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CONT4404 - Postcolonial readings of the New Testament

Course content

This course explores the significant challenges posed by postcolonial criticism to biblical studies. The course begins with concrete studies into the role of bible- translations in European colonialism, analysing material from Greenland, Australia and South Africa. From these very text-based studies, we move on to discussing the broader and highly complex relationship between the bible, its origin and interpretations within various empires. We will look at the representation of minority cultures and authority structures in the New Testament texts, and discuss the differences stances towards empire in the New Testament. Finally we will sample some of the work done in postcolonial biblical studies and see how it relates to contemporary global politics.

Learning outcomes

Through this course, students will have obtained critical insight in the political contexts of the biblical texts as well as the hermeneutical possibilities of postcolonial biblical criticism. The students will have gained good knowledge about the use of the bible in colonial contexts and have thought through some of the problems with this use of the bible. Finally they will have developed skills towards recognising and negotiating oppressive texts and the theological problems and social challenges they pose for churches and faith communities.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Completed Bachelor degree in theology or religion, admission to the Master program in Intercontextual Theology or equivalent.

Recommended prior knowledge

TEOL2200 - Hellenistisk gresk og Det nye testamente or equivalent.

Teaching

Compulsory activities:

Each student must give two oral curriculum presentations.

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.

Exam information

The student’s portfolio will be the basis for her or his evaluation.

The portfolio consists of two curriculum presentations (each of 1500 words) and of one essay based on the examination requirements (ca. 3000 words).

In the evaluation, the curriculum presentations weight 25% (each) and the essay weights 50%.

The portfolio will be evaluated with a single grade.

Exam resources

No special exam resources are allowed.

Language of examination

English

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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