Winter 2012/Pasadena
OT501
Goldingay

OT501: PENTATEUCH. John Goldingay.


DESCRIPTION: The course studies the origin and historical value of Genesis to Deuteronomy; the different blocks of "law" and the principles they embody; the books as a narrative with a plot, characters, and themes; and their significance for Christian faith, life, and ministry.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: These books are of foundational significance for an understanding of the gospel, of the commitment of the people of God, and of what it means to be human.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have shown that they have


COURSE FORMAT: The course meets weekly for three-hour sessions for ten weeks (one of which is in finals week); in addition students spend one hour per week in online discussion. Classes also require specific reading of the biblical text and other preparation, on average a further four hours per week.

REQUIRED READING:
TNIV or NRSV or CEB Bible.

Alexander, T. D., and D. W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. InterVarsity Press, 2002. ISBN: 0-8308-1781-6. $60.

Van Wijk-Bos, J. W. H. Making Wise the Simple. Eerdmans, 2005. ISBN: 0-8028-0990-1. $22.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Posting of preparation notes and comments on other students' notes before classes

  2. Attendance at classes

  3. Two 2,500-3,000-word papers
The grade comes from the two papers, but # 1-2 are also requirements for passing the course.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATION TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA) and MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).

FINAL EXAMINATION: No, but the class meets in finals week.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (October 2011)