Summer 2019/Online

BI500

Riley

BI500: INTERPRETIVE PRACTICES (4 Units: 160 hours). Jason Riley.

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 pages required.

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

Tate, W. Randolph. Biblical Interpretation: An Integrated Approach. 3d. ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN: 9780801049859, Pub. Price $34.00 [342 pp. assigned]. This book is available electronically via Fuller’s library database.

McKenzi, Steven L. and Stephen R. Haynes. To Each Its Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Their Applications. Revised and expanded. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0664257842, Pub. Price $35.00. [300 pp. assigned].

Additional required reading materials post on Canvas, represented by authors such as N. T. Wright, Katharine Doob Sakenfeld, Renita J. Weems, Richard B. Hays, Christopher B. Hays, and others [250 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Instruction hours with class activities such as video lectures, PowerPoint presentations,etc. [10 hours].
  2. Weekly practical application interpretive assignments (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [20 hours].
  3. Participation in weekly online discussions focusing on questions relating to the assigned passage and secondary readings. (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1–4] [20 hours].
  4. 1,000 pages of required reading with note-taking and reflection [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 3, and 5]. [65 hours].
  5. Interpretive Assignment 1. 1500-word paper on a NT or OT passage demonstrating the use of appropriate methodologies learned up to week 5. (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [15 hours].
  6. Interpretive Assignment 2. 3000-word paper on a NT or OT passage demonstrating the use of appropriate methodologies learned up to week 10. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 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.