Winter 2014/Fuller Online

OT501

Hayes

OT501: PENTATEUCH. Elizabeth R. Hayes.

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: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. 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. 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. Paternoster, 1995. ISBN: 978-0801039980, Pub. Price $20.00 [180 pp. assigned].

Brenner, Athalya, Archie Chi-chung Lee, and Gale A. Yee, eds. Genesis: Texts and Contexts. Augsburg Fortress, 2010. ISBN: 978-0800659998, Pub. Price $40.00 [70 pp. assigned].

Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary. Old Testament Library. Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN: 978-0664229689, Pub. Prce $45.00 [110 pp. assigned].

Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN: 978-0199538362, Pub. Price $13.95 [30 pp. assigned].

Douglas, Mary. Leviticus as Literature. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001. ISBN-10: 0199244197. $50.00. [160 pp. assigned].

Mann, Thomas W. The Book of the Torah: The Narrative Integrity of the Pentateuch. Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988. ISBN: 978-0804200855, Pub. Price $30.00 [160 pp. assigned].

Ska, Jean Louis. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch. Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 978-1575061221, Pub. Price $35.00 [160 pp. assigned].

Selected articles and book chapters on e-reserves.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Alexander, T. Desmond, and David W. Baker. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. InterVarsity Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0830817818, Pub. Price $60.00.

Additional bibliography to be provided.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  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 (2500-3000 words) (30%)

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

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “a” (OTA); meets program requirement for MAT.

FINAL EXAMINATION: No. Exam questions included during the course.


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.