University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 7

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: 12.00 noon Mon, Tue, Thu

The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) constitutes the earliest scriptures of Judaism and Christianity. It is one of the foundational documents of Western culture, deeply influencing literature, jurisprudence, philosophy, politics, ethics, religion, drama, visual arts, and music. Knowledge of the Hebrew Bible is basic to any knowledge of Western culture. This module is an introduction to the literature and thought of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. The module will introduce students to a variety of beliefs, religious practices, genres, and texts within this literary artefact. In addition, the module will explore different strategies for interpreting the Hebrew Bible.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures and 1 tutorial (not first week)

Scheduled learning hours: 43

Guided independent study hours: 157

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Professor W A Tooman
Module teaching staff: Dr W Tooman
Module coordinator email wt21@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the structure, contents and major themes of the Torah and Prophets
• Demonstrate an understanding of some of the different ways that biblical texts are interpreted by modern readers
• Draw upon lectures, books, and academic articles on the Hebrew Bible to acquire information for analysis and critique
• Discuss and critique examples of exegesis, and analyse select texts from the Hebrew Bible
• Plan, research, and complete a structured and reasoned essay on a biblical text, presented in word-processed form