An essay taken from a list of topics, critically discussing the appropriate application of a text from Paul's epistles to an ethical or pastoral dilemma, drawing on material studied in the module.
(Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3)

Key Information Set Data:
100% coursework

Ballard, P.H., & Holmes, S.R. (2005), The Bible in Pastoral Practice, London: DLT.
Holgate, D. & Starr, R. (2006), Biblical Hermeneutics, London: SCM.
Horrell, David G. (2006), An Introduction to the Study of Paul (second edition), London, T & T Clark.
Marshall, I. H., Travis, S.H. & Paul, I. (2002), Exploring the New Testament vol. 2: The Letters and Revelation, London: SPCK.
Pattison, S., Cooling, M. & Cooling, T. (2007), Using the Bible in Christian Ministry: A Workbook, London: DLT, units 8-11, 15-16.
Thiselton, A.C. (2009), The Living Paul: An Introduction to the Apostle and his Thought, London: SPCK.

On-site library and internet access to Staffordshire University Library
PCs with standard suite of University software providing access to e-mail, the internet, word processing, etc.
Rooms with access for disabled students, and suitable for group work

150 hours, of which 15 will be active lectures and learning groups, 40 fieldwork hours, and the rest independent study.

Key Information Set Data:
13% scheduled learning and teaching activities
60% guided independent learning
27% placement (fieldwork hours)

This module returns to a New Testament focus, this time on the Pauline letters. Paul's career and letter writing are considered in the light of their background in the first-century Roman empire. The occasion and purpose of several of the letters are discussed, together with key interpretive topics, in order to illuminate the nature of Paul's ministry, the gospel he preached, and his approach to pastoral concerns in the life of his churches. The discussion of approaches to biblical interpretation over the first two levels is built on in this module by a deeper examination of hermeneutical theory, and especially of the contemporary perception of the crucial place of the reader and his/her social location in the event of making 'meaning' from 'texts' of any kind. This leads into a focus on some of the more difficult settings in which those involved in Christian ministry or community work find themselves needing to deploy the Bible in a transformative and sensitive way, aware of the diversity of responses to it. These may include situations where guidance from the Bible is sought in ethical decision-making or pastoral encounter.