Winter 2014/Fuller Online
OT501
Scalise
OT501: PENTATEUCH. Pamela J. Scalise.
DESCRIPTION: This online course is a study of the five books of the Pentateuch and their interpretation. It will provide an introduction to (1) the content, structure, and literary forms of these five books, (2) their major theological themes, (3) cultural, geographical, and historical matters which aid understanding, and (4) 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 successfully completing the course will have demonstrated that they (1) have a knowledge and understanding of the Pentateuch; (2) are able to interpret the Bible using a range of appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that reflect the diversity of contexts from which the text can be read; (3) have reflected on the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (4) have articulated some reflection on the significance of the Pentateuch for their discipleship and ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, use of libraries and other resources, and interactive discussion. 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:
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the NRSV, CEB, or the TNIV. 5845 verses.
Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 3d ed. Baker Books, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801039980, Pub. Price $29.99 [187 pp.]. (You may also use the 1st ed.: Paternoster Press, 1995, or the 2d ed.: Baker, 2002, available used. Pagination is different in each edition!)
Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: a Critical, Theological Commentary. Westminster John Knox, 2004. ISBN: 978-0664229689, Pub. Price $50.00 [163 pp.]. (Earlier editions are also OK.)
Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia. Rev. ed. Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0199538362, Pub. Price $13.95 [88 pp.].
Mann, Thomas. The Book of Torah. Westminster John Knox, 1988. ISBN: 978-00804200851, Pub. Price $30.00 [161 pp.].
Pritchard, James. The HarperCollins Atlas of Bible History. HarperOne, 2008. ISBN: 978-0061451959, Pub. Price $25.95 [66 pp.].
Ska, Jean-Louis. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2006.ISBN: 978-1575061221, Pub. Price $32.95 [234 pp.].
Articles by various authors, including J. M. Bonino, W. A. Bailey, D. Olson, Z. Zevit and E. Nwaoru (available in the course eReader on Moodle) [61 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The course will require extensive reading in preparation for class from the Bible and textbooks. The major requirements are the following:
Reading and listening to all Instructional Content material assigned in weekly lessons. Report what you have completed and comment on each assigned item weekly. Two short Homework activities are part of this grade category. (20%).
Participation in Forum discussions of Instructional Content. One initial post and two responses to classmates (30%).
A mid-term exam (3 essays, 600 words each)– (15%).
A paper including researched interpretation and theological reflection on an assigned passage, prepared in stages throughout the course (3000 words) (20%).
A final exam (3 essays, 600 words each) (15%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “a” (OTA); meets program requirement for MAT.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.