Module manager: Johanna Stiebert
Email: J.Stiebert@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
THEO1144, THEO1133
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module provides an orientation into biblical writings and theological thought, with reference to Jewish and Christian traditions and their contemporary relevance. You will learn about the content, form, genre and development of biblical writings, and about different ways biblical texts are interpreted and applied. You will also study key theological ideas arising out of those texts, examining beliefs about God and God’s relationship to humanity which have developed over time.
For centuries, the Bible has been a highly influential and authoritative collection of texts, and it continues to be so in the twenty-first century. This module provides you with a broad overview of some of the biblical writings - their history, form, genre, subject matter, and relationships to each other. It introduces key concepts for the study of the Bible, and key issues around the Bible's use and authority (within Judaism and Christianity, and more generally, including in wider society and popular culture). It also teaches you how to make critical use of various forms of biblical commentary and to direct this towards a fuller understanding of the impact of biblical texts on contemporary issues and controversies.
Theological ideas have arisen through reflection on the biblical texts and on the events to which these bear witness. The module will examine theology as both a form of biblical interpretation and a means of relating faith intellectually to historical and contemporary societies. It provides insight into ways some people have thought of God and of the structure and depth of these reflections, enabling you to engage critically with theological material.
The module will be taught through lectures and seminars. Lectures will provide orientation on the key themes and contours (as outlined above). Seminars will be conducted in small groups and go into more depth to read and engage with both select texts, and examples of interpretations of these texts. Alongside this, seminars will explore examples of how biblical and theological ideas ‘live on’ in contemporary society and culture (e.g. in visual art, advertising, popular music videos and film, election campaigns).
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Accurately describe and use key terminology for the study of the Bible.
2. Identify and apply critical approaches to the Bible, including analysis of select biblical texts as historical and literary documents.
3. Provide a well-structured account of key theological concepts, with attention to their biblical traditions and historical development.
4. Explain a theological theme and its resonance in contemporary times.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Search independently for relevant information and critically analyse and reflect on it. (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)
6. Interpret and analyse a range of primary and secondary sources (Academic and Work Ready skill)
7. Clearly and concisely communicate ideas and understanding, using appropriate academic language and subject-specific vocabulary. (Academic and Work Ready skill)
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 179 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Students can submit partial drafts for each assessment or discuss plans with the module leader.
Assessment 1 provides formative feedback for Assessment 2
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Textual research | 50 |
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team