BIB 305 Introduction to Biblical Studies

An introduction to the current state of scholarship in Old Testament and New Testament studies. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of theories and methods which characterize the discipline of Biblical Studies and learn how to evaluate and apply these methods with the goal of a faithful interpretation of the Scriptures. The course will focus on: 1) the intellectual environment out of which the theories arose, 2) their philosophical and theological presuppositions, 3) the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, 4) the application of the theories to Biblical texts, and 5) a critique or constructive proposal for continued use. The course is designed as a “W” course that focuses on writing in the field of biblical studies and the accepted methods of argument, style, and citation.  Pre- or Co-requisite(s): BIB 372 . 3 hour(s). W.