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
- gained familiarity with these books;
- considered questions raised by a recognition that they are God's word and
by the application of critical methods to them, in the context of current
ferment over the origin of the Pentateuch;
- developed skills in the interpretation of Old Testament narrative; and
- considered how to relate Old Testament "law" to doctrinal, pastoral, and
moral questions in the church and the world.
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:
- Posting of preparation notes and comments on other students' notes before
classes
- Attendance at classes
- 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)