Course
Text, Context and Interpretation of life
In this course, students learn to interpret religious texts and life experiences, within different contexts and from different perspectives. What does it mean to understand a historical, theological, or philosophical text, and which tools and methods of interpretation are relevant? How do we analyse mystical and existential experiences? The course introduces the history and hermeneutics of biblical interpretation, as well as the foundational presuppositions of psychology of religion. Philosophical, theological, and psychological perspectives are brought to bear on interpretation, and both traditional and more recent methods of interpretation are explored within the framework of contemporary methodological pluralism. Students engage in theoretical reflection as well as in practical application of various methods through interpretative exercises. The course also discusses gender aspects of religious experience, ethical aspects of interpretation, and personal responsibility for the consequences of interpretation. Special emphasis is placed on source criticism and on the historical, literary, and ideological contexts to which the texts belong.
General
Zimmermann, Jens, 2015. Hermeneutics: : A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press. (142 p)
Biblical Studies
Hayes, John H. & Holladay, Carl R., 2007. Biblical Exegesis: A Beginner’s Handbook. 3rd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox. (236 p)
McKenzie, Steven L., 2005. How to Read the Bible: History, Prophecy, Literature—Why Modern Readers Need to Know the Difference, and What It Means for Faith Today. New York: Oxford University Press. (176 p).
Systematic Theology
Bianchi, Enzo, 2014. God, where are you? London: Paraclete Press. (156 p)
Tanner, Kathryn, 2001. Jesus, Humanity and the Trinity: a Brief Systematic Theology. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press. (134 p)
Kolitz, Zvi, 2000. Yosl Rakover talks to God. New York: Vintage Books (120 p)
Psychology of Religion
Hood, Ralph. W., Hill, Peter. C., & Spilka, Bernard, 2018. The Psychology of Religion. An Empirical Approach. 5th edition. New York: The Guilford Press. (ca 485 selected p. of total 646p). (Will be published August 29, 2018.)
Additional articles will be added on the course site
The schedule is available at the latest one month before the course starts. We do not recommend that you print the schedule as some changes may happen.
Cecilia Melder
Teol. dr, Senior lecturer, Priest, Head of subject
Grades
A = Excellent, B = Very good, C = Good, D = Satisfactory, E = Sufficient, Fx = Insufficient, F = InsufficientExamination Format
- Papers
- Seminars
Grundläggande behörighet.
Baskurser i teologi 30 hp enligt ny studieordning, eller motsvarande.
För fullgjord kurs krävs minst 80% närvaro vid föreläsningar och 100% närvaro vid seminarier/gruppövningar och andra tillfällen för redovisning. Frånvaro därutöver kan kompenseras genom kompletteringsuppgift (-er) om kursansvarig lärare bedömer det möjligt. Vid frånvaro om 50 % eller mer betraktas kursen som avbruten, även om examinationsuppgifter har genomförts.
Established by Subject Representative College at Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm on February 23, 2016.
Last revised on February 22, 2017.