DESCRIPTION: This course will survey the major themes, issues, and genres of
the Pentateuch, comprised of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
and Deuteronomy. Specific attention will be devoted to how critical reflection
upon the historical, social, and literary background of certain passages in the
Pentateuch aids interpretation of its theological message. The course will also
reflect upon the literary development of the Pentateuch and seek to understand
how this process aids an understanding of the nature of Scripture in ancient
Israel and early Judaism.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: After completing this course, students should be able to
(1) explain the major critical issues involved in the interpretation of the
Pentateuch, (2) demonstrate an understanding of the basic structure of the
books of the Pentateuch, (3) describe the different literary genres found in
the Pentateuch, (4) demonstrate an increased ability to interact with some of
the more important scholarly tools used in the study of the Old Testament, and
(5) discuss how an understanding of the historical, social, and literary
background of the Pentateuch aids an understanding of its message.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The Pentateuch forms the foundation for many of the
central theologies found in Christian traditions, such as creation, law, cult,
redemption, and interpretation. During the past two hundred years or so, some
of the more important of these theologies have been neglected in Protestant
traditions, especially those that relate to priestly ideologies in ancient
Israel and early Judaism. As a result, this course attempts to recover some of
the diversity of traditions and perspectives visible in the Pentateuch and ask
how they can deepen our response to and understanding of God's word.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class
sessions will be devoted to a combination of lecture presentation and
structured class discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
Either New Oxford Annotated Bible: New Revised Standard Version.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. OR The Jewish Study Bible.
Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society, 2004.
Brueggemann, Walter. The Land: Place as Gift, Promise, and Challenge in
Biblical Faith. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2002.
Coogan, Michael D., The Old Testament: A Historical and Literary
Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures. Oxford: Oxford University Press,
2006.
Balentine, Samuel B. The Torah's Vision of Worship. Minneapolis:
Fortress, 1999.
Course Reader.
RECOMMENDED READING: