Biblical and Theological Studies - Bible (BTS-B)

Revised requirement

Adopted March 2006; anticipated effective date September 2008

Description:

Biblical and Theological Studies-Bible: A course that introduces first-year students to dialogue between biblical traditions and the cultures and communities related to them. Students study major biblical texts and their interaction with theology, religious practice, ethics and social values, while considering methods and fields in the study of religion in a liberal arts setting.

Guidelines for courses:

  1. The principal focus of these courses must be the content of the Bible, including its central narratives and other principal literary types, and the major theological views it presents.

  2. Courses must introduce scholarly tools and conventions for academic study of the Bible.

  3. Courses must provide opportunities for students to practice skills as readers and interpreters of biblical texts and related materials.

  4. Courses must consider the use of the Bible by communities of readers and its influences upon various cultures.

  5. Courses must include a topical focus that places biblical study in the context of its use by specific communities and highlights its cultural significance.

Intended learning outcomes for students:

Students will demonstrate:

  1. familiarity with the central narratives of the Bible.

  2. familiarity with the diversity of types of writing in the Bible.

  3. introductory knowledge of important methods and findings of the scholarly study of the Bible.

  4. the ability to make informed judgments in reading and interpreting biblical texts.

  5. an understanding of the ways in which biblical texts and the communities that read them influence one another.

Biblical and Theological Studies-Bible requirement complete description - includes committee comments on course guidelines to assist instructors in preparing proposals for GE accreditation

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Current requirement

Description:

Biblical and Theological Studies: This requirement consists of:

A. Religion 121, The Bible in Culture and Community, taken in the first year (BTS-B);

B. A course on Christian theology that engages students in theological reflection and acquaints them with efforts to understand the essential content of Christian belief in a critical, coherent manner (BTS-T).

Intended learning outcomes for students:

The current version of this requirement does not include a statement of intended learning outcomes.

Biblical and Theological Studies requirement complete description - includes committee comments on course guidelines to assist instructors in preparing proposals for GE accreditation