Introduction to the Old Testament (BA8000T)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit introduces students to the history and literature of the Old Testament. A wide range of OT texts will be read to situate and examine biblical themes such as creation, flood, law, covenant, temple, worship, exodus, kingship, prophecy, exile, ethics, and the divine-human interaction. Students will also examine issues of genre, source, canonization and translation in order to critically assess and interpret the Old Testament.

Unit code: BA8000T

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Proposing College: Trinity College Theological School

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the broad historical, cultural, religious, and theological world of Old Testament texts including an awareness of key figures and dates
2.

Situate a particular text within the history, literature, and theology of the Old Testament
3.

Demonstrate an awareness of critical skills and tools for exegesis, including relevant reference tools and resources
4.

Research, write and reference an exegetical essay using primary and secondary resources
5.

Identify different interpretations of biblical texts and the assumptions and strategies involved
6.

Construct an argument for interpretation based on a close analysis of the text using the critical skills required and in conversation with other interpretations

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials, webinars

Indicative Bibliography

  • NRSV Study Bible (recommended for purchase)
  • Alter, R. The Art of Biblical Narrative, Philadelphia: Basic Books, 1981/2011.
  • Barton, J. Reading the Old Testament: Method in Biblical Study, Louisville: Westminster, 1996.
  • Birch, B.C., W. Brueggemann, T.E. Fretheim, D. L. Petersen. A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. 2nd Ed. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005.
  • Carr, D. The Formation of the Hebrew Bible: A New Reconstruction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011.
  • Collins, J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, Minneapolis: Fortress, 2014.
  • Davis, E.F. Getting Involved with God: Rediscovering the Old Testament. Lanham: Cowley Publications, 2001.
  • Grabbe, L.L. Ancient Israel: What Do We Know and How Do We Know It? 2nd Ed. London: T&T Clark, 2017.
  • Hayes, C. Introduction to the Bible, New Haven: Yale University Press, 2012.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum - Forum/Tutorial Discussion

Critical contributions to forum or tutorial discussions

 1000 10.0
Short Answer Tests - Exegetical exercises

2x Exegetical exercises of 300 words in weeks 2 and 5

 600 10.0
Exegetical Essay - Exegetical essay

Exegetical Essay (2000 words)

 2000 40.0
Written Examination - Take-home exam

Take-home Written Examination

2500 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 6 Feb, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-02-06 10:45:16 +1100