The Bible: an introduction

The Bible has been hugely influential, but to many people it is literally a closed book. This introductory course will ask: Where did it come from? Who wrote it?

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Key course information

Date
24/09/11

Day(s)
Sat

Duration
1 week

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £37
Senior fee: £23

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HRS01

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The Bible is the religious text that forms the basis and foundation for the worldwide Christian faith. The aim is of this course not to go deeply into specific parts of the Bible, but to provide an overview of the whole Bible in terms of its origins, content and major themes.

What topics will we cover?

The Bible consists of sixty-six different books written by numerous authors over the period of a thousand years. In order to understand the Bible we shall be considering how different authors tried to represent their insights into the divine. Were they writing a merely “human” text or were they in any way “inspired”? How did the geography, history and politics of their time shape what they wrote? Are there contradictions in the Bible, and if so how do we account for them? The course will conclude with an ambitious summary of the story of the entire Bible.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Identify the key themes of the Bible.
Describe how some of the books of the Bible came to be written.
Read the Bible for yourself with greater understanding.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course requires no previous knowledge, and will be accessible to anyone who has an interest in Christianity. You do not need to be a Christian, or belong to any faith group. You do need to have an open mind and be willing to respect the beliefs of others.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be delivered on a single Saturday comprising input from the tutor, class discussion and handouts.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no set texts for this course. However, it is important that students bring a Bible with them. There are numerous good modern translations, but the following are particularly recommended: the New International Version (NIV), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or the Contemporary English Version (CEV).

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HRS02 Christian ethics.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.