DESCRIPTION: A study of the text and interpretation of the Pentateuch, including an introduction to (1) the structure, content and literary forms of these five books; (2) their major theological themes; (3) the cultural, geographical and historical context of the books; and (4) the 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 completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content, literary form, and structure of the text; (2) an acquaintance with a range of historical and cultural features of life in the Ancient Near East that contribute to understanding the text and the ability to assess the issues surrounding this contribution; (3) basic skills in interpreting the text, including the ability to use scholarly resources both critically and constructively; (4) the ability to reflect theologically upon central themes of the Pentateuch, including creation, sin and redemption, promise and covenant, grace and law, and worship; and (5) an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will be conducted online using a 10-week lesson program aligned with Fuller's academic calendar. Each week, students and the instructor will interact with the material and each other through threaded discussions and other assignments. Resources and activities for each lesson will be available online.

REQUIRED READING:

Assigned passages, including the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy in English (NRSV, TNIV, or CEB required).

Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Main Themes of the Pentateuch. Carlisle: Paternoster, 1995. ISBN-10: 0801039983. $20.00.

Brenner, Athalya, Archie Chi-chung Lee, and Gale A. Yee, eds. Genesis: Texts and Contexts. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2010. ISBN: 978-0800659998. Retail: $40.00.

Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary. Old Testament Library. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN-10: 0664229689. $45.00.

Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN-10: 0199538360. $13.95.

Douglas, Mary. Leviticus as Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN-10: 0199244197. $50.00.

Mann, Thomas W. The Book of the Torah: The Narrative Integrity of the Pentateuch. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988. ISBN-10: 0804200858. $30.00.

Ska, Jean Louis. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN-10: 1575061228. $35.00.

Selected articles and book chapters on e-reserves.

Alexander, T. Desmond, and David W. Baker. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Additional bibliography to be provided.

1. Preparation for class by completing the reading assignments and regular participation in forum discussions (20%)

2. Class projects, including a timeline project and wiki project (20%)

3. An exegetical paper, prepared in four stages (30%)

4. Six exam questions, weekly, beginning in week five (30%)