DESCRIPTION: This course will examine the theological, historical, and literary features of the English text of Genesis. The course will discuss the text in light of its ancient Near Eastern context and with a view to apply it in our postmodern context.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course will deepen a student's understanding of and appreciation for the first book of the Bible, which will then lay a foundation for richer interpretation of all Scripture.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated that they

1. have a knowledge and understanding of Genesis, its literary features, its historical and cultural context, and the way it illustrates works of its genre;

2. can offer an exegesis of passages from Genesis in light of a range of appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that take account of the diversity of contexts from which the text can be read;

3. have articulated some reflection on the significance of Genesis for their discipleship and ministry.

Enuma Elish, Atrahasis, and The Epic of Gilgamesh. To be provided electronically. 50 pages.

Lamb, D. T. "Sexist or Affirming?" Chapter 4 of Is the God of the Old Testament Really Angry, Sexist and Racist? Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2010(?). To be provided electronically. 15 pages.

Longman, T. How to Read Genesis. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2005. 175 pages.

Readings from Genesis commentaries of Brueggemann, Fretheim. On iPreach. 50 pages.

Sarna, N. M. Understanding Genesis: The World of the Bible in the Light of History. New York: Schocken Books. 227 pages.

Trible, P. God and the Rhetoric of Sexuality. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1986. 72 pages.

Wenham, G. J. Genesis 1-15, Waco, TX: Word Books, 1987. 335 pages.

Alexander, T. D., and D. W. Baker. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Alter, R. Genesis: Translation and Commentary. New York: W. W. Norton, 1996.

Brueggemann, W. Genesis. (Interpretation.) Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982. On iPreach.

Fretheim, T. The New Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 1: Genesis. Nashville, Abingdon, 1994. On iPreach.

Kidner, D. Genesis. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1967.

von Rad, G. Genesis. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1972. On iPreach.

Speiser, E. A. Genesis: Introduction, Translation, and Notes. Garden City, NY: Doubleday, 1964.

Wenham, G. J. Genesis 16-50. Waco, TX: Word Books, 1987.

1. Class attendance and preparation of discussion texts (10%).

2. A 2-3 page narrative reflection paper based on a character in the book of Genesis (10%).

3. An 8-9 page exegetical paper based on a passage in the book of Genesis (30%).

4. A 5-6 page teaching series plan based on four texts from the book of Genesis (25%).

5. A final exam (25%).