Content

This unit engages with the Book of Genesis with exegesis of selected texts in English translations. Topics covered are: its major sections and unity; discussion of its historical and social context, its major theological themes; and exegesis of selected texts with consideration of artistic, historical and contemporary interpretations.

Unit code: BA9100T

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Analyse and engage critically with the scholarly debates over the understanding of the book of Genesis as a whole

2.

Interpret the text of Genesis using advanced exegetical skills

3.

Reflect theologically on the text of Genesis and relate that to other biblical studies and theological disciplines

4.

Evaluate critically the origins of various ethical and theological issues in Genesis and their implications for life and church teaching.

Unit sequence

Introduction to the Old Testament (or equivalent)

Pedagogy

Twelve weekly sessions. Lecture component (online or in classroom) and tutorial component on exegesis.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Arnold, Bill T. Genesis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009.
  • Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Creation, Un-Creation, Re-Creation: A Discursive Commentary on Genesis 1-11. London: T & T Clark, 2011.
  • Brenner, Athalya. ed. A Feminist Companion to Genesis. Vols 1-2. Sheffield: Sheffield University Press, 1997/1998.
  • Brett, Mark G. Genesis: Procreation and the Politics of Identity. Old Testament Readings. London: Routledge, 2000.
  • Brueggemann, W. Genesis. Atlanta: John Knox, 1982.

  • Habel, Norman C. The Birth, The Curse and The Greening Of Earth: An Ecological Reading Of Genesis 1-11. Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2011.
  • Hendel, Ronald S. Reading Genesis: Ten Methods. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
  • Kvam, Kristen E, Linda S Schearing, and Valarie H Ziegler. Eve and Adam: Jewish, Christian and Muslim Readings on Genesis and Gender. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1999.
  • Warner, Megan. Re-Imagining Abraham: A Re-Assessment of the Influence of Deuteronomism in Genesis. OTS 72. Leiden: Brill, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegetical Essay

Exegetical essay of 2500 words

2500 35.0
Essay

Essay of 2500 words

2500 35.0
Report

Written report based on Tutorial presentation (1000 words)

1000 10.0
Seminar or Tutorial

Tutorial (or online tutorial forum) presentation and participation (1000 words)

1000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 27 Sep, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:49 +1000