Spring 2020/Fuller Online

BI500

Black

BI500: INTERPRETIVE PRACTICES (4 Units: 160 hours). Stephanie L. Black.

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.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will provide students with further practice in interpreting a variety of texts from the Bible, from a variety of perspectives, which is consistent with the SOT PLO “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries”(MDiv, MAT, MATM).

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 995 total number of pages required

Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 4th ed. Zondervan, 2014. ISBN: 978-0310517825, Pub. Price $22.99 [130 pp. assigned].

González, Justo L. Santa Biblia: The Bible through Hispanic Eyes. Abingdon, 1996. ISBN: 978-0687014521, Pub. Price $19.99 [112 pp. assigned].

Tate, W. Randolph. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. 3rd ed. Hendrickson, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801049859, Pub. Price $36.00, available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [161 pp. assigned].

Articles and book chapters on e-reserve or available as digital holdings in Fuller's Hubbard Library: Carlson-Thies, Carson, Chapell, Duvall & Hays, Green, Hunt, Jenkins, Katho, Keener, Malbon, Osborne, Powell, Richards & O’Brien, Roetzel, Vanhoozer, Yeo [592 pp.].

NRSV (preferred) or CEB, TNIV. Greek and Hebrew editions should be consulted by students who have studied these languages.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Revised and expanded edition. Baker Academic, 2010. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $24.99, available as an e-book from the Fuller Library.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Weekly online introductions and ‘micro-lecture’ presentations and 60-80 total pp. of weekly PDF lecture readings. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 5]. [10 hours].
2. Six threaded online learning activities addressing (1) ‘Why do we need to interpret the Bible?;’ (2) historical-cultural background materials for OT and NT texts; structural analysis of (3) narrative and (4) non-narrative texts; (5) recognizing and describing our own social locations as readers; (6) recognizing and describing our own interpretive practices. Discussion contributions normally include student’s initial 250- to 300-word forum post, followed by a 100- to 150-word reply to the work of other classmates and a 100- to 150-word summary. (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4]. [25 hours].
3. Four ‘focal texts’, threaded online group discussions of selected biblical texts and proposed analyses, focusing on specific aspects of interpretation relative to each (1 Cor 14, Matt 1-2, Ezek 1-3/Rev 4-5, Gen 4). Discussion contributions normally include student’s initial 250- to 300-word forum post, followed by a 100- to 150-word reply to the work of other classmates and a 100- to 150-word summary. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [25 hours].
4. 995 pp. of required reading from textbooks, book chapters on e-reserve and links to e-books held by the Fuller Library. Reading report to be submitted at end of course. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 5]. [65 hours].
5. Five biweekly 200-word journal entries reflecting on the student’s ongoing learning in the course, submitted to the instructor. (5%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3, 5]. [5 hours].
6. A 1500- to 1800-word interpretive assignment of a selected text from the Old or New Testament (student’s choice with approval of instructor), incorporating textual analysis and consideration of scholarly discussion as well as of the effect of reading from location. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4, 5]. [30 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.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.