REDI4002 ¨C Practices and Receptions of 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, with their manifold textual and contextual aspects, play in the lives of religious communities and individuals. And ¨C by focusing on the points of contact between the three traditions ¨C we will examine the intersections, variations, parallels, contrasts and discrepancies between them. In accordance with the framework of the Religion and Diversity Master programme, we will consider how the various points of contact between the scriptures can represent both sources for conflict, and prospects for mutual understanding and fruitful coexistence.

Sacred scriptures are points of reference for individuals and communities and the different aspects of the roles they play in the lives of people and in societies may be perceived as either positive or negative. The scriptures are praised for promoting morals and guidance; providing insights for reflection and personal and social improvement; giving comfort in difficult times; helping people find meaning in life; and providing healthy societal structures for communities. At the same time, they are also criticized for promoting dangerous ideals and harmful practices; hindering social progress; giving a false sense of comfort or meaning; and causing social conflicts and wars. Within religious communities, the scriptures and their status as sacred 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 Talmud. Combining both historical and contemporary perspectives, we will study their historical origins in cultures that were very different from ours, as well as exploring moments in their reception through history to see how they are re-read and re-conceived in ever-new situations. We will consider different strategies for reading and ¡°practicing¡± sacred scriptures and the ethical implications of such readings and practices. Motives and narratives shared across religious traditions and interreligious readings will be emphasized. 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 ¨C 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.

Teaching

Teaching consists of a 2-hour weekly lecture/seminar over the course of 12 weeks.

Mandatory activities:

5 mandatory assignment submissions throughout the semester. The assignments will differ in length. In total, the 5 assignments combined will correspond to around 2000 words. One of the assignments will be to hold a short oral presentation in class. All 5 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 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.

The term paper must adhere to the following formal requirements:

• Word count of 3000 - 4000 words, including footnotes, but excluding bibliography

• Times New Roman size 12 font

• 1.5 line spacing

• 2.5 cm margins

• The cover page must include:

• The name of the course ?REDI4002 Practices and Receptions of Sacred Scriptures?

• Semester and year

• The title of the paper

• The chosen reference style must be applied consistently

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper 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
• 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.