Fall 2018/Fuller Online

BI500

Parris

BI500: INTERPRETIVE PRACTICES (4 Units: 162 hours). David Parris.

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. 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: 1000 total number of pages required.

Davies, Ellen F. and Richard B. Hayes, The Art of Reading Scripture. Eerdmans, 2003. ISBN: 978-0802812698, Pub Price $36.00 [180 pp. assigned].

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Hendrickson, 2001. ISBN: 978-0801046407, Pub. Price $24.99 [170 pp. assigned].

Green, Joel B. ed. Hearing the New Testament: Strategies for Interpretation. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 1995. ISBN: 978-0802864208, Pub. Price $30.00 [100 pp. assigned].

Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. revised ed. InterVarsity Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-0830828265, Pub. Price $38.00 [200 pp.].

Parris, David Paul. Reading the Bible with Giants: How 2000 Years of Biblical Interpretation Can Shed New Light on Old Texts. 2nd ed. Cascade Books, 2015. ISBN: 978-1625647283, Pub. Price $28.00 [190 pp.].

Selected photocopied & ATLAS articles [160 pp. assigned].

Either CEB, TNIV, or NRSV.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Bray, Gerald. Biblical Interpretation: Past and Present. Apollos (Inter-Varsity imprint), 1996. ISBN: 978-0830815654, Pub. Price $42.00 [608 pp.].

Klein, William H., Craig L. Blomberg, and Jr. Robert L. Hubbard. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. revised ed. Word, 2004. ISBN: 978-0785252252, Pub. Price $39.99 [592 pp.].

White, J. Benton. Taking the Bible Seriously: Honest Differences About Biblical Interpretation. John Knox Press, 1993. ISBN: 978-0664254520, Pub. Price $25.00 [192 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Video Lectures from professor. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1–5]. [5 hours].
  2. 1000 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1–3]. [80 hours].
  3. Contributions to six discussion forums. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-4] [10 hours].
  4. Four 1-2 page reflections based on biblical passages, methods, and readings to be posted online. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 & 3]. [5 hours].
  5. Completion of three interpretive exercises, 3-4 pages in length (45%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 4, & 5]. [30 hours].
  6. Biblical interpretation paper [2,500-3,000 words]. (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 2, 4, & 5 and will serve as the signature assignment as well]. [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.