Fall 2020/Online

OT500

Wells

OT500: OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION (4 Units: 160 hours). Sara Wells.

DESCRIPTION: This course orients students to the literature of the Old Testament in its various literary, historical, and theological contexts and to Old Testament interpretation in service of Christian practice. The books of Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, 2 Samuel, Job, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel will be the focus of study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will have demonstrated that they: (1) have a basic grasp of the contents of Israel’s Scriptures, history, and geography; (2) can use interpretive approaches that explore both the literary features of the Old Testament and the historical and cultural contexts in which it came into being; (3) can assess hermeneutical issues arising from the diverse contexts of contemporary readers; (4) can relate the Old Testament as Scripture to Christian theology, mission, and discipleship; and (5) have used this knowledge and these abilities to interpret some key Old Testament texts.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will introduce students to content and interpretation of the OT in its historical and contemporary context, which is consistent with the SOT PLO “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries” (MDiv, MAT, MATM).

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1000 pages of required reading, including:

Genesis; Exodus; Deuteronomy; 2 Samuel; Job; Psalms 42-106; Isaiah 1-14, 40-53, 63-66; Jeremiah 1-36; Daniel (NRSV, TNIV or CEB) [250 pages].

Coogan, Michael D.A Brief Introduction to the Old Testament: The Hebrew Bible in its Context. Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press, 2019. Print ISBN: 9780190903756, 0190903759. eText ISBN: 9780190903770, 0190903775, Pub. Price $66.95 [400 pages assigned]. ***(The third, 2015 edition may also be used. ISBN: 978-0190238599).*** Course quizzes are based on these editions.

Readings available on e-reserves, including Walter Brueggemann, Ellen Davis, Tikva Frymer-Kensky, Christopher B. Hays, Jorge Pixley, Gale Yee, etc. [350 pages assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Alexander, T. D., and D. W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. InterVarsity Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0830817818, Pub. Price $60.00.

Arnold, B. T., and H. G. M. Williamson, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. InterVarsity Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830817825, Pub. Price $60.00.

Boda, Mark J., and J. Gordon McConville, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Prophets. InterVarsity Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-0830817849, Pub. Price $60.00.

Hays, Christopher B.Hidden Riches: A Sourcebook for the Comparative Study of the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East. Westminster John Knox, 2014.978-0664237011, Pub. Price $45.00.

Longman, Tremper, and Peter Enns (ed.). Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830817832, Pub. Price $60.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Weekly videos and review of course content [10 hours].
2. Required reading (1,000 pages). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [70 hours].
3. Weekly group discussions (25%). Three posts are required for group discussions: one 300-400 word initial post and two 50-100 peer response posts. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4] [20 hours].
4. Quizzes on course readings (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [10 hours].
5. Two short interpretive essays (1,000 words) (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-5]. [20 hours].
6. Interpretive Assignment: 2000-2500 word interpretive paper (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-5]. [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets a core requirement in the 120 MDiv, 80 MAT, 80 MATM, and 80 MAICS Programs (Fall 2015). Meets the OTC requirement in the 144 MDiv. Option to meet requirement in the MAT Program (Winter 2010) and a core requirement for the MATM, MAICS, and MACL Programs (Winter 2010).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.