Spring 2007/Pasadena
OT501
Jacobs
OT501: PENTATEUCH. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the content of the Pentateuch
(Genesis-Deuteronomy) through reading and interpretation of biblical texts 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to (1) better know and
understand the Pentateuch; (2) understand more about the literary features of
the Pentateuch; (3) better understand the historical and cultural situations of
the books; (4) develop ability in interpreting texts; (5) see more clearly the
nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (6) appreciate new
ways of reading Scripture; (7) use the Bible better in their ministries; (8)
move towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in their own lives.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The issues concerning human existence, purpose in the
universe, and the 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: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for
lectures and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- NRSV Bible.
- Alexander, T. D. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to
the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.**
- Arnold, Bill T. and Bryan E. Beyer, eds., Readings From the Ancient Near
East: Primary Sources for Old Testament Studies. 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.
- Hamilton, Victor. Handbook on the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2005.
- 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:
- 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.
- Harrelson, Walter J. The Ten Commandments and Human Rights. Rev. ed.
Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1997.
- 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 (10%). In addition to these, the final grade will be based on two (8-10
pages) critical papers (30%), a midterm (30%), and a final exam (30%).
**Students are strongly encouraged to read Alexander pp. 42-61
and Boadt pp. 89-132 for the first class meeting.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "a"
(OTA).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.