Summer 2014/Fuller Online
OT501
Thomas
OT501: PENTATEUCH (4 Units: 120 hours). Matthew A. Thomas.
DESCRIPTION: This online course will be concerned with the interpretation of the Pentateuch, comprised of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Close scrutiny of selected passages will alternate with attention to overarching themes, interpretive issues, and theological appropriation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content and structure of these books; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical matters that may inform our understanding, as well as an awareness of the issues involved in assessing their contribution; (3) basic skills in interpreting texts, including the ability to use scholarly resources both critically and constructively; (4) an ability to reflect theologically upon the 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 and use 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.
REQUIRED READING:
Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 3rd ed. Baker, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801039980, Pub. Price $29.99 [~290 pp. assigned].
Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford’s World Classics. Rev. ed. Oxford UP, 2009. ISBN: 978-0199538362, Pub. Price $13.95 [108 pp. assigned].
Fox, Everett. The Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. The Schocken Bible 1. Schocken, 2000. ISBN: 978-0805211191, Pub. Price $35.00 [~800 pp. assigned].
Articles and essays on e-Reserves, including texts of relevant ancient Near Eastern documents.
RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus for recommended texts.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Posting in forums, online activities, and reading responses (40%): Each week, we will engage in discussions (by means of forums) related to the topics for the week. In addition, some weeks will require the submission of responses to specific readings or other online activities.
Quizzes (10%): consisting primarily of objective elements: identifying events, characters, concepts, etc.
A final exam (25%): The online final exam will consist of essay questions. The exam will be timed and will be made available to complete within three days.
An exegetical project of approx. 12 pages (25%): examining a passage in its literary, historical, and cultural contexts.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “a” (OTA); meets MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.