Fall 2010/Houston
OT501
Dearman
OT501
Pentateuch. J.
Andrew Dearman
DESCRIPTION: This course will be
concerned with the interpretation of the Pentateuch as ancient Near Eastern
literature and as a portion of the ChurchÕs Scripture. Close scrutiny of selected
passages will alternate with attention to overarching themes, interpretive
issues, and theological appropriation. Attention will also be given to the
history of interpretation, ranging from critical theories of reading to the
insights of Jewish and Muslim religious communities.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND
MINISTRY: These
books are of foundational significance for an understanding of the gospel, of
the commitment of the people of God, and of what it means to be human.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students 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, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet Wednesday evenings, 6:00-9:30 PM, for 10
weeks at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. It will be comprised of lectures, PowerPoint presentations,
and facilitated discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
Pentateuch in English translation (TNIV, NRSV). [300 pp.]
Alexander,
T. D., & D. W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch (InterVarsity Press,
2002). [350 pp., selected
entries]; ISBN: 978-0830817818; $37.80.
Jacobs,
Mignon R., Gender, Power, and Persuasion
(Baker Academic, 2007). [270 pp.]; ISBN: 978-0801027062; $25.20.
Class Handouts (e.g., Patristic, Jewish and Muslim interpretations;
critical theories of authorship).
RECOMMENDED READING (area libraries;
instructorÕs library):
Arnold,
Bill T., & Bryan E. Beyer, ed., Readings
from the Ancient Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Studies
(Baker Academic, 2002). ISBN: 978-0801022920;
$24.99.
Blenkinsopp,
Joseph, The Pentateuch: An Introduction
to the First Five Books of the Bible (Doubleday, 1992). ISBN: 978-0300140217; $25.65.
Brenner,
Athalya, ed., Feminist
Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy (Sheffield Academic Press, 1994). ISBN: 978-1841270791;
$28.15.
*Brueggemann, W., Genesis
(Westminster John Knox, 1982).
ISBN: 978-0664234379; $16.47.
*Fretheim, T., Exodus
(Westminster John Knox, 1991).
ISBN: 978-0804231022; $19.77.
Hamilton,
Victor, Handbook on the Pentateuch
(2nd ed. Baker Academic, 2005).
ISBN: 978-0801027161; $24.41.
Hartley,
J. E., Leviticus (Word, 1992). ISBN: 978-0849902031; $34.99.
*Olson,
D. T., Numbers (Westminster John
Knox, 1996). ISBN: 978-0804231046;
$19.77.
Sarna, Nahum, Exodus (JPS Torah
Commentary; 1991). ISBN:
978-0827603271; $47:25.
Wright, C. J. H., Deuteronomy
(Hendrickson, 1996). ISBN: 978-1565631717;
$12.21.
*Fuller
Library Database
ASSIGNMENTS: Weekly preparation and
attendance are required parts of the course (10%). In addition to these, the
final grade will be based on midterm (30%) and last-week exams (30%) given in
class, which will cover all reading assignments and class presentations, and an
evaluative review (8-10 pp.) of Jacobs, Gender,
Power, and Persuasion, due the last day of exam week (30%). The in-class exams will be guided by
learning outcomes 1-4. The
evaluative review will be guided by learning outcomes 2-5, with more specific
guidelines provided on the class syllabus.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv
core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This
ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.