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.

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.

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.

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.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

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.

None.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).

Yes.