TFF4232 ¨C Negotiating Sacred Scriptures

Course content

In this course, we will explore the dynamics between the corpora of texts that make up the sacred scriptures of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, their receptions through history and today, and the complex social practices that establish and confirm these texts as sacred. By highlighting the inner diversity of each of these scriptural traditions, we will shed light on the various roles that the scriptures play in the lives of religious communities and the ways in which they impact culture and society. And - by focusing on the points of contact between the three traditions - we will examine the intersections, variations, parallels, contrasts and discrepancies between them.

Sacred scriptures are important for the formation of collective identities. As we will discuss during the course, however, the roles and meanings of the scriptures are constantly renegotiated and reinterpreted by both individuals and communities to form a complex matrix of identities and relationships.

This course will provide tools for understanding the many facets of the reception of sacred scriptures, and for engaging critically and constructively with the practices they generate. We will read a selection of passages from the Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Qur¡¯an and Rabbinic texts. We will study their historical origins in cultures very different from ours, as well as exploring moments in their reception history in which they are re-read and re-conceived in ever-new situations. The course aims to convey knowledge, skills, and attitudes that promote a perception of the study of sacred scriptures as a productive space for interreligious and intercultural exchange.

Learning outcome

The student will acquire:

• Advanced knowledge of sacred scriptures - their reception in various contexts and the various practices associated with them - with focus on the scriptural corpora of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
• The ability to critically reflect on and discuss the complex roles that the sacred scriptures play within their respective traditions and in the interaction between them, as well as in relation to a wider, pluralistic, societal context.
• The skill to identify and engage with common strategies for interpreting and "practicing" sacred texts, being sensible to the power dynamics involved.
• The ability to discuss ethical challenges related to the reception of sacred texts in diverse religious contexts.
• An appreciation for independent and critical reflection on the role of scriptural reception and practices in negotiating important aspects of religious diversity, such as the tension between conflict and coexistence.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Students on the professional Theology Programme and the Teacher Education Programme must be on the master's level (i.e. completed the first three years of the programme).

Teaching

Seminar

Mandatory activities:

Four mandatory assignment submissions throughout the semester. The assignments will differ in length and be both oral and written. Three of them will be related to the term paper:

• Title of the term paper (max. 20 words).
• A synopsis of the term paper (250 words; guidelines will be provided).
• Project presentation in class (2000 words) and peer review of term paper drafts.
• An oral presentation in class, based on a reading from the curriculum (10 minutes).

All four assignments must be approved by the course teacher. The assignments will be designed to guide the students through the process of working with the course literature and to develop a project for the term paper. The topic for the term paper must be approved by the teacher responsible for the course.

Examination

Term paper, 3000-4000 words.

Language of examination

You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• How to use AI as a student
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.