DESCRIPTION: This course
will be concerned with the text of the Pentateuch and its interpretation. It
will provide an introduction to (1) the content, structure, and literary forms of
these five books, (2) their major theological themes, (3) cultural,
geographical, and historical matters which aid understanding, and (4) tools and
methods of interpretation.
OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated
that they: (1) have a knowledge and understanding of the Pentateuch (2) are
able to interpret the Bible using a range of
appropriate interpretive approaches, including ones that reflect the
diversity of contexts from which the text can be read; (3) have reflected on
the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (4) have
articulated some reflection on the significance of the Pentateuch for their
discipleship and ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The
five books of the Pentateuch are foundational for the story of God's redemption
of humanity told in the rest of Scripture.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will
meet Mondays, September 26 – November 14, November 28 and December 5,
2011. NO CLASS on Monday, November 21.
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy in the NRSV, CEB or the TNIV.
T. Desmond. From Paradise to the
Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. or 2nd
edition, Baker Books, 2002. ISBN: 9780801025976 $29.99. (You may also use
the first edition, Pater Noster Press, 1995. Out of print, but check the
used book market.)
Brevard S. The Book of Exodus: a
Critical, Theological Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox,
2004. 9780664229689. $50. (Earlier editions of this book are also OK.
Check the used book market.)
Stephanie. Myths from Mesopotamia.
Rev. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. ISBN: 9780199538362. $13.95.
Thomas. The Book of Torah.
Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1988. ISBN: 9780804200851. $30.
James. The HarperCollins Atlas of
Bible History. HarperOne, 2008. ISBN: 9780061451959.
Ska, Jean-Louis. Introduction to Reading the Pentateuch.
Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2006. 9781575061221. $32.95.
Articles by various authors (available on the ATLA online
database through the Fuller library). See the assignments in the
ASSIGNMENTS: The course will
require extensive reading in preparation for class from the Bible and
textbooks. The major
report of completed reading assignments, due before class each week
(uploaded to Moodle), plus participation in discussions and projects in
class - 20%,
take-home mid-term exam. (6-7 pages) Due at the beginning of class on October
31, 2011. - 25%,
paper including researched interpretation and theological reflection,
prepared in two stages. Stage one due October 17, 2011. Stage two (10-12
pages; graded) due November 28, 2011. - 30%
take-home final exam. (6-7 pages) Due December 5, 2010. - 25%.
M.Div. and MA/BST core requirements in Old Testament "a" (OTA), and
Biblical Studies in MAT.