This unit explores the Pentateuch as foundational to the biblical narrative and theological identity of Israel. In the unit, students will examine the issues of authorship and audience, contents, its evolution and formation, historical contexts, multiple literary forms, and theological themes. Attention will also be given to the continuing significance of the Pentateuch in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
Unit code: BA9321Z
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Old Testament
Proposing College: St Barnabas College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Evaluate key scholarly debates surrounding the Pentateuch |
| 2. | Discuss major theological themes of the Pentateuch and its individual books, and their broader canonical echoes |
| 3. | Demonstrate exegetical skills in the analysis of Pentateuchal texts; for students with Hebrew this includes but is not limited to an ability to function readily with the Hebrew language |
| 4. | Critically analyse the relevance of Pentateuchal texts and themes for the church and world today |
| 5. | Synthesise the key theological messages from selected Pentateuch texts |
BA8741Z Exploring the Old Testament, or equivalent.
This unit employs both flipped classroom approaches and interactive lectures as appropriate, including seminar-style discussion of guided readings, student and instructor-led group analysis of texts and student presentations.
• Alexander, T. Desmond, and David W. Baker. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2003.
―――――. From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch. Fourth edition. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2022. https://research-ebsco-com.divinity.idm.oclc.org/c/ogttul/viewer/pdf/26rarbux35?route=details
• Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. Anchor Bible Reference Library. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1992.
• Collins, John J. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible: And Deutero-Canonical Books. Third edition. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2018.
• Dozeman, Thomas B. The Pentateuch: Introducing the Torah. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2017.
• Gooder, Paula. The Pentateuch: A Story of Beginnings. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 2000.
• Laffey, Alice L. The Pentateuch: A Liberation-Critical Reading. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1998.
• Macina, Robert Daniel. The Lord’s Service: A Ritual Analysis of the Order, Function, and Purpose of the Daily Divine Service in the Pentateuch. Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2019.
• Whybray, R. N. Introduction to the Pentateuch. Grand Rapids, Mich.: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1995.
• Yee, Gale A., Hugh R. Page, and Matthew J. M. Coomber, eds. The Pentateuch. Study edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016. https://search-ebscohost-com.divinity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1370561.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Present a tutorial paper on a Pentateuchal theme | 2000 | 40.0 | |
| Exegetical Essay - Essay on a selected text from the Pentateuch | 5000 | 60.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 Nov, 2025
Unit record last updated: 2025-11-18 16:01:54 +1100