Spring 2016/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.

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, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. 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: 1001 total number of pages required

Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth. 4^th ed. Zondervan, 2014. ISBN: 978-0310517825, Pub. Price $19.99 [130 pp. assigned].

González, Justo L. Santa Biblia: The Bible through Hispanic Eyes. Abingdon, 1996. ISBN: 978-0687014521, Pub. Price $18.99 [112 pp. assigned].

Tate, W. Randolph. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. 3^rd ed. Hendrickson, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801049859, Pub. Price $30.00 [161 pp. assigned].

Articles and book chapters on e-reserves by Black, Alexander, Bauckham, Black, Carson, Chapell, Duvall & Hays, Green, Jenkins, Malbon, McEntire, Osborne, Powell, Roetzel, Vanhoozer, West [598 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 $21.99.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Weekly online ‘micro-lecture’ introductions (Prezi or PPT) 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 social locations as readers, (6) recognizing and describing our own reading strategies. Discussion contributions include student’s activity response posted to group forum, followed by two 150-word replies to the work of other classmates. (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4]. [20 hours].
3. Four 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, Rev 4, Gen 4). Discussion contributions include student’s initial 400-word forum post, followed by two 150-word replies to the work of other classmates. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [20 hours].
4. 1001 pp. of required reading from textbooks and book chapters on e-reserve. Reading report to be submitted at end of course. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 5]. [70 hours].
5. Ten weekly 200-word journal entries reflecting on the student’s ongoing learning in the course, submitted to the instructor. (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #3, 5]. [10 hours].
6. A 1200- to 1500-word close-reading analysis of a selected text from the Old or New Testament (student’s choice with approval of instructor), incorporating consideration of scholarly discussion as well as of the effect of reading from location. (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 4, 5]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

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.