Fall 2011/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: Upon successful completion of this course, students will
have demonstrated (1) knowledge of the content of the Pentateuch; (2)
understanding of the nature of the Pentateuch, i.e., its literary features,
historical, and cultural situations; (3) use of skills in discerning the
theological concerns of the Pentateuch; (4) recognition of the hermeneutical
challenges of interpreting the Pentateuch; (5) the ability to utilize the
Pentateuchal text in daily life.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions for
lectures and discussions. This course includes Moodle as part of its design.
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. ISBN:
9780801025976 ($29.99).**
- Brenner, Athalya, ed. Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy.
Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994. ISBN: 9781841270791 ($34.95).
- Hamilton, Victor. Handbook on the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids:
Baker Academic, 2005. ISBN 9780801027161 ($36.99).
- Jacobs, Mignon R. Gender, Power, and Persuasion. Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2007. ISBN9780801027062 ($21.99) electronic-version
($15.00).
- Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the
Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1998. ISBN 9780062700292 ($20.00).
- Various articles and chapters on reserve in the library.
RECOMMENDED READING: (other resources available in course materials)
- Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the
First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992. ISBN
9780385497886 ($23.94).
- Harrelson, Walter J. The Ten Commandments and Human Rights. Rev. ed.
Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 1997. 9780865545427 ($24.31).
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Weekly preparation, attendance, and participation
are required parts of the course, including spiritual formation exercises
(15%). In addition to these, the final grade will be based on two (8-10 pages)
critical papers (30%), quizzes (30%), and a final exam (25%).
**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. (July 2011)