DESCRIPTION: The course studies the origin and historical value of Genesis to Deuteronomy; the different blocks of "law" and the principles they embody; the books as a narrative with a plot, characters, and themes; and their significance for Christian faith, life, and ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course students should have

• gained familiarity with these books of the Bible with their foundational significance for an understanding of the gospel, of the commitment of the people of God, and of what it means to be human;

• considered questions raised by a recognition that these books are God's word and by the application of critical methods to them, in the context of current ferment over the origin of the Pentateuch;

• developed skills in the interpretation of Old Testament narrative; and

• considered how to relate Old Testament "law" to doctrinal, pastoral, and moral questions in the church and the world.

TNIV or NRSV Bible.

Alexander, T. D., and D. W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Van Wijk-Bos, J. W. H. Making Wise the Simple. Eerdmans, 2005.

Brueggemann, W. Genesis. Knox, 1982.

Fretheim, T. Exodus. Knox, 1991.

Goldingay, J. After Eating the Apricot. Paternoster, 1996.

_________. Old Testament Theology, Volume One. InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Hartley, J. E. Leviticus. Word, 1992.

Olson, D. T. Numbers. Knox, 1996.

Wright, C. J. H. Deuteronomy. Hendrickson/Paternoster, 1996.

1. Posting of preparation notes before classes.

2. Online work

3. Attendance at classes.

4. Two 2,500-3,000-word papers.

The grade comes from the two papers, but # 1-3 are also requirements for passing the course.