Biblical Hermeneutics
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 285 pages
- 14 units
This course, Biblical Hermeneutics, is a one-semester 3-credit unit course designed for Christian Theology students. It introduces students to the principles and methodologies of interpreting sacred scriptures. The course covers the history of hermeneutics, various interpretation methods, and the application of biblical messages to the contemporary world. Students will learn to identify different genres, understand historical and cultural contexts, and develop sound exegetical methods for Bible study and sermon preparation.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS218, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS218 · UNIT 1: General Introduction to Hermeneutics
The “presentation schedule” included in your course materials gives you the important dates for the completion of your tutor-marked assignments and attending tutorials. Remember, you are required to submit all your assignments as and when due.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the history and development of biblical hermeneutics
- Apply various methods of interpreting scriptures
- Identify and analyze different literary genres in the Bible
- Interpret biblical passages within their historical and cultural contexts
- Develop a consistent and exegetical method for interpreting scriptures
What it prepares you for
- Theologian
- Pastor
- Religious Educator
- Bible Translator
- Missionary
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Translation Services
- Missionary Work
- Theological Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3 Interpreting the New Testament
Unit 5: Interpreting Revelation
The unit requires understanding of complex symbolism and numerology, as well as the ability to synthesize Old Testament prophecies with New Testament realities, demanding strong analytical skills.
- Module 3 Interpreting the New Testament
Unit 2: Interpreting The Parables
The unit requires a deep understanding of Jewish culture, history, and the ability to discern the original intent behind Jesus' teachings, which can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the context.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 104 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1 General Introduction
Unit 1: General Introduction to Hermeneutics · 8 hours
Read the introduction to hermeneutics.. Define hermeneutics and its importance.. Identify the tools needed for biblical interpretation.. Discuss the qualifications of an interpreter..
- Week 2Module 1 General Introduction
Unit 2: History of Biblical Hermeneutics · 8 hours
Study the history of hermeneutics from ancient Jewish to modern times.. Identify key hermeneutists and their contributions.. Analyze the methods of hermeneutics prevalent in each period..
- Week 3Module 1 General Introduction
Unit 3: Historical-Cultural and Contextual Analysis · 8 hours
Learn the role of historical-cultural and contextual analysis.. Identify steps in determining general historical context.. Discuss the process of locating the immediate context of a passage..
- Week 4Module 1 General Introduction
Unit 4: Lexical Syntactical Analysis · 8 hours
Define lexical and syntactical analysis.. Identify steps in lexical-syntactical analysis.. Discuss methods to determine word meaning.. Identify tools for lexical-syntactical analysis..
- Week 5Module 2 Interpreting the Old Testament
Unit 1: Interpreting Old Testament Laws · 8 hours
Understand the types of Old Testament laws.. Discuss the Christian position on Old Testament laws.. List ways the laws have been traditionally interpreted.. Apply steps to interpret Old Testament laws..
- Week 6Module 2 Interpreting the Old Testament
Unit 2: Interpreting Prophetic Books · 8 hours
Identify the role of prophets.. Explain prophecy from a Jewish perspective.. Discuss the nature and forms of prophecies.. Divide prophetic literature into different epochs.. Apply methodology to interpret Old Testament prophecies..
- Week 7Module 2 Interpreting the Old Testament
Unit 3: Interpreting Historical Narratives · 8 hours
Identify literary qualities of historical narratives.. Explain the nature of historical narratives.. Discuss principles involved in interpreting historical narratives.. Apply steps to interpret historical narratives..
- Week 8Module 2 Interpreting the Old Testament
Unit 4: Interpreting Wisdom Literature · 8 hours
Identify levels of wisdom literature.. List genres of wisdom.. Define categories of wisdom literature.. Discuss literary forms in wisdom literature.. Evaluate traditional understanding of wisdom books..
- Week 9Module 2 Interpreting the Old Testament
Unit 5: Interpreting The Psalms · 8 hours
Define the term 'psalm'.. Discuss stages in the compilation of the Book of Psalms.. Discuss categories of psalms.. Explain steps to interpret psalms.. List and discuss technical terms in the Psalter..
- Week 10Module 3 Interpreting the New Testament
Unit 1: Interpreting The Gospels · 8 hours
Discuss the nature of the Gospels.. Evaluate the role of biblical criticism in interpreting the Gospels.. Discuss the historical analysis of the Gospels.. Identify steps to take in interpreting the Gospels..
- Week 11Module 3 Interpreting the New Testament
Unit 2: Interpreting The Parables · 8 hours
Define parables.. List types of parables.. Write on the history of interpretation of parables.. Discuss steps to take in interpreting parables.. List important scholars who have worked on parables..
- Week 12Module 3 Interpreting the New Testament
Unit 3: Interpreting the Acts of the Apostles · 8 hours
Discuss the historical quality of the Book of Acts.. Identify mindsets interpreters bring to the Book of Acts.. Explain the geographical purpose of the Book of Acts.. Assess the impact of the hermeneutical problem of the Book of Acts..
- Week 13Module 3 Interpreting the New Testament
Unit 4: Interpreting The Epistles · 8 hours
Explain the meaning of epistles.. Divide any epistle according to its epistolary structure.. Discuss the nature of the epistle.. List the steps in interpreting the epistles.. Interpret any passage of the epistles..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key figures and events in hermeneutical history (Units 1-2)
- Practice applying different interpretation methods to sample biblical passages (Units 3-5)
- Focus on understanding the unique characteristics of each literary genre (Modules 2-3)
- Develop a checklist for contextual analysis: historical, cultural, and literary (Units 3-4)
- Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address areas of weakness
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS218 about?
This course, Biblical Hermeneutics, is a one-semester 3-credit unit course designed for Christian Theology students. It introduces students to the principles and methodologies of interpreting sacred scriptures. The course covers the history of hermeneutics, various interpretation methods, and the application of biblical messages to the contemporary world. Students will learn to identify different genres, understand historical and cultural contexts, and develop sound exegetical methods for Bible study and sermon preparation.
How many units does CRS218 have?
CRS218, Biblical Hermeneutics, has 14 units across 3 modules, over 285 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS218?
CRS218 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is CRS218 hard?
CRS218 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS218 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is CRS218 assessed?
CRS218 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS218?
Theologian, Pastor, Religious Educator, Bible Translator and Missionary.