Exploring the Old Testament (BA8001C)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit explores the world of the Old Testament and demonstrates its enduring relevance. It provides insights into the diverse historical, cultural, social, and literary contexts of Old Testament literature. Through the study of selected biblical passages, students engage with various methods of interpretation, integrate perspectives of faith and reason, and discover pastoral and educational applications of these ancient texts for today. The unit also examines thematic and theological links between the Old and New Testaments. (This unit may be offered in intensive or online mode.)

Unit code: BA8001C

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Identify the literary structure of the Old Testament, its narrative story line, key persons, institutions, events, and theological themes.
2.

Use biblical commentaries and dictionaries to analyse theological concepts, persons, and historical events related to the Old Testament.
3.

Critically examine secondary academic literature related to the Old Testament.

4.

Reflect on Old Testament theological themes, their development in New Testament literature, and elucidate their relevance to contemporary society and the church.
5.

Undertake research concerning Old Testament texts in a critical manner applying appropriate interpretative tools.

Pedagogy

Classes consist of interactive lectures, reading and analysing biblical texts, as well as discussions and seminars (in each case, presented in modes appropriate for face-to-face or online learning contexts)

Indicative Bibliography

  • Barton, John, and Julia Bowden. The Original Story: God, Israel and the World. Grand Rapids, MN: Eerdmans, 2005.
  • Bergant, Dianne. Scripture: History and Interpretation. Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2008.
  • Brueggemann, Walter, and Tod Linafelt. An Introduction to the Old Testament: The Canon and Christian Imagination. 2nd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2012.
  • Carr, David M. An Introduction to the Old Testament: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts of the Hebrew Bible. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
  • Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. 3rd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2018.
  • Frick, Frank S. A Journey through the Hebrew Scriptures. 2nd rev ed. Belmont: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2003.
  • Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids, MN: Baker Academic, 2009.
  • Harrington, Daniel J. How Do Catholics Read the Bible? Come and See Series. Lanham, MD: Sheed & Ward, 2005.
  • Sumney, Jerry L. The Bible: An Introduction. 2nd ed. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2014.
  • Vatican Council II. Dei Verbum. Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation. 18 November 1965. In Vatican II: The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents, edited by A. Flannery. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1980.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Case Study 1000 20.0
Book Review 2000 30.0
Exegetical Essay 3000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 22 Jul, 2020

Unit record last updated: 2020-07-22 10:29:18 +1000