Fall 2010/Pasadena
OT501
Scalise

OT501: PENTATEUCH. Pamela Scalise.


DESCRIPTION: This course will be concerned with the text of the Pentateuch and its interpretation. It will provide an introduction to (1) the content, structure, and literary forms of these five books, (2) their major theological themes, (3) cultural, geographical, and historical matters which aid understanding, and (4) tools and methods of interpretation.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The five books of the Pentateuch are foundational for the story of God's redemption of humanity told in the rest of Scripture.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated that they: (1) have a knowledge and understanding of the Pentateuch (2) are able to interpret the Bible using a range of appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that reflect the diversity of contexts from which the text can be read; (3) have reflected on the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (4) have articulated some reflection on the significance of the Pentateuch for their discipleship and ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet Friday and Saturday mornings, 8:00-11:50 on the following weekends: October 8 & 9; October 22 & 23; November 5 & 6; November 12 & 13; and December 3 & 4.

REQUIRED READING:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the NRSV or the TNIV, any edition.

Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 1st or 2nd ed., Baker, 2002. ISBN: 9780801025976. Publ. pr. $28.99. (You may also use the 1st ed., Pater Noster Press, 1995. Out of print, but check the used book market.)

Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2004. 9780664229689. Publ. pr. $49.95. (Earlier editions of this book are also OK. Check the used book market.)

Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia. Rev. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 9780199538362. Publ. pr. $13.95.

Mann, Thomas. The Book of Torah. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1988. ISBN: 9780804200851. Publ. pr. $29.95.

Pritchard, James. The HarperCollins Atlas of Bible History. HarperOne, 2008. ISBN: 9780061451959. Publ. pr. $25.95.

Ska, Jean-Louis. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2006. 9781575061221. Publ. pr. $32.95.

Articles by various authors (available on the ATLA online database through the library). See the assignments in the syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The course will require extensive reading in preparation for class from the Bible and textbooks. The major requirements are
  1. A report of completed reading assignments, due at the beginning of each class meeting, plus participation in discussions and projects in class - 20%;

  2. A take-home midterm exam (6-7 pages), due November 12, 2010. - 25%;

  3. A paper including researched interpretation and theological reflection, prepared in two stages; Stage one due October 22, 2010; Stage two (10-12 pages; graded) due December 3, 2010. - 30%;

  4. A take-home final exam (6-7 pages), due December 10, 2010 - 25%.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA); meets program requirement for MAT.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2010)