Winter 2010/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.
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.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: 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%), quizzes (30%), and a final exam
(30%).
**Students are strongly encouraged to read
Alexander pp. 42-61 by the first class session.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "a"
(OTA) ; meets MAT (2010) program requirement.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (11/09)