DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the content of the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) through reading and interpretation of biblical texts and interaction with commentaries and other secondary literature. The course engages in critical analysis of various texts through examination of their literary, theological, socio-historical contexts and the issues of interpretive methods and contemporary concerns that arise in interpreting this corpus.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The issues concerning human existence, purpose in the universe, and the ethical basis of human relationships have been the focal point of discussions throughout society and the church. Among its objectives, this course investigates the theological and hermeneutical significance of the Pentateuch in light of contemporary concerns--e.g., spirituality, issues of ethics, gender, race, and psychological and socio-economic/political issues.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) knowledge of the content of the Pentateuch; (2) understanding of the nature of the Pentateuch, i.e., its literary features, historical, and cultural situations; (3) use of skills in discerning the theological concerns of the Pentateuch; (4) recognition of the hermeneutical challenges of interpreting the Pentateuch; (5) the ability to utilize the Pentateuchal text in daily life.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for lectures and discussions. This course includes Moodle as part of its design.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV Bible.

Alexander, T. D. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. ISBN: 9780801025976 ($29.99).**

Brenner, Athalya, ed. Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994. ISBN: 9781841270791 ($34.95).

Hamilton, Victor. Handbook on the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005. ISBN 9780801027161 ($36.99).

Jacobs, Mignon R. Gender, Power, and Persuasion. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007. ISBN9780801027062 ($21.99) electronic-version ($15.00).

Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1998. ISBN 9780062700292 ($20.00).

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. ISBN 9780385497886 ($23.94).

Harrelson, Walter J. The Ten Commandments and Human Rights. Rev. ed. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1997. 9780865545427 ($24.31).