The School of Indigenous Studies will next offer the unit IS2001M/ IS3001M/ IS9001M Indigenous Approaches to Christian Scripture in first semester of 2023.
What will be covered?
The unit will introduce students to Indigenous ways of reading Christian Scripture. Sustained attention will be given to Indigenous methods of reading and also to a consideration of specific texts which have had a significant impact on Indigenous people (either for good or for ill). Topics for study will include the place of Scripture within Indigenous spirituality, theology and ritual; the historic impact of colonial interpretations of Scripture on Indigenous people; and Indigenous reading strategies (hermeneutics); interpretations of Scripture in Indigenous art.
Where and when?
The unit will be offered via Zoom on Thursday mornings between 11.00am and 2.00pm (AEST) during the 1st semester of 2023. Semester 1 starts on 27 February and ends on 2 June.
How does the unit fit into my study plans?
The unit is offered as a second or third level undergraduate Indigenous Studies unit (IS2001M or IS3001M) and at postgraduate elective (IS9001M) level. The unit may be taken as stand-alone subject, or as part of a University award such as the Bachelor of Theology or Master of Divinity. You can also take it as an audit student (but you will still be required to do the reading and make an oral presentation). You are encouraged to enrol in the unit via your existing University of Divinity College or, if you don’t yet have a College, you can be in touch with the School of Indigenous Studies directly for course advice.
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Discipline | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS2001M | Indigenous Approaches to Christian Scriptures | Undergraduate Level 2 | — | 18.0 |
| IS3001M | Indigenous Approaches to Christian Scriptures | Undergraduate Level 3 | — | 18.0 |
| IS9001M | Indigenous Approaches to Christian Scriptures | Postgraduate Elective | — | 24.0 |
How will it be assessed?
There are three pieces of written assessment: a research essay or mixed-media piece, a tutorial paper based on an oral presentation, and an exegesis of one of the set biblical texts. The word lengths required will differ depending on the level at which you take the subject.
Who will my teachers be? How shall we learn?
The unit coordinator is the Reverend Dr Garry Deverell, a trawloolway man from lutruwita (Tasmania) and a Lecturer and Research Fellow within our School of Indigenous Studies. Garry will be joined by the Reverend Dr Katalina Tahaafe-Williams, a Tongan-Australian theologian who has worked with the World Council of Churches and is currently the Minister of Uniting Church in the City, Perth. Katalina is an Adjunct Lecturer in our School. We hope to welcome other Indigenous scholars as conversation partners as well. The subject will be taught in a conversational style in which the contributions of students will be valued.
How do I enrol?
For course advice regarding how this unit could fit in with your existing study plans, please speak to the Academic Dean at your chosen College.
To enrol in the unit, fill out the appropriate form in the drop-down below, and then contact Dr Deverell on 03 9131 4929 (9am to 3pm AEST, Monday to Friday) to arrange a conversation about whether this unit is right for you.
Current student
If you are a current student of the University of Divinity, please complete the Reenrolment Form.
Seek course advice from your home college prior to and for assistance in completing this form.
Reenrolment Form for Coursework Students (Domestic and Overseas)
Prospective new student
If you are a prospective student wishing to commence study at the University of Divinity, please complete an Admission Form.
Seek course advice from your chosen college prior to and for assistance in completing this form.
Admission Form for Domestic Coursework Students
Cross-institution or single subject
If you wish to enrol in a single unit or do the unit for credit at another institution, please complete a Single Subject Form.
Please seek course advice from your chosen college prior to and for assistance in completing this form.
Admission Form for Single Subject and Cross Institutional Students
Audit participants
If you wish to audit the unit (not for credit), please complete the Application for Admission Audit Participant at UD Form and send it to Dr Deverell at gdeverell@divinity.edu.au
Cost to audit: $500
Application for Admission Audit Participant UD Form SIS Prefilled
Rev Dr Garry Deverell
School of Indigenous Studies