Spring 2004/Pasadena
OT501
Jacobs
OT501: PENTATEUCH. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course surveys content of the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy)
through reading and interpretation of the biblical text and discussion of these
texts in commentaries and other secondary literature. It also engages in
critical reflection on various aspects of the texts through examination of
their literary, theological, socio-historical contexts and issues of
methodology and historical background that arise in interpreting this
corpus.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The issues concerning human existence, purpose in the universe, and
ethical basis of human relationships have been the focal point of discussions
throughout society and the church. Among its objectives this course
investigates the theological and hermeneutical significance of the Pentateuch
in light of contemporary concerns--e.g., spirituality, ethical, gender,
psychological, race, socio-economic/political.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course will meet for two-hour sessions twice weekly for
lectures and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- NRSV Bible.
- Alexander, T. D. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to
the Pentateuch. 2d ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
- Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New
York: Paulist Press, 1984.
- Brenner, Athalya, ed. Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy.
Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994.
- Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the
Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1998.
- Various articles and chapters on reserve in the library.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Arnold, B. T. and B. E. Beyer, eds. Readings From the Ancient
Near East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Studies. Grand rapids: Baker
Academic, 2002.
- Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five
Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
- Gerstenberger, Erhard S. Yahweh the Patriarch: Ancient Images of God and
Feminist Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1996.
- Visotzky, Burton L. The Genesis of Ethics: How the Tormented Family of
Genesis Leads to Moral Development. New York: Crown Publishers,
1996.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Weekly preparation and attendance are required parts of the course.
The final grade will be based on two (5-7 pages) critical papers, a mid-term,
and a final exam.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.