Modules and dissertations
The Bible and the Historical Imagination
The Bible and Postcolonial Studies
Religion and Violence: Judaism, Christianity and Islam in Ancient and Modern Perspectives
Dissertation and Diploma Project
The Bible and the Historical Imagination
Tutor: Dr James Crossley
Available: September 2013 and September 2015
Module overview
How does the Bible relate to history? Are the Gospels and/or Acts history books? Do they provide evidence of a real past? Are these objective accounts about the past or texts designed to persuade? How do the artistic qualities of these narratives affect the ways in which they are read? Are we reading `fact´ or `fiction´? Do the biblical texts omit alternate histories?
This module explores the nature and style of ancient and contemporary history-writing and the ways in which they are related to their social and political settings. The construction of history, the political and social agendas of history-writing, and the influence of ‘identity-history’ will be addressed through critical analysis.
Topics include:
• the quest for the Historical Jesus
• Christian Origins, identity and gender
• reception history.
The Bible and Postcolonial Studies
Tutor: Professor Hugh Pyper
Available: September 2014
Module overview
The Bible is a book which tells of empires and exiles. It has been used by Western colonial powers as a justification of their actions, but is now being read by people from a variety of postcolonial situations.
In this module, the importance of the Bible in contemporary political and religious developments and the contribution biblical readers have made and can make to these is examined.
The development of postcolonial theory and its use and relevance in biblical interpretation will be introduced and selected contemporary novels and poems will be used to illustrate the way in which postcolonial literatures have drawn on and subverted biblical models.
Topics include:
• the slave trade
• biblical Israel as colonizer and colonised
• biblical interpretation in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The Bible and the Arts
Tutor: Dr Mark Finney
Available: February 2012 and February 2014
Module overview
This module has a dual focus on the way the Bible has influenced Western culture and the way cultural appropriations of biblical materials can influence biblical interpretation.
The impact of the Bible on culture will be studied by analysing retellings of familiar biblical stories in selected examples from literature, art, music and film. Topics will include an analysis of biblical themes in painting, literature, film and musicals.
Attention will also be given to the impact of popular culture on the Bible and the way popular culture appropriates the Bible for its own purposes. You'll be encouraged to investigate imaginatively cultural appropriations of the Bible and to present your findings in original, creative ways.
Topics include:
• analysis of biblical themes in painting, literature, film and musicals.
Religion and Violence: the Monotheistic Faiths in Ancient and Modern Perspectives
Tutor: Dr Mark Finney
Available: February 2013 and February 2015
Module overview
It is often said that that religious texts provoke and sanction violence, and even that religion itself is inherently violent.
Even a cursory glance at world affairs would show that religion is at the heart of today’s ongoing struggle between nations and ideology. Religion may be a motivator and catalyst in rallying popular support for waging war, and in fact may play a significant role in nurturing communal strife among various faith groups.
This module acquaints you with the analytical study of religion, identity, conflict and violence on the world stage. It helps you comprehend the global resurgence of religion in intra-state and international affairs, and will focus on specific areas in the world where religion is the primary issue. We will address the role religion plays in these conflicts, and offer possible resolutions.
Topics include:
• analysis of the Holocaust
• the Palestinian-Israeli conflict
• Orientalism
• religious terrorism.
Assessment
All modules are assessed by written assignments (6,000 words).
Dissertation and Diploma Project
Dissertation
The dissertation is an extended piece of independent academic research (16,000 words) undertaken in consultation with your supervisor.
You'll also complete written assignments including a self-reflective paper, and short papers related to suitable research methods for a dissertation.
This module allows you to develop:
• a research topic in depth
• independent study skills
• the ability to construct and sustain logical arguments, and to present reasoned and informed arguments.
Diploma Project
The Diploma Project is a shortened version of the dissertation. Assessment is by written assignment (6,000 words).
Your research area for the Dissertation or Diploma Project may stem from the taught modules themselves (provided that a topic is not repeated). The module tutors will be happy to provide advice.