered off site at the Handsworth House teaching site.
MODULE ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANISATION
6. Module Leader/Coordinator:
David Allen
7. External Examiner: tbc
8. Subject Area responsible for the module: Theology
9. Subject Assessment Board that considers the module results: Theology
10. Programme Assessment Board(s) that considers the programme results: Single Honours
Programme Assessment Board
11. Module Size: Single
12. CATS Points: 10
13. ECTS Credits: 5
14. Number of Weeks: 9
15. Total Student Study Hours: 100
Incorporating:
Total contact hours: 20
(Made up from lectures:
Directed Learning: 20
15
Seminars:
5
Tutorials:
Other: )
Self-directed time: 60
16. Availability/where delivered: The Queen’s Foundation / Handsworth House
17. Programmes for which this module is mandatory: None
18. Programmes for which this module is optional: B.A. in Theology
19. Specific Pre-requisites: None
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
20. Intended Learning Outcomes:
A.
Subject Specific Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1.
B.
Evaluate how context, location and experience impact upon how prophetic texts are heard, with
particular attention to interpretative history and the operative hermeneutical grids (A1, A2, A3,
A4)
Subject Specific Skills and Competences
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Articulate and critique the way in which biblical prophetic material engages with human interaction
and socio-economic practice (B5, B6)
2. Critically identify significant theological themes and ideas within the texts and locate them within a
broader canonical framework (B5, B6)
3. Assess the interpretative possibilities and limitations of such texts for contemporary Christian
thinking and practice, taking account of the diversity of Christian audiences (B1, B5, B6).
C.Generic Transferable Skills
On successful completion of this module, students should have some or all of the following
skills:
Communication:
1. Lead a group bible study and reflect on learning within the group (C1, C6)
Working with Others:
2. Demonstrate awareness of how other reflect theologically (C6, C8)
Improving own Learning:
3. Discern how their own context and background impact upon their theologizing (C9)
21. Professional/Subject Benchmarks and Standards relating to this module:
QAA benchmarks for Theology & Religious Studies
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/Theolo
gy.pdf
5.4 (i,ii,iii,iv); 5.6 (i,ii,iv,v); 5.8 (i,ii,iv,ix)
Church of England Ministry Division (2006) Shaping the Future London: Church House Publishing
22. Indicative Content:
Core to the module is to tease out the way in which two prophetic texts (Amos & Daniel) might be heard
differently when read in varying contexts. Whilst there will be the customary attention to matters of exegesis
and interaction with the text, time will also be given over to investigating the way in which different groups –
past and present – hear and act upon the text. The course will consequently meet in more than one location
to see how that impacts upon reception, and will enable students to consider how the prophets might be
heard in their own particular reading communities.
23. Teaching and Learning Methods:
Lectures, groupwork, group bible studies, student feedback sessions.
23.a) Disability Equality Duty – Are there any elements of the module that could limit access to
potential students?
Reasonable adjustments will be made for those individuals with special requirements, based on their
personal circumstances.
24. Method of Assessment:
Component 1: 33 %
A 1,000-word reflection on the process and content of at least one Bible Study
This will assess intended learning outcomes: A1, B3, C1, C2, C3
Component 2:
%
A 2,000-word essay
This will assess intended learning outcomes: A1, B1, B2, B3, C3
Students must obtain at least 40% in each assessment component to pass the module.
24.a) Alternative method of assessment offered for students with disabilities (if appropriate):
Where appropriate, having sought relevant advice, reasonable adjustments will be made.
25. Method of Reassessment:
The maximum mark for reassessed work is 40%
MODULE RESOURCES
26. Indicative Essential Reading:
Auld, A. G. (2004) Amos, Old Testament Guides. London: T&T Clark.
Davies, Philip R. (1985) Daniel, Old Testament Guides. Sheffield: JSOT Press.
Brueggemann, Walter (1997). Theology of the Old Testament: testimony, dispute, advocacy. Minneapolis:
Fortress Press.
Dunn, James D. G. (2003) “Criteria for a Wise Reading of a Biblical Text” in David F. Ford & Graham Stanton
(eds.) Reading Texts, Seeking Wisdom . London: SCM.
Newbigin, Lesslie (1989). The Gospel in a pluralist society. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.
A list of appropriate URLs will be included in the Module Handbook
27. Indicative Recommended Reading:
Dempsey, Carol J. (2000)The Prophets: a liberation-critical reading, A liberation-critical reading of the Old
Testament. Minneapolis.Minn.: Fortress Press.
O'Brien, Julia M. (2008) Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the Prophets. Louisville:
Westminster John Knox.
Paul, Shalom M. and Frank Moore Cross (1991). Amos: a commentary on the Book of Amos , Hermeneia--a
critical and historical commentary on the Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
Berrigan, Daniel (1998). Daniel, under the siege of the Divine. Farmington, Pa.: Plough.
Brenner, Athalya. (2001). Prophets and Daniel : a feminist companion to the Bible (second series) , The
feminist companion to the Bible 2nd ser., 8. London: Sheffield Academic Press.
Collins, John J. (1999). Daniel with an introduction to apocalyptic literature , The forms of the Old Testament
literature v.20. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans.
A list of appropriate URLs will be included in the Module Handbook
28. Required Equipment: None