Old Testament Introduction (BA2001L)

Content

As an introduction to the Old Testament this unit offers an overview of the textual, cultural, historical, literary and theological features of the literature of the Old Testament. The student is introduced to topics such as inspiration, hermeneutics, the formation of the Old Testament canon, its different genres, and its relationship to the New Testament, Christian faith, doctrine and life.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 2 unit in undergraduate theology and ministry courses

Prohibited combinations: BS1001L The Bible Today A

Pedagogy

This unit combines asynchronous student engagement with unit materials and weekly 1 hour synchronous/face-to-face hybrid seminars. Emphasis is placed on student engagement with primary texts (Old Testament) and topical readings, eLessons, eLectures to support student learning and acquisition of basic analytical skills for interpreting Old Testament texts. Weekly quizzes provide regular feedback to students on their learning progress and engagement with learning materials.

Indicative Bibliography

• deClaissé-Walford, Nancy. Introduction to the Psalms: a song from Ancient Israel. St. Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2004.
• Dillard, Raymond B., and Tremper Longman III. An introduction to the Old Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2006.
• Lessing, R. Reed, and Andrew E. Steinmann. Prepare the way of the Lord: an introduction to the Old Testament. St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 2014.
• Murphy, Roland E. The tree of life: an exploration of biblical wisdom literature. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002.
• Powell, Mark Allen. What is narrative criticism? Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1990.
• Provan, Iain, V. Phillips Long, and Tremper Longman III. A biblical history of Israel. 2nd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2015.
• Steinmann, Andrew E., and Michael Eschelbach. Called to be God’s people: an introduction to the Old Testament. Abridged ed. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2015.
• Steinmann, Andrew E. From Abraham to Paul: a biblical chronology. St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2011.
• Yee, Gale A., ed. Judges & method: new approaches in biblical studies. 2nd ed. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2007.

Assessment