Module: Introduction to the Jewish & Christian Scriptures

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to the Jewish & Christian Scriptures
Module Code	RET1007 (ITS: TP102)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. In this module students develop knowledge of background issues relating to the nature of these Scriptures, both as historical and sacred texts. Students will also develop skills that will enable them to examine the Jewish and Christian Scriptures as discrete collections, investigating literary, historical, and theological dimensions of these texts. Students are expected to attend and contribute to lectures and seminars, and to engage with the primary texts as they progress through the module

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures in their respective historical contexts
2. Outline various literary styles and genres of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures
3. Appreciate distinctive aspects of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, as well as within these collections of texts themselves
4. Demonstrate awareness of main characters, events, and themes in both the Jewish and Christian sacred texts
5. Identify ways in which these texts have been and continue to be used in wider culture and society

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Independent Study	61	No Description
Assignment Completion	40	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11505	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Bradford Anderson	Module Teacher	Miriam Jane De Cock

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Essay	Essay	30%	n/a
Digital Project	A project that includes assessment of transversal skill 'Intercultural engagement'.	50%	n/a
Loop Quiz	n/a	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Structure and content of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures

Social and cultural world of the Jewish Scriptures and Christian New Testament

Primary history (Pentateuch and historical books): Israel’s foundational story

Prophets and Writings: poets and preachers in ancient Israel

Gospels: four portraits of Jesus

Paul: his life and letters

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Stanley, Christopher: 2010, The Hebrew Bible: A Comparative Approach, Fortress, Minneapolis,
Sara Parks: 2019, Gender in the Rhetoric of Jesus: Women in Q, Fortress,
Anderson, Bradford A. and Paula Gooder: 2017, An Introduction to the Study of the Pentateuch, Bloomsbury, London,
Parks, Parks, Shayna Sheinfeld, Meredith Warren: 2022, Jewish and Christian Women in the Ancient Mediterranean, Routledge,
Brown, Raymond: 1997, An Introduction to New Testament, Doubleday, NY,
Brettler, Marc Zvi.: 2007, How to Read the Jewish Bible., Oxford University Press, Oxford,
Boadt, L: 2012, Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction, 2nd ed, Paulist Press, New York,
Carr, David, and Colleen Conway: 201, An Introduction to the Bible: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts, Wiley-Blackwell, Malden,
Collins, John J: 2004, Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, Fortress, Minneapolis,
Chilton, Bruce, and Deirdre Good: 2009, Starting New Testament Study, SPCK, London,
Holladay, Carl R: 2005, A Critical Introduction to the New Testament: Interpreting the Message and Meaning of Jesus Christ., Abingdon, Nahsville,
Kaminsky, Joel S., Joel N. Lohr, and Mark Reasoner: 2014, The Abingdon Introduction to the Bible: Understanding Jewish and Christian Scriptures, Abingdon, Nashville,
Kaminsky, Joel S., and Joel N. Lohr: 2011, The Torah: A Beginner's Guide, Oneworld, Oxford,
Powell, Mark Allan: 2009, Introducing the New Testament: A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None