Winter 2013/Houston
OT501
Dearman
OT501: PENTATEUCH. 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 Church’s 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: Biblical Interpretation in general and interpreting the Pentateuch in particular are foundational activities for ministry and faithful Christian practices.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated
An understanding of the literature, history, and theology of the Pentateuch;
Awareness of interpretation that takes account of the varied contexts of both the biblical materials and contemporary interpreters;
The practice of biblical interpretation sufficient to foster faithful embodiment and use of the Pentateuch in their own lives and ministries.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet once a week for three hours for discussion and lecture.
REQUIRED READING:
-- Pentateuch in English translation (TNIV, NRSV, CEB).
-- Alexander, T. D., & D. W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch (InterVarsity Press, 2002). ISBN: 978-0-8308-1781-8. Pp. 900. $60.00. Abbreviated as DOTP.
-- Joel S. Kaminsky and Joel N. Lohr, The Torah: A Beginner’s Guide (Oxford: Oneworld, 2011). ISBN: 978-1851688548. Pp. 200. $14.95.
RECOMMENDED READING:
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.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Weekly preparation, attendance, and participation are required parts of the course (10%).
Mid-term examination (35%)
Final examination (35%)
Review of Kaminsky and Lohr (20%)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA); meets MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No