Fuller Online
OT501: Fall 2015
P. Scalise
OT501: PENTATEUCH (4 units: 160 hours). P. 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.
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: [approx. 1,200 pp.].
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the NRSV, CEB, or the TNIV. (150 pp.)
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. assigned].
Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: a Critical, Theological Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1974. ISBN: 978-0664229689, Pub. Price $55.00 [163 pp. assigned].
Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia. Rev. ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0199538362, Pub. Price. $13.95 [88 pp. assigned].
Mann, Thomas. The Book of Torah., 2nd edition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2013. ISBN: 978-1610978958, Pub. Price $27.00 [228 pp.].
Pritchard, James. The HarperCollins Atlas of Bible History. HarperOne, 2008. ISBN: 978-0061451959, Pub. Price $25.95 [66 pp. assigned].
Ska, Jean-Louis. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2006. ISBN: 978-1575061221, Pub. Price $34.95 [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.].
Instructional content written by the professor and provided on Moodle. [15 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, watching, and/or listening to all material assigned in weekly lessons. 1,178 pages of required reading [79 hours]. Videos [on YouTube} and audio recordings. [3 hours] Report, comment on and discuss each assignment in weekly reading reports and online discussions. (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4] [40 hours].
Short assignments (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3] [6 hours].
A mid-term exam, consisting of essay questions, open-book (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4.] [6 hours].
A paper including researched interpretation and theological reflection on an assigned passage. (12 pages). (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 3, 4.] [20 hours].
A final exam, consisting of essay questions, open-book (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4.] [6 hours].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: : Meets 144 MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “a” (OTA); meets MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAM: Yes.