DESCRIPTION:

The goals of this course is to provide a basic understanding of the contents, theologies, and form of the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) and to use that understanding as the basis examining issues of methodology and historical background that arise in interpreting this corpus.

The issues concerning human existence, purpose in the universe, and ethical basis of human relationships have been the focal point of discussions throughout society and the church. In light of our faith, the interpretation of this portion of the Old Testament is fundamental to our understanding of these issues.

This course will meet for two-hour sessions twice weekly for lectures and discussions.

NRSV Bible.

Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.

Brenner, Athalya, ed. Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994.

Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical Theological Commentary. The Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1974.

Knight, Douglas A. "Pentateuch." In The Hebrew Bible and its Modern Interpreters. Ed. Douglas A. Knight and Gene M. Tucker. Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1985.

Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1998.

Rendtorff, Rolf. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Trans. John Bowden. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1991.

Various articles and chapters on reserve in the library.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Gersteenberger, Erhard S. Yahweh the Patriarch: Ancient Images of God and Feminist Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.

Lohfink, Norbert. Theology of the Pentateuch: Themes of the Priestly Narrative and Deuteronomy. Minneapolis: Fortress/Augsburg Press, 1994.

Visotzky, Burton L. The Genesis of Ethics: How the Tormented Family of Genesis Leads to Moral Development. New York: Crown Publishers, 1996.

Weekly preparation is a required part of the course. The final grade will be based on three (3-5 pages) critical papers, a mid-term, and a final exam.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).

Yes.