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.

By the end of the course students should have

• gained familiarity with these books of the Bible with their foundational significance for an understanding of the gospel, of the commitment of the people of God, and of what it means to be human;

• considered questions raised by a recognition that these books 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 church and world.

The course meets twice weekly from 5 to 9 p.m. for five weeks (June 19-July 21) Each evening then divides into two classes of 1 hour 40 minutes, with a 30-minute break in the middle. Classes require specific reading of the biblical text and other preparation, on average a further eight hours per week. The classroom time then combines lectures, work in groups of four or five, and plenary discussion. The course is thus not primarily lecture-based; it emphasizes collaborative learning and students need to be willing to be committed to working together with other students. Students should also note that the issues involved in studying the Pentateuch are particularly complex; if they have undertaken no Old Testament study before, they might be advised first to study Writings or Prophets.

Students will not be required to possess any books except an NRSV and the Course Reader.

Students should obtain the Course Reader before the course starts, especially if they wish to begin the substantial preparation required for the second class.

Brueggemann, W. Genesis. Knox, 1982.

Frankel, E. The Five Books of Miriam: A Woman's Commentary on the Torah. Harper, 1996.

Fretheim, T. Exodus. Knox, 1991.

Goldingay, J. After Eating the Apricot. Paternoster, 1996.

Hartley, J. E. Leviticus. Word, 1992.

Miles, J. God: A Biography. Knopf/Simon Schuster, 1995.

Olson, D. T. Numbers. Knox, 1996.

Wright, C. J. H. Deuteronomy. Hendrickson/Paternoster, 1996.

1. Preparation for classes, with submission of a file of notes (one-third of final grade).

2. Two 10-page papers, or by negotiation one 20-page paper (two-thirds of final grade).

None, but see under course format.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Old Testament "a" (OTA).

Only for students who miss more than one class. The mark is then combined with that for the files of preparation notes.