Instructor(s)

Course Description

The course discusses methods and interpretative principles involved in discerning the meaning of the biblical text. Topics covered include essential steps in interpreting the Bible, the variety of methods and approaches available to the contemporary student of Scripture, historical and theological issues arising out of the interpretative task, the relationship between the Testaments, word studies and literary genre. Students learn to use standard tools of biblical research. 

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the importance and value of responsible and careful exegesis and interpretation of a biblical text.  
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the literary genres of the Bible and the rules for their interpretation. 
3. Be acquainted with the history of interpretation of the Bible, including contemporary approaches and methods of interpretation. 
4. Learn to use the necessary research tools, skills and various methods for interpreting the Bible and applying its message. 

Course Content

Topic

1. History of Biblical Interpretation
2. Textual Criticism and Bible Translations
3. Methods and approaches
4. Tools and Resources for Bible Study
5. Word Studies, The Interpretive Process, Interpretative Questions
6. Appropriation of Biblical Texts
7. Understanding Biblical Genre: Narrative
8. Understanding Biblical Genre: Gospels
9. Understanding Biblical Genre: Epistles
10. Understanding Biblical Genre: Poetry
11. Understanding Biblical Genre: Prophecy and Apocalyptic
12. Applying mother tongue hermeneutics

Mode of Delivery

Through lectures, demonstrated examples, class interaction, group discussion, reading and assignments. 

Reading Materials

1. Adjei-Brown, Clement 2020. Charismatic Hermeneutics: An African Perspective. ‎ Scholars' Press
2. Adjei-Brown, Clement 2020. Reception Theory and African Charismatic Hermeneutics. Scholars’ Press
3. Parris, David Paul 2009. Reception Theory and Biblical Hermeneutics. Pickwick Publications
4. Adamo, D. T. (2006). Biblical Interpretation in African Perspective. UPA.
5. Downing, C. and R. S. Sadler Jr. (2009). The Africana Bible: Reading Scriptures from Africa and the African Diaspora. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.
6. Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart. (2014). How to Read the Bible for all its Worth. 4th ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
7. Klein, W. W. et al. (2017). Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. 3^rd. ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.
8. Obeng, E. A. (2001). Emerging Concerns for Biblical Scholarship in Ghana. In Interpreting the New Testament in Africa, ed. M. N. Getui, T. Maluleke and J. Ukpong. Nairobi: Acton Publishers. Pp. 31-41.
9. Porter, S. E. and B. M. Stovell. (2014). Biblical Hermeneutics: Five Views. Downer Grove, IL.:IVP Academic.

Evaluation of Student Performance

Grading System

Letter Grade Mark% (Credit Points)

A 80-100 (4.0): Excellent

B+ 75-79 (3.5): Very Good

B 70-74 (3.0): Good

C+ 65-69 (2.5): Satisfactory

F Below 65 (0.0): Fail

Assessment

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, including examinations, quizzes, take-home assignments, term papers, participation in classes and seminars, field reports, video-recorded demonstrations, etc.

Distribution of the Marks

• Examination (End of course/semester): 60%
• Course work, continuous assessment and attendance: 40%

Class Attendance

For Campus students and those receiving lectures via Zoom, due to the concentrated nature of the lectures, three unexcused class absence will reduce final grade by a letter grade. A 4^th unexcused absence will result in an additional research assignment required for a passing grade. A 5^th unexcused absence will result in a failing grade.

Writing Guidelines

All research papers and theses are to follow: (i) Kate L. Turabian A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations OR (ii) American Psychological Association (APA) Style.

1. Font & Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 point

2. Double space

3. 1-inch margins (File – Page Setup – Margins)

4. Indent paragraphs 0.5 inch (Format– Paragraph – Indent left)

5. Page numbers – lower center or upper right –beginning with the first page of text, but not on title page; Arabic numbers only (e.g., 1, 2; not Roman numerals); no other header or footer

6. Title page; then title again on page one (for formal papers)

7. In essay-type papers, ALWAYS write logically, persuasively, focused on the assigned topic; include a succinct introduction that informs the reader concerning the subject of your paper, and a succinct conclusion that summarizes your main points and expresses your resulting conclusion.

8. Use footnotes rather than endnotes, except in dissertation/thesis, where section endnotes are also acceptable.

9. All work should be proofread, as errors in spelling, grammar, and syntax will reduce assignment grade.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is against Daniel Institute policy, and any act of plagiarism will result in disciplinary action up to student dismissal from further study at Daniel Institute. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to quoting materials without proper citing or reference, cutting and pasting of online and other materials requires proper citing via quotation marks and footnote.

Final Examination

The final exam will consist of short answer questions as well as semi-essay questions. The reading and the classes are your means of preparation.

For candidates writing their examinations outside the main Daniel Institute campus, a proctor will be required. A proctor is a person who oversees an exam. He or she will typically verify a student’s identity by checking a photo ID and then ensures academic integrity guidelines are followed during the exam. The exam will be mailed to the proctor in PDF format. The proctor will need to print your exam, and preferably have access to a scanner to submit your exam. 3. When you have completed your exam, your proctor may either 1) scan and upload your exam to the DI Learning platform or mail to the relevant address provided. This format requires you handwrite your responses on the exam itself.

Submitting Assignments

Assignments can be submitted electronically through the Drop Box tool in Triport (or any other means endorsed by the lecturer). Paper submissions should be in either .doc, .docx or .pdf format. Submitting your work through drop box (or any other means prescribed by the lecturer) is considered a formal (and final) submission. Assignments may be returned to you electronically, in most cases via email. If your assignment was graded by hand, it will be scanned and delivered to you as a PDF file. Remember to use a full heading, including your name, professor, course, and date.

Biblical references

Always give biblical references in the text of your paper. For example, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1; NRSV) Include the translation only if you are quoting a scripture that is different than NIV. For example, John pointed men to the Messiah (John 1:7).

Essay and Term Paper Cover Format

All essays and term paper must start with the required cover format. A single page number starts on the first page of the paper on the right side of the upper header.