DESCRIPTION:

This course will be concerned with the text of the Pentateuch and its interpretation. The primary objectives will be (1) to provide a disciplined opportunity for students to become intimately acquainted with the content and structure of these books, (2) to provide an overview of cultural and historical matters that may inform our understanding, and (3) to provide an introduction to, models of, and practice in methods of interpretation. Close scrutiny of selected texts will alternate with attention to the overarching themes of the Pentateuch as a whole.

Students completing this course will have demonstrated their ability: (1) to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the Pentateuch, including creation, universal sin and redemption through election, promise and covenant, grace and law, and worship; (2) to use scholarly resources on the Pentateuch both critically and constructively; (3) to carry out basic exegetical procedures as a foundation for further study of the Old Testament.

The course will meet twice weekly in two hour blocks. The majority of hours will be devoted to lecture sessions, in which attention will be given to the close scrutiny of selected texts as well as to tracing the overarching themes of the Pentateuch as a whole. Some sessions include a period for focused small group discussions; in these discussion groups, students will be led in reflecting upon the implications of their study for their personal faith as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.

Boadt, Lawrence, Reading the Old Testament: AN Introduction. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.

Habel, N. Literary Criticism of the Old Testament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1971.

Marshall, I. Howard. Biblical Inspiration. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.

Pritchard, J. B. The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1958.

Sarna, Nahum. Exploring Exodus. New York: Schocken, 1986.

__________. Understanding Genesis. New York: Schocken, 1970.

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

LaSor, W. S., D. A. Hubbard, and F. W. Bush. Old Testament Survey. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Millard, A. R. and D. J. Wiseman. Essays on the Patriarchal Narratives. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1983.

Schmidt, W. H. Old Testament Introduction. New York: Crossroad, 1984.

There will be four major requirements for the course: (1) a midterm examination; (2) a final examination; (3) a 20-25 page exegetical project, prepared in stages; and (4) attendance at and participation in discussion groups. The examinations will include a combination of objective and essay questions.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).

Yes.