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Title: RES 801: Advanced Research Methods in Biblical Studies
Subtitle: Techniques and Approaches for Scholarly Biblical Research
Course Name & Level: Advanced Research Methods in Biblical Studies, Doctorate Degree
Number of Credit Hours: 3 credit hours
Keywords: Research Methods, Biblical Studies, Scholarly Research
1. Introduction:
This course provides an in-depth study of advanced research methods used in biblical studies. Students will learn various techniques and approaches to conduct scholarly research in the field.
2. Course Description:
An advanced course focusing on research methodologies in biblical studies. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in critical analysis, data collection, and academic writing specific to biblical scholarship.
3. Course Purpose:
To equip students with advanced research skills and methodologies for conducting scholarly research in biblical studies.
4. Course Objectives:
To explore and apply advanced research methods and techniques, enhancing students’ ability to conduct rigorous and scholarly research in biblical studies.
5. Key Terms Defined & Key Concepts Explained:
- Research Methods: Systematic approaches to gathering and analyzing information.
- Exegesis: Critical explanation or interpretation of biblical texts.
- Hermeneutics: The study of the principles and methods of interpreting the Bible.
- Textual Criticism: The scholarly study of ancient manuscripts to determine the original text.
- Qualitative Research: Research that seeks to understand phenomena through the analysis of narrative data.
6. Specific Topics with Descriptions:
- Introduction to Research Methods: Overview of the course and its objectives.
- Historical-Critical Method: Examination of historical context and its impact on biblical texts.
- Literary Analysis: Techniques for analyzing the literary structure and features of biblical texts.
- Textual Criticism: Study of ancient manuscripts to reconstruct the original text of the Bible.
- Exegesis and Hermeneutics: Methods for interpreting and explaining biblical texts.
- Sociological and Anthropological Approaches: Applying social sciences to understand biblical texts.
- Theological Research Methods: Techniques for studying and interpreting theological concepts in the Bible.
- Ethnographic Research: Study of cultural contexts and their influence on biblical texts.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: Application of these methods to biblical research.
- Developing Research Questions: Techniques for formulating effective research questions.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Methods for gathering and analyzing research data.
- Writing and Presenting Research: Skills for academic writing and presenting research findings.
7. Assessments with Descriptions:
- Quizzes: Regular quizzes to test knowledge of research methods and concepts.
- Reflection Papers: Written reflections on personal insights and learnings from specific topics.
- Research Proposal: Development of a research proposal on a chosen topic in biblical studies.
- Literature Review: Comprehensive review of existing literature related to the research topic.
- Research Paper: An in-depth research paper using advanced research methods.
- Midterm Exam: An exam covering the first half of the course material.
- Final Exam: Comprehensive exam covering the entire course.
- Participation: Active participation in class discussions and group activities.
- Presentation: A presentation on a significant aspect of research methods in biblical studies.
8. Research References:
- Introduction to Biblical Research by Joseph A. Fitzmyer. eBook format. MLA Citation: Fitzmyer, Joseph A. Introduction to Biblical Research. Eerdmans, 1998.
- The Modern Researcher by Jacques Barzun and Henry F. Graff. eBook format. MLA Citation: Barzun, Jacques, and Henry F. Graff. The Modern Researcher. Wadsworth, 2004.
- Research Methods for Biblical Studies by Michael S. Heiser. eBook format. MLA Citation: Heiser, Michael S. Research Methods for Biblical Studies. Lexham Press, 2016.
- The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. eBook format. MLA Citation: Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. University of Chicago Press, 2008.
- Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible by Emanuel Tov. eBook format. MLA Citation: Tov, Emanuel. Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. Fortress Press, 2012.
This comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain a deep understanding of advanced research methods in biblical studies, focusing on King Jesus, His Kingdom, and His Great Commission.
