The class contact hours are spent discussing these texts and the issues they raise, with an eye on their use of Scripture and their pastoral applications. The bulk of the study hours will consist of independent reading of the set texts. The balance of contact time to other study time will vary depending on the topic and set text(s) being studied. The assessment consists of essays based on the stipulated readings and will normally include a written evaluation of key issues in the set text(s) and consideration of the effect of reading as a group on their reception of the text(s) in view. The number of essays (no more than three individual essays) will depend on the topic being studied and the nature of the set text(s).