Winter 2008/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
interaction with commentaries and other secondary literature. The course
engages in critical analysis of various texts through examination of their
literary, theological, socio-historical contexts and the issues of interpretive
methods and contemporary concerns that arise in interpreting this corpus.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students (a) to better know and
understand the Pentateuch; (b) to better understand the nature of the
Pentateuch, i.e., its literary features, historical, and cultural situations;
(c) to develop skills in discerning the theological concerns of the Pentateuch;
(d) to recognize the hermeneutical challenges of interpreting the Pentateuch
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, issues of
ethics, gender, race, and psychological and socio-economic/political issues.
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.**
- Hamilton, Victor. Handbook on the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2005.
- Jacobs, Mignon R. Gender, Power, and Persuasion. Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2007.
- 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.
- Brenner, Athalya, ed. Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy.
Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994.
- 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.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)