Program Overview

THL514 Theological Hermeneutics

This subject explores the history of hermeneutics, ranging from Ancient and Biblical through to Contemporary Philosophical and Theological Hermeneutics. The subject addresses the interpretation of texts, the issue of meaning, and the question of what it is to understand. Hermeneutics occupies the place between epistemology and methodology, and, studied at the advanced level, will equip students with the capacity to locate themselves in relation to their critical reading of texts.

Availability

• Session 1 (30)
  • On Campus: United Theological College
  • Online: Canberra Campus
• Term 1 (75)
  • On Campus: Ming Hua Theological College

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

• Master of Theology and Bachelor of Theology (Honours) students only

Incompatible Subjects

• THL414

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the history of hermeneutics, and its philosophical and theological background, in order to engage with the contemporary explanation and understanding of theological texts
• be able to reflect critically on the interface between hermeneutics, methodology and epistemology
• be able to demonstrate a chosen hermeneutic by applying it to a specific text or piece of research
• be able to reflect critically on their location as knowing subjects
• be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of hermeneutics for the theological community
• be able to demonstrate independent research and writing skills

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Hermeneutics: Overview, Definition, Science and/or Art
• Philosophical and Theological interface in contemporary Hermeneutics
• Patristic Hermeneutics with a focus on Augustine's Semiotics
• Medieval Hermeneutics
• Reformed Hermeneutics
• Modern Hermeneutics: Schleiermacher
• Interface of Hermeneutics, Doctrine and Canon in contemporary theology
• Philosophical Hermeneneutics: Gadamer, Heidegger, Ricoeur, Wittgenstein, and Habermas
• Theological Hermeneutics: Bultmann, Jeanrond, Thiselton, and Vanhoozer