DESCRIPTION:

This course studies the contents, theologies, and form of the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy) and examines issues of methodology and historical background that arise in interpreting this corpus.

The issues concerning our existence, purpose in the universe, and ethical basis of human relationships have been the focal point of discussions throughout society and the church. In light of our faith, the interpretation of this portion of the Old Testament is fundamental to our understanding of these issues.

This course will meet for two-hour sessions twice weekly for lectures and discussions.

NRSV Bible.

Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.

Brenner, Athalya, ed. Feminist Companion to Exodus to Deuteronomy. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994.

Childs, Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical Theological Commentary. The Old Testament Library. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1974.

Knight, Douglas A. "Pentateuch." In The Hebrew Bible and its Modern Interpreters. Ed. Douglas A. Knight and Gene M. Tucker. Chico, CA: Scholars Press, 1985.

Pritchard, James B., ed. The HarperCollins Concise Atlas of the Bible. San Francisco: Harper, 1998.

Rendtorff, Rolf. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Trans. John Bowden. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1991.

Various articles and chapters on reserve in the library.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.

Campbell, Antony F. The Study Companion to Old Testament Literature: An Approach to the Writings of Pre-Exilic and Exilic Israel. Old Testament Studies 2. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1992.

Lohfink, Norbert. Theology of the Pentateuch: Themes of the Priestly Narrative and Deuteronomy. Minneapolis: Fortress/Augsburg Press, 1994.

Sarna, Nahum M. Understanding Genesis: The World of the Bible in the Light of History. New York: Schocken Books, 1966.

Weekly preparation is a required part of the course. The final grade will be based on three (3-5 pages) critical reflections, a mid-term, and a final exam.

None.

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

Yes.