Winter 2004/Pasadena
OT501
Butler
OT501: PENTATEUCH. James T. Butler.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course will be concerned with the text of the Pentateuch and
its interpretation. The primary objectives will be (1) to provide a disciplined
opportunity for students to become intimately acquainted with the content and
structure of these books, (2) to provide an overview of cultural and historical
matters that may inform our understanding, and (3) to provide an introduction
to, models of, and practice in methods of interpretation. Close scrutiny of
selected texts will alternate with attention to the overarching themes of the
Pentateuch as a whole.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Students completing this course will have demonstrated their
ability (1) to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the
Pentateuch, including creation, universal sin and redemption through election,
promise and covenant, grace and law, and worship; (2) to use scholarly
resources on the Pentateuch both critically and constructively; (3) to carry
out basic exegetical procedures as a foundation for further study of the Old
Testament.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet twice weekly in two hour blocks. Some sessions
will include a period for focused small group discussions; in which students
will be led to reflect upon the implications of their study for their personal
faith as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
REQUIRED READING:
- Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction.
New York: Paulist Press, 1984.
- Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood,
Gilgamesh and Others. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.
- Habel, N. Literary Criticism of the Old Testament. Philadelphia:
Fortress, 1971.
- Marshall, I. Howard. Biblical Inspiration. Cumbria: Paternoster,
1995.
- Sarna, Nahum. Exploring Exodus. New York: Schocken, 1986.
- __________. Understanding Genesis. New York: Schocken, 1970.
- Course reader.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the
First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- There will be four major requirements for the course: (1) a midterm
examination; (2) a final examination; (3) a 12-15 page exegetical project; and
(4) attendance at and participation in discussion groups. The examinations will
include a combination of objective and essay questions.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.