B7204C Trauma Hermeneutics

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Reflect on contemporary academic research that explores biblical studies in relation to trauma/post-traumatic growth studies.
2. Review trauma theory, taking into account the perspective of selected disciplines, as it applies to biblical studies.
3. Analyse the intersection of biblical studies and trauma studies, using a variety of approaches to the biblical text and issues of trauma.
4. Utilise exegetical skills in the study of biblical texts relating to themes of trauma and growth.
5. Critically evaluate the relevance of biblical texts to contemporary situations of trauma.

1. Introduction and boundaries
2. Composition and background of the Bible
3. Literary trauma theories
4. Sociological approaches
5. Historical and contemporary contexts: war, exile, violence
6. Psychological approaches
7. Poetry, prose, and therapeutic approaches
8. Holocaust theology
9. Postcolonial criticism and intergenerational trauma
10. Trauma and grace

1. Reading Review (20%)
   Word Limit: 1000
   Due: Week 3
2. Case Study: Oral Presentation (20%)
   Word Limit: 1000 (10 minutes)
   Due: Week 6
3. Case Study: Written (20%)
   Word Limit: 1000
   Due: Week 7
4. Analytical Essay (40%)
   Word Limit: 2000
   Due: Week 12

• Boase, Elizabeth, and Christopher G. Frechette, eds. Bible Through the Lens of Trauma. Atlanta: SBL Press, 2016.