Spring 2020/Fuller Online

BI500

Tedford

BI500: INTERPRETIVE PRACTICES (4 Units: 160 hours). James S. Tedford.

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: about 850 pp.

Either CEB, TNIV, or NRSV (a Bible with cross-references to biblical passages in the marginal notes is useful).

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. 2nd ed. Basic, 2011. ISBN: 978-0465022557, Pub. Price $17.99 [approximately 240 pp.].

Green, Joel B., ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 2010. ISBN: 978-0802864208, Pub. Price $30.00 [413 pp. assigned].

Articles on eReserves by Alice Bach, Richard Clifford, Craig Evans, Danna Nolan Fewell, Terrence Fretheim, Harry Gamble, John Goldingay, Richard Hays, Abraham Heschel, Donald Juel, Dale Martin, Mark Allan Powell, James Sanders, David Steinmetz, John Thompson, Emanuel Tov, and Renita Weems [approximately 240 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Barton, John. Reading the Old Testament: Method in Biblical Study. Revised and expanded edition. Westminster John Knox, 1997. ISBN: 978-0664257248, Pub. Price $35.00.

Brown, Jeannine K. Scripture as Communication: Introducing Biblical Hermeneutics. Baker Academic, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801027888, Pub. Price $30.00.

Dietrich, Walter, and Ulrich Luz, eds. The Bible in a World Context: An Experiment in Contextual Hermeneutics. Eerdmans, 2002. ISBN: 978-0802849885, Pub. Price $13.50.

Fowl, Stephen E. Theological Interpretation of Scripture. Wipf & Stock, 2009. ISBN: 978-1556352416, Pub. Price $13.00.

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Revised and expanded edition. Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $24.99.

Green, Joel B. Practicing Theological Interpretation: Engaging Biblical Texts for Faith and Formation. Baker Academic, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801039638, Pub. Price $22.00.

Harrington, Daniel J. Interpreting the New Testament: A Practical Guide. Liturgical, 1990. ISBN: 978-0814651247, Pub. Price $19.95.

McKenzie, Steven L., and Stephen R. Haynes, eds. To Each Its Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Application. Revised and expanded edition. Westminster John Knox, 1999. ISBN: 978-0664257842, Pub. Price $35.00.

Trier, Daniel J. Introducing Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Recovering a Christian Practice. Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801031786, Pub. Price $24.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Completion of assigned reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 3.] [60 hours].
2. Reading/watching the instructor’s lectures, announcements, e-mails, and other resources, and completion of interactive online tutorial(s). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3.] [8 hours].
3. Contributions to ongoing, weekly discussion forums (250-300 words for initial post and at least two substantive responses) on biblical passages, interpretive exercises, and required readings (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 3-5.] [30 hours posting].
4. Five journaling exercises (250-300 words each) on the significance of select biblical texts and interpretive issues for personal faith and ministry (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #4-5.] [7 hours writing].
5. Two interpretive exercises (1,250 words each, or about 2 pages single-spaced) on assigned biblical texts: one from the Old Testament, and one from the New Testament (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4; the second interpretive exercise is the signature assignment for this class.] [30 hours preparation and writing].
6. Group project and presentation in VoiceThread (an online presentation tool provided free through the class) using critical resources on an assigned biblical text and exploring the text’s contemporary significance (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5.] [25 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.