Content

This unit offers an Introduction to the literature of the Old Testament, and a study of the history and geography of biblical Israel. The topics covered include: manuscripts of the Holy Bible, development of the Old Testament Canon, and translation. Students will be introduced to the study of the Old Testament, and its different genres, comparing modern and patristic methodologies of interpreting the Old Testament. Students will study an overview of all books of the Old Testament.

Unit code: BA8109A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify of the contents of the Old Testament and its various genres

2.

Evaluate the importance of the study of the Old Testament, the origins of its writings, and how the books of the Old Testament were adopted by the church

3.

Explain the basic historical, geographical, and cultural backgrounds of the ancient world of the bible

4.

Apply exegetical methodology to a selected passage from the Old Testament

Pedagogy

Six fortnightly sessions, comprising guided reading from the set texts, additional reading resources and some notes, together with an online tutorial. Students will be expected to contribute to the discussions in each session.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey Encountering Biblical Studies. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1999. (recommended for purchase)
  • Bandstra, Barry L. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/ Cengage Learning, 2009.
  • Boadt, Lawrence. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist Press, 1984.
  • Broyles, Craig C. Interpreting the Old Testament: A Guide for Exegesis. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2001.
  • Drane, John William. Introducing the Old Testament. Rev. ed. Oxford: Lion Pub., 2000.
  • Evans, Craig A., and Emanuel Tov. Exploring the Origins of the Bible: Canon Formation in Historical, Literary, and Theological Perspective Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, 2008.
  • Hayes, John Haralson, and James Maxwell Miller. Israelite and Judaean History. London. Philadelphia: SCM Press; Trinity Press International, 1990.
  • Krentz, Edgar. The Historical-Critical Method. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1975.
  • Matthews, Victor Harold. A Brief History of Ancient Israel. 1st ed. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.
  • Stuart, Douglas K. Old Testament Exegesis: a Handbook for Students and Pastors. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay – 3000 words

0 40.0
Exegetical Essay

Exegetical Essay - 2000 words

0 30.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests

Quizzes (four Quizzes across the semester Equivalent to 500 words)

0 10.0
Essay

Online discussion (Equivalent to 500 words)

0 10.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2019-10-03 11:34:39 +1000