DESCRIPTION: This is a survey course of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). A close reading of the Biblical text will familiarize the student with the principal themes, motifs, and historical contexts of the books in this literary corpus. Development of exegetical skills will arise from a focused discussion on the theological, historical, and literary characteristics of each book. The course will explore the Biblical text's role in critical scholarship and the church's ongoing theological reflection.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The meaning and authority of the Pentateuch are of fundamental relevance to all of Biblical theology. The Pentateuch contains pivotal theological concepts for an organic understanding of the Old Testament. Exposure to the historical context, literary artistry, and rhetorical power of the Pentateuch will enhance the student's understanding of various interpretive issues as well as help the student to develop his/her own interpretive voice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated (1) familiarity with the Biblical text under study; (2) acquisition of basic tools for reading and interpreting the Old Testament critically; (3) ability to identify the most salient themes throughout the literary corpus; (4) familiarity with the historical, socio-political, and religious background of the books; and (5) ability to extrapolate the theological message of the text.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for discussion and lecture.

REQUIRED READING:

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible.

Brueggemann, Walter, and Hans Walter Wolff. The Vitality of Old Testament Traditions. 2nd ed. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982. ISBN: 9780804201124. $30.00.

Brenner, Athalya. 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.

Rad, Gerhard von. From Genesis to Chronicles: Explorations in Old Testament Theology. Ed. K. C. Hanson. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2005. ISBN: 0800637186. $24.00.

Additional (required) reading material may be found under eReserves on Moodle.

Anderson, Bernhard W. Creation in the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1985. ISBN: 9780800617684. $12.00.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992. ISBN: 9780300140217. $30.00.

Childs, Brevard S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Repr. ed. Philadelphia: Augsburg Fortress, 2011. ISBN: 9780800698331. $36.00.

Sparks, Kenton L. The Pentateuch: An Annotated Bibliography. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. ISBN: 9780801023989. $5.95.

Zimmerli, Walther. Old Testament Theology in Outline. Trans. David E. Green. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 2000. ISBN: 9780567223531. $44.95.

1. Attendance and participation (20%)

2. Midterm exam (20%)

3. Exegesis paper (10 pages; 30%)

4. Final examination (30%)