THL304 The Pentateuch (8)
Prerequisite: THL105 and (THL202 or THL209)
This subject comprises a detailed investigation of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. It examines the history of and contemporary perspectives on the composition of the Pentateuch, with particular attention given to proposed written and oral sources (Priestly, Deuteronomistic, Yahwist/Elohist). The examination proceeds along two main lines: reading of critical Pentateuchal scholarship and detailed exploration of biblical texts. The subject also surveys the overall contents of the Pentateuch and investigates several noteworthy passages. Exegetical competence is developed through the review and practice of form, rhetorical, narrative, linguistic, and historical-contextual methods of analysis.