BIBL 700 - Introduction to Bible Exposition

BIBL 700 Discussion Board Forum(s) (6)

PhD learning is by its very nature collaborative. Rather than lecture based, PhD seminars are typically peer driven and facilitated by faculty. The online discussion boards for this course will take on much of the same character, with faculty involvement high, but student involvement also very high. Expectations are such that students will submit thorough and timely opening threads in the discussion forum (unless stated otherwise, by Thursday at 11:59PM EST), and then reply to at least three other students with ensuing discussion generated by those replies. Please consider the number of replies a minimum, and consider that grades will be earned not by meeting minimal requirements, but by entering into and contributing to fruitful and engaging dialogue. Target word count for opening threads: 800-1200 words. Target word count for first tier replies: 250-500 words.

BIBL 700 Assignment #1 (Hermeneutical Skills and Competencies)

In the book, Invitation to Biblical Interpretation, at the end of chapter one, and then again in chapter sixteen, the following six “vital skills,” or “interpretive and communicative competencies” are listed: (1) Historical-cultural awareness; (2) Canonical consciousness; (3) Sensitivity to genre; (4) Literary and linguistic competence; (5) A firm and growing grasp of biblical theology; and (6) An ability to apply and proclaim passages from every biblical genre to life. In a six part essay, describe the significance and utility of each of these skills and competencies in the context of a Bible exposition ministry. (We are not so concerned with preaching ministry, but the work of Bible interpretation and the outflow of teaching the Bible through multiple contexts and forums.) Describe in your essay what each of these competencies entail, along with their significance and impact on Bible interpretation. Consider using clear examples and illustrations in each segment of your essay. This is not a research paper, so research and citation is not necessary, but otherwise academic style and format is required. Target length for this assignment is 3000 words, 500 per each “skill” listed.

BIBL 700 Assignment #2 (Case Study in Topic to Thesis: Amos)

Imagine that you are in a Bible Exposition class covering the Minor Prophets, and you have been given the task of writing a 25 page research paper on the book of Amos. Our “imaginary” paper requires only that you choose a topic and develop a thesis from the book of Amos… and that it involves a point of interpretive or biblical theological interest from the book.

Working through the five chapters in the Kibbe book, you will develop a “research foundation” for a 25 page research paper involving the book of Amos. For this assignment, you will not write the 25 page research paper, but rather you will compose a five step assignment document that mirrors the five chapters from the Kibbe book (based on the idea of our “imaginary” research paper): (1) choose a topic (find direction), (2) build a bibliography (gather sources), (3) document and elaborate upon a list of issues (understanding issues), (4) document various positions and points of interpretation (entering discussion), and (5) formulate a thesis (establish position). Basically, in this assignment, you will work through the process of writing a paper involving the book of Amos… without actually writing the paper. But you will choose a topic, develop a bibliography, document issues and positions, and formulate a thesis. Target length for this “five-step document” is 1500-2000 words.