Winter 2007/Pasadena
OT501
Goldingay

OT501: PENTATEUCH. John Goldingay.


DESCRIPTION: The course studies the origin and historical value of Genesis to Deuteronomy; the different blocks of "law" and the principles they embody; the books as a narrative with a plot, characters, and themes; and their significance for Christian faith, life, and ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course students should have


RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: See course objectives/learning outcomes.

COURSE FORMAT: The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. Classes require specific reading of the biblical text and other preparation, on average a further four hours per week. The classroom time then combines lectures, work in groups of four or five, and plenary discussion. The course is thus not primarily lecture-based; it emphasizes collaborative learning, and students need to be willing to be committed to working together with other students.

REQUIRED READING:
TNIV or NRSV Bible.

Alexander, T. D., and D. W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Van Wijk-Bos, J. W. H. Making Wise the Simple. Eerdmans, 2005.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Brueggemann, W. Genesis. Knox, 1982.

Frankel, E. The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman's Commentary on the Torah. Harper, 1996.

Fretheim, T. Exodus. Knox, 1991.

Goldingay, J. After Eating the Apricot. Paternoster, 1996.

_________. Old Testament Theology, Volume One. InterVarsity Press, 2003.

Hartley, J. E. Leviticus. Word, 1992.

Olson, D. T. Numbers. Knox, 1996.
Winner, L. F. Mudhouse Sabbath. Brewster, MA: Paraclete, 2003.
Wright, C. J. H. Deuteronomy. Hendrickson/Paternoster, 1996.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Preparation for classes, with submission of preparation notes at each class.

  2. Attendance at all classes.

  3. Two 2,500-3,000-word papers.
The grade comes from the two papers, subject to reduction for missing classes or failure to turn in satisfactory preparation homework on time.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.