Overview: In 2-3 pages (typed, double-spaced), students offer an interpretation of one of the following passages in its
context: Judith 12-13; Tobit 11; Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-23; 1 Maccabees 4
This is not a research assignment. Students are not expected to consult any sources other than the biblical text. The assignments will be marked based on the
following criteria:
| a) Grammar and style: For full marks students must use proper English with no grammatical errors or spelling mistakes and with
good English style. The assignment need not be structured like a formal essay (with introduction and conclusion, thesis, etc.), but should be clearly organized. |
| b) Careful examination of the details of the passage: For full marks students must demonstrate that they have taken the details of the passage into consideration
in their interpretation. In most cases it is a good idea to begin the assignment with an overview of the contents of the passage. Any other points which are made should
be supported by pointing to details of the passage (with chapter and verse references).
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| b) Attention to the context of the passage: For full marks students must discuss how the passage fits into the book as a whole.
This involves pointing out how the passage builds on or is set up by earlier parts of the book, as well as how the passage prepares the reader
for later parts of the book. If there are major themes in the book as a whole or an overall argument being made in the book, then students
should point out how this passage contributes to the development of those themes and that argument. Where reference is made to themes or to other
parts of the book chapter and verse references (in parentheses) are helpful.
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Possible Outline
| Overview of the passage |
| Discussion of how the passage fits into the context of the book |
| Discussion of how the passage contributes to the themes of the book |
| Discussion of how the passage contributes to the argument (if any) being made in the book |
| Very brief summary of the findings of your interpretation |
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