Summer 2014/Pasadena
OT501
Thomas
OT501: PENTATEUCH (4 Units: 120 hours). Matthew A. Thomas.
DESCRIPTION: This course will be concerned with the interpretation of the Pentateuch, comprised of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Close scrutiny of selected passages will alternate with attention to overarching themes, interpretive issues, and theological appropriation.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content and structure of these books; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical matters that may inform our understanding, as well as an awareness of the issues involved in assessing their contribution; (3) basic skills in interpreting texts, including the ability to use scholarly resources both critically and constructively; (4) an ability to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the Pentateuch, including creation, sin and redemption, promise and covenant, grace and law, and worship; and (5) an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read and use this portion of Scripture.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in four-hour blocks for five weeks. Instruction will include a combination of lecture (with PowerPoint), discussion, and small group exercises.
REQUIRED READING:
Alexander, T. Desmond. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. 3rd ed. Baker, 2012. ISBN: 978-0801039980, Pub. Price $29.99 [368 pp.].
Dalley, Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia: Creation, the Flood, Gilgamesh, and Others. Oxford’s World Classics. Rev. ed. Oxford UP, 2009. ISBN: 978-0199538362, Pub. Price $13.95 [368 pp.].
Fox, Everett. The Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. The Schocken Bible 1. Schocken, 2000. ISBN: 978-0805211191, Pub. Price $30.00 [1,056 pp.].
Assorted articles and essays provided on Moodle.
RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus for recommended texts.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Online quizzes (25%): consisting primarily of objective elements: identifying events, characters, concepts, etc.
A final exam (25%): a timed, online exam consisting of essays. It will be made available to take anytime within three days.
An exegetical project of approx. 12 pages (35%): examining a passage in its literary, historical, and cultural contexts.
In-class and online exercises/forums (15%): in-class small group exercises and/or online discussions to work with concepts presented and/or passages discussed in class.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “a” (OTA); meets MAT requirement (effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.