Theological Studies

Unit overview and content

This unit provides the opportunity for students to study the background and literature of the Hebrew Bible, commonly referred to as the Old Testament, at an advanced level with a particular focus on the theme of leadership. The unit utilises the tools of Biblical scholarship to study in detail the concepts of priests and the associated sacrificial system, the rise and fall of the monarchy, and the place of prophets in the Hebrew Bible.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:

• demonstrate an advanced knowledge of key features of the historical, cultural and religious background of the Law and Prophets sections in the Hebrew Bible
• appreciate the books of the Law and the Prophets as literary and theological expressions of Israel’s history and experience
• critically analyse the concepts of priests, sacrifices and worship, kings and prophets, with close reference to relevant texts from the Hebrew
• review and critically evaluate the theme of leadership in the Hebrew Bible, and
• apply a critical exegetical method to selected passages from the Law or Prophets at an advanced level, and apply the interpretation in a modern context.

Assumed Knowledge 

T8106 and B8101

Study hours

10 hours per week for 12 week session, comprised of:

• At least one hour per week for online lectures.
• At least three hours per week of reading.
• At least six hours per week of directed study, including optional and assessable online activities.

Teaching methods

Online lectures; online activities; guided reading; scaffolded assessments; feedback on assessments.

Indicative Assessment

At the Institute we use a range of assessment tasks, including essays, research papers, online posts, critical reflections, projects and praxis exercises. Within a unit of study each set of assessment tasks is designed as an integral part of your learning experience. These tasks vary across units and programs. All assessment tasks are aligned to the Australian Qualifications Framework level appropriate for graduate awards.