Christian Scriptures

Course aim

To examine the First Testament and the Second Testament as literature and as sacred texts, while critically analysing methods of Scriptural interpretation and the Catholic educational implications of the Scripture studied.

Course content

Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of key literary genres, themes and structures of the First and Second Testaments. The Pentateuch’s central place in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures is explored (especially the Books of Genesis and Exodus), including the contrast between literalist and contextualist approaches to Scriptural interpretation and the role of the Historical-metaphorical approach. The study of the Second Testament includes a survey of First-Century CE Judaism and the Jewish context of Jesus, prior to analysis of the historical development of the Gospels. The close links between the First Testament and the Gospels are examined, especially through the study of Matthew’s Gospel. Matthew’s portrait of Jesus is analysed and compared with Mark’s portrait. The course also explores the relevance of these early Christian texts and communities for contemporary Catholic school settings including Religious Education programs.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Nil

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Critical analysis, Project, Reflective report

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 4A)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.