biblical studies contact details distance learning./file/dl-leaflet.pdf · topics will include an...

Department OfBiblicalStudies.

Biblical Studies Distance Learning.MA/Postgraduate Diploma/ Postgraduate Certificate

How to applyApply online www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/apply

If you have any questions about how the course is studied, you should contact Dr Mark Finney before completing your application.

FeesPart-time fees for 2011-12:• Home £2,100

• Overseas £5,745

Home or overseas fees status www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/fees/status.html

Funding your studies www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/finance/pg

International scholarships www.shef.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/pg.html

Other courses availableThe Department also offers the following taught MA courses:

• Archaeology, Bible and Ancient Cultures

• Bible, Culture and Society

• Biblical Studies

• Postcolonial Biblical Studies

• Religion, Conflict and the Media

In partnership with the College of the Resurrection, the Department also offers the following theological MA courses:

• Ministry and Theology

• Ministry and Biblical Studies

• Liturgy

Full details are available on our website.

All of the above courses require you to attend classes and are not available via distance learning.

Contact detailsDr Mark FinneyEmail: [email protected]: +44 (0)1142 220512

Department of Biblical StudiesUniversity of Sheffield45 Victoria StreetSheffieldS3 7QB

www.sheffield.ac.uk/bibs

The Bible and the ArtsThis 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.

Religion and Violence: the Monotheistic Faiths in Ancient and Modern PerspectivesThis 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. Topics will include analysis of the Holocaust, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Orientalism, and religious terrorism.

Assessment: each module is assessed by written assignments (6,000 words).

Dissertation and Diploma ProjectDissertationThe dissertation is an extended piece of independent academic research (16,000 words) undertaken in consultation with your supervisor.

Diploma ProjectThe Diploma Project is a shortened version of the dissertation. Assessment will be by written assignment (6,000 words).

How do the courses work?These courses are studied part-time via distance learning. Distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that is convenient for you. You do not need to live in Sheffield or attend classes.

You will be part of an online community of students, engaging with both the biblical and contemporary worlds, and exploring where the two differ, intersect, and how the modern world is shaped by ancient texts.

Via the online learning environment, you will have access to module information, course notes, set readings, and assessment information. Teaching and assessment will take place via the internet. You should have good internet access and basic IT skills.

Module resources will be largely available online, although you will be expected to buy, or have library access to, three or four books for each module. For the Dissertation or Diploma Project, access to a University or Seminary library is essential. If library resources are limited, you will be expected to purchase the necessary books to complete your research.

You can start your studies in September or February.

Entry requirementsMA: Good honours degree (2.1 or above, or overseas equivalent) in theology and/or religious studies, or a related subject such as philosophy or history. Other qualifications will be considered at the discretion of the Department.

Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, or individual module: You do not need a first degree (or equivalent) in theology. However, you should have sufficient knowledge to undertake theological study at postgraduate level.

International studentsIf your first language is not English you are also required to take a language test, eg, IELTS (minimum score 6.5) or TOEFL (minimum score 600 paper test or 250 computerised version).

Department of Biblical StudiesThe Department is an internationally famous centre of concentrated, innovative, multi-disciplinary study of the Bible. Our activities are research-led, with all members of staff recognised as producing international quality research.

Staff profiles www.shef.ac.uk/bibs/staff

Why study Biblical Studies?The course is ideal if you are seeking to widen and deepen your knowledge of the Bible, or if your future plans include research, teaching, ministry, or building on a life-long biblical interest.

Careers and further studyThe course will enhance your skills in planning, researching and executing projects and in communicating your findings. These advanced skills are attractive to employers in a wide variety of fields such as teaching, human resources, publishing, project management and marketing, and are also ideal for vocational roles in religious and charitable organisations. The course also lets you demonstrate that you have the skills required for doctoral study.

Study options

Course Duration Course content

MA Two years Three modules (30 credits each) Dissertation (90 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma Two years Three modules (30 credits each) Diploma project (30 credits)

Postgraduate Certificate One year Two modules (30 credits each)

Individual module One semester One module (30 credits)

Please note that all students will be enrolled to the MA course. If you decide not to complete the full MA you may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate if you have successfully completed the required work.

ModulesThe Bible and the Historical ImaginationThis 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 will include the quest for the Historical Jesus, Christian Origins, identity and gender, and reception history.

The Bible and Postcolonial StudiesIn 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. Topics will include the slave trade, biblical Israel as colonizer and colonised and biblical interpretation in Africa, Asia and Latin America.