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Semester 2

Parables in Practice (DIVI10070)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Visiting students should have completed at least 3 Divinity/Religious Studies courses at grade B or above. We will only consider University/College level courses.

Course Summary

An exploration of the parables of Jesus as they have been read, interpreted and informed actions from biblical to contemporary times.

Course Description

Academic Description: The course aims to engage in a study of the parables of Jesus which brings the insights of biblical studies and historical criticism into conversation with reception history, contextual studies and practical theology. The parables will be situated in their original context(s) and read from a variety of modern perspectives. Their influence in ecclesiastical and cultural settings will be considered. The course draws on the fields of both Biblical Studies and Theology and Ethics, and brings inter-disciplinary, literary, theological and cultural concerns to bear on these influential biblical texts. Course Summary: The course will begin by situating the parables in their historical and literary setting in the Bible and in the life of Jesus. The influence of readings by the early church will be followed by a critical discussion of major hermeneutical shifts in parable research in the twentieth century, including the readings of Jeremias and Crossan, and feminist and socio-critical readings. The influence of parables in pastoral care and preaching, and in popular culture, will also be traced. Key parables, such as the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, will be considered in particular detail. Student Learning Experience: The course involves one two-hour seminar per week, which will consist of a combination of lecture-style presentations and discussion based on readings prepared in advance. Each student will be required to give a short presentation at one seminar during the semester on the text for the day. Through participation in discussions, as well as through the written work and the examination included in the assessment schedule, students will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 60%, Coursework 30%, Practical Exam 10%

view the timetable and further details for this course