Content

This unit introduces students to the literature, historical background and theology of the Old Testament. Students will learn to use basic tools and approaches for biblical studies, focusing on reading the biblical text as literature, with its historical context in mind and with a goal of discerning its theological message. Attention will be given to key Old Testament themes including creation, fall, exodus and exile. Along the way the unit will challenge the learners to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament and its place within the biblical canon as well as its role in Christian faith and life. Students will also consider the implications of their learning for Christian ministry contexts.

Unit code: BS1201L

Unit status: Archived (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1

Unit discipline: Biblical Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Interpret the theological message of Old Testament texts by reading them as literature and with their historical context in mind

2.

Explain how consideration of the place of Old Testament texts within the whole biblical canon affects interpretation of them

3.

Discuss key Old Testament themes and apply them to ministry contexts

Unit sequence

Prohibited combinations: BA1001L Bible Introduction 1 BS1003L Exploring the Bible

Pedagogy

Face-to-face

Indicative Bibliography

  • Drane, John. 2011. Introducing the Old Testament, 3rd ed. Lion: Oxford UK. (recommended for purchase)
  • The Bible, preferably the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) or the Today’s New International Version (TNIV) and preferably in the form of a study Bible. (recommended for purchase)

  • Alexander, David, and Pat Alexander, 2009. The Lion handbook to the Bible. 4th ed. Lion: Oxford, UK.

  • Arnold, Bill T., and Brian E. Beyer. 2008. Encountering the Old Testament: a Christian survey. 2nd ed. Baker: Grand Rapids MI (with CD-ROM).

  • Barton, J., ed. 1998. The Cambridge companion to biblical interpretation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, UK.

  • Brueggemann, W. 2003. An introduction to the Old Testament: the canon and Christian imagination. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox KY.

  • Dumbrell, William J. 2002. The faith of Israel: a theological survey of the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Baker Academic: Grand Rapids MI.

  • Jacobson, Diane L., and Robert Kysar. 1991. A beginner’s guide to the books of the Bible. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress.

  • La Sor, William Sandford, et al. 1996. Old Testament survey: the message, forms and background of the Old Testament, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm B Eerdmans.

  • Ralph, Margaret Nutting. 2003. And God said what? An introduction to biblical literary forms. Revised Edition. New York, NY: Paulist Press.

  • Pilch, John. 1991. Introducing the cultural context of the Old Testament. New York, NY: Paulist.

  • Ryan, M., ed. 2003. Reading the Bible: An introduction for students. Tuggerah, NSW: Social Science Press.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

1750 word essay

0 50.0
Essay

1000 word appraisal of a Bible study resource such as a DVD

0 20.0
Essay

1250 word integrative response to a topic developed from insights produced through a journaling process

0 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 19 Oct, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:51 +1000