units

ATS4302

Faculty of Arts

12 April 2013 22 May 2013

Undergraduate - Unit

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12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Arts
Organisational UnitAustralian Centre for Jewish Civilisation
OfferedNot offered in 2013
Coordinator(s)Michael Fagenblat

Notes

Previously coded HSY4175

Synopsis

Judaism and Christianity and both text-centred religions and, as such, the practice of interpretation invariable mediates the authority of the text. Interpretation is the way in which the authority of the text is extended and contested. This course examines the interpretive methods as well as the theological and ideological content of practices such as: Midrash, allegory, legal interpretation, mystical symbolism and multi-levelled approached to the text. Focus will be given to the historical contexts in which such practices arose and to their socio-political investment, as well as to the differences and similarities of Jewish and Christian approaches

Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to demonstrate:

  1. a comprehensive knowledge of the strength, status and scope of claims to authority made both by and for the Bible in Jewish and Christian traditions.
  2. knowledge of the historical, theoretical and cultural issues involved in claiming authority for any sacred text.
  3. Understanding of the basic interpretive practices that have been applied by Jewish and Christian communities to the Bible.
  4. skills in evaluating and applying different kinds of exegesis and hermeneutic theory.

Assessment

Written work: 90%
Participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Michael Fagenblat

Contact hours

2.5 Hours

Prohibitions

JWC4010, JWM4010, JWM5010, APG4302, APG5302, RLT4090, RLM4090, RLM5090