Fall 2014/Fuller Online

OT501

Thomas

OT501: PENTATEUCH (4 Units: 160 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 for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. 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: 1,400 pp. required.

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 [110 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. [~195 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus for recommended texts.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Posting in forums, online activities, and reading responses: 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 (40% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4, 5] [40 hours].

2. 1,400 pages of required reading [75 hours].

3. Quizzes: consisting primarily of objective elements: identifying events, characters, concepts, etc. (10% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [7 hours].

4. An exegetical project of approx. 12 pages: examining a passage in its literary, historical, and cultural contexts (25% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, 4, 5] [28 hours].

5. A final exam: The online final exam will consist of essay questions. The exam will be timed and made available to complete within 3 days (25% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, 4] [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets 144 MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “a” (OTA); meets MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.