Spring 2017/Pasadena

BI500

Bunn

BI500: INTERPRETIVE PRACTICES (4 Units: 160 hours). Daniel D. Bunn Jr.

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces interpretive approaches and practices for students of the Bible. Students will consider the aims and assumptions of biblical interpretation, become familiar with major resources for study of the Bible, interpret a variety of biblical texts in both testaments, and reflect upon the manner in which the varied contexts (e.g., social, cultural, theological) of the biblical world and contemporary readers inform interpretation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) the capacity to engage in close study of a variety of passages in the Bible prior to engaging in conversation with various scholarly resources; (2) judicious use of critical tools and resources for the study of biblical texts; (3) critical reflection on the theory of interpretation; (4) practice with interpreting a variety of biblical texts from both testaments, with consideration of the varied contexts of both the biblical materials and contemporary readers; and (5) skill in developing interpretations that engage contemporary concerns, and that encourage and challenge the church to remain faithful to its mission.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 951 total pages required.

Either CEB, TNIV, or NRSV [100 pp.].

Green, Joel B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802864208, Pub. Price $30.00 [432 pp.].

Green, Joel B. Seized by Truth. Abingdon Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0687023554, Pub. Price $25.99 [185 pp.].

Tate, W. Randolph. Biblical Interpretation. 3rd ed. Baker Academic, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801049859, Pub. Price $30.00 [234 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Collins, John J. The Bible after Babel. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 978-0802828927, Pub. Price $24.50.

Day, L., and C. Pressler (ed.). Engaging the Bible in a Gendered World. Westminster John Knox, 2006. ISBN: 978-0664229108, Pub. Price $30.00.

Goldingay, J. Models for Scripture. Clements, 2004. ISBN: 978-1894667418, Pub. Price $45.00.

_________. Models for Interpretation of Scripture. Clements, 2004. ISBN: 978-1894667401, Pub. Price $35.00.

Gunn, D. and D. Nolan Fewell. Narrative in the Hebrew Bible. Oxford University Press, 1993. ISBN: 978-0192132451, Pub. Price $55.00.

Hayes, John (ed.) Dictionary of Biblical Interpretation, 2 vols. Abingdon. 1998. ISBN: 978-0687055319, Pub. Price $79.99.

Perdue, Leo G. Reconstructing Old Testament Theology. Fortress, 2005. ISBN: 978-0800637163, Pub. Price $26.00.

Thiselton, A. C. Hermeneutics. Eerdmans, 2009. ISBN: 978-0802864109, Pub. Price $34.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Required reading, comprising biblical texts and secondary literature (5%) [60 hours].

2. Completion of three 1,300 word Interpretive Working Papers; at least one from each testament (60% of final grade; 20% each; the third IWP will be designated as an “interpretive assignment”). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5] [45 hours].

3. Four one-page interactions with required reading (20% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3, 5] [15 hours].

4. One book review, on Green, Seized by Truth (15% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3, 5] [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: OT500 or NT500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets a core requirement in the 120 MDiv and the 80 MAT, 80 MATM, 80 MAICS Programs (Fall 2015). Meets the HERM requirement in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.