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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students (1) to better know and understand the Pentateuch; (2) to better understand the nature of the Pentateuch, i.e., its literary features, historical, and cultural situations; (3) to develop skills in discerning the theological concerns of the Pentateuch; (4) to recognize the hermeneutical challenges of interpreting the Pentateuch.

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.**

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.

Jacobs, Mignon R. Gender, Power, and Persuasion. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007.

Phillips, Anthony. Essays on Biblical Law. New York: T & T Clark, 2002.

Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1998.

Various articles and chapters on reserve in the library.

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.

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

Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.**

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.