Michael Brown wants to help students understand the mind-set and presuppositions behind the academic discipline of biblical studies. He uses his experiences as both a student and a teacher to offer wise advice about what to expect if you want to be an astute reader of the Bible. Brown provides basic information about the Bible and biblical criticism. He defines the jargon and and presents the variety of perspectives students will encounter in the classroom. He also clarifies the difference between biblical studies and Bible study, gives a brief history of scholarship, and furnishes an overview of the methods of biblical interpretation.