Timetabling
Semester:
Second Semester
This unit is an introduction to the literature of the Old Testament. It is designed to stimulate thoughtful and critical reading of the Old Testament, related ancient literature, and modern secondary literature dedicated to biblical interpretation. In the process it will examine matters of canon, forms of Old Testament literature, historical and major theological issues, including creation, law, covenant, kingship, exodus, exile, prophecy, monotheism, divine compassion and justice. The diversity of perspectives both in the Old Testament itself and in considered scholarly opinion on the text will be discussed, as will the relation of the interpretation of biblical texts to contemporary issues of faith.
Description
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to demonstrate:
the acquisition of fundamental skills and approaches used in biblical studies
familiarity with some of the major biblical and extra-biblical texts important to Old Testament studies
some familiarity with the textual, cultural, historical, literary, religious, and theological aspects of these texts
the ability to evaluate critically appropriate resources for biblical studies in the research and writing of an interpretative essay on a biblical text
the ability to critically examine different interpretations of biblical texts and to construct arguments based on the analysis of these texts and their interpretations
the ability to relate biblical interpretation to issues of contemporary life and belief.
Prohibited Combinations:
OBS300 Engaging with Scripture
Teaching Methods:
There are six fortnightly sessions. Each session uses class notes and set readings with related questions, tutorial exercises and online class discussion.
Assessment:
2 x 1500 word assignments (25% each)
1 x 2500 word exegetical assignment (40%)
Participation in each of the six online tutorials, comprising intentional, reflective and critical interaction with lecturer and peers to the equivalent of 600 words (10%).
Bibliography:
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Anderson, Bernhard W. Understanding the Old Testament. Abridged 4th edition with Katheryn Phisterer Darr. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1998.
Barton, J. Reading the Old Testament: Method in Biblical Study . Rev. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.
Birch, B. C. et al. A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.
*Boadt, L. Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction. New York: Paulist, 1984.
Brueggemann, W. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination . Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003.
Collins, J. J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible with CD-Rom . Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004.
Gillingham, S. E. One Bible, Many Voices: Different Approaches to Biblical Studies . Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999.
Keck, L. E. et al (eds). The New Interpreter’s Bible . Vol. 1. Nashville: Abingdon, 1994. General articles.
McKenzie, S. L. and Haynes, S. R. (eds). To Each its own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and their Application . Rev. and expanded ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1999.
McKenzie, S. L. and Kaltner, J. The Old Testament: Its Background, Growth, & Content . Nashville: Abingdon, 2007.
Smith, M. S. The Memoirs of God: History, Memory, and the Experience of the Divine in Israel . Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004.
Unit Fields
Unit Level
