This unit will engage a study of the book of Genesis in relation to the art of preaching. A narrative approach to Genesis will examine its major themes, genre, and characters. Theologies of creation and ecology, human dignity, vocation, and obedience will be discussed. Exploration of issues of justice relevant to a study of Genesis will consider gender relations, ethnicity, sexual ethics, questions of faith and science. Scholarly approaches to Genesis will be evaluated in terms of their contribution to modern preaching. Examination of the socio-historical background to Genesis will be undertaken, including its literary place in the Pentateuch, and scholarly debate on composition.
Unit code: BA9436S
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Old Testament
Delivery Mode: Blended
Proposing College: Stirling College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | Demonstrate competency in preparing and presenting sermons and oral presentations on the book of Genesis. |
| 2. | Engage in an in-depth study of a character in Genesis from a narrative perspective. |
| 3. | Articulate the implications of major themes and theologies of Genesis to contemporary contexts. |
| 4. | Engage with scholarly literature demonstrating informed analysis of major debates regarding Genesis. |
| 5. | Evaluate the historical, and socio –cultural background for interpreting passages in Genesis. |
| 6. | Integrate relevant modern critical methods involved in interpreting Genesis. |
| 7. | Demonstrate competent use of tools for biblical research including commentaries, concordances, theological and Bible dictionaries, monographs and journals |
Prerequisite: BA8001S Introducing the Hebrew Bible (or equivalent)
This unit includes the combination of theoretical and practical sessions. The unit will be taught via interactive lectures, online video and audio. In a flipped classroom approach students are required to read, engage with visiting practitioners and participate in creative group work.
Alter, Robert. Genesis. New York: W.W. Norton, 1996.
Blenkinsopp, Joseph. Creation, Un-Creation, Re-Creation: A Discursive Commentary on Genesis 1-11. London: T & T Clark, 2011.
Brueggemann, Walter. Genesis. First ed. Interpretation : A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. Louisville, Ky.: Westminister John Knox Press, 2010. (Ebook). Brueggemann, W, The Practice of Prophetic Imagination: Preaching an Emancipating Word. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2012. Enns, Peter, and Jared Byas. Genesis for Normal People : A Guide to the Most Controversial, Misunderstood, and Abused Book of the Bible. Englewood, CO: Patheos Press, 2012.
Habel, Norman C. and Shirley Wurst, edited by. The Earth Story in Genesis. The Earth Bible volume 2. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 2000.
Trible, Phyllis, and Letty M Russell. Hagar, Sarah, and Their Children : Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Perspectives. 1st ed. Phyllis Trible Lecture Series, 2004. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006.
Robbins, Ellen A. The Storyteller and the Garden of Eden. Eugene, Or.: Pickwick Publications, 2012.
White, Hugh C. Narration and Discourse in the Book of Genesis. Cambridge England: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Wright, Christopher, J.H. How to Preach and Teach the Old Testament for All Its Worth, Zondervan Academic, 2016.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-media project - Podcast on a major character in Genesis | 1000 words as equivalent to 15 minutes in length. |
1000 | 20.0 |
| Homily/Sermon - Sermon: Choose a passage, connect with a major issue. | Peer assessed. 1250 words equivalent to 20 minutes. Also assesses LO 7 (see additional notes) |
1250 | 25.0 |
| Literature Survey - Literature review | Also assesses LO 7 (see additional notes) |
1500 | 25.0 |
| Essay - Essay on major theological theme | Also assesses LO 7 (see additional notes) |
3500 | 30.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 18 Sep, 2020
Unit record last updated: 2020-12-21 10:01:53 +1100