TFF4220 – Concepts of Learning in Ancient Israel and in Current Education
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Despite the difference in time, culture and context, the texts of the Hebrew Bible express ideas that may be central even today. Questions concerning education and learning have been of importance as long as humans have passed on knowledge from one generation to the next. In present-day Norway (and elsewhere) these questions are central to, ongoing debate. Texts from the Hebrew Bible like Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Genesis and Exodus seem to address what we in contemporary terms would refer to as concepts of learning. But how do these concepts relate to our views on education and learning?
In this master course we will read biblical texts (in translation, but referring to the source languages) that express concepts of learning. We will discuss our observations in light of the Old Testament scholarly tradition and contemporary descriptions of religions learning.
Learning outcome
The primary purpose of the course is to gain knowledge of biblical texts reflecting processes of learning. We read texts from the Old Testament bringing with us questions we find in contemporary educational theory (Gert Biesta: Beyond learning: Democratic education for a human future, 2006) and the tradition of Hebrew Bible studies (Karel Van Der Toorn: Scribal Culture and the Making of the Hebrew Bible, 2009).
In this course we learn how to read ancient texts with modern eyes and perspectives. The skills we need are to be able to read ancient texts, trying to understand their historical context and at the same time learning more of our own contexts. In this course it is therefore necessary to be able to reflect upon both out concepts of learning nowadays and what we assume to be educational ideas of the past.
Admission
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
Mandatory requirements:
One oral presentation.The students must hand in the manuscript for the presentation, max 1000 words.
Access to teaching
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, depending on available capacity.
Examination
Term Paper 3000-4000 words.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in 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.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.