This course serves to introduce you to the theory and practice of biblical studies as a discipline. It will introduce you to issues of structural analysis, historical context, translation, and the role of the reader in interpretation. You will practice basic interpretive skills in our synchronous time together and in written assignments and engage one another in forum discussions on interpretation. By the end of this course, you will have developed a beginning level of competency in skills of interpretation that will prepar you for subsequent courses in Old Testament and New Testament and the responsible use of the Bible in ministry contexts.