THL105 Introduction To Old Testament Studies (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject is a foundational introduction to the contents of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and to basic scholarly tools and critical methods used in Old Testament studies. It surveys the formation of the Old Testament, both as a whole and as comprising collections of books, while focusing on selected texts from the Torah (Pentateuch), Prophets, Writings and Apocrypha. It pays particular attention to issues of oral and textual transmission, historical and geographical context, religion and culture, genre and canon, exegesis, interpretation and diverse theological perspectives.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 1 | |
|---|---|
| Internal | Canberra |
| Internal | United Theological College |
| Distance * | Canberra |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL105
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of the content of the Old Testament
- be able to demonstrate familiarity with key historical, cultural and theological issues pertaining to the study of the Old Testament
- be able to discuss in a way that shows developing critical awareness a range of texts from the Pentateuch, Prophets, Writings and Apocrypha
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of and an ability to use scholarly approaches to the study of the Old Testament
- be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake basic exegesis of Old Testament texts
- be able to demonstrate an ability to conduct basic research using primary sources, dictionaries, commentaries and other scholarly tools
- demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- The contents of Old Testament books
- Scholarly methods of Old Testament studies
- The historical, cultural and geographical contexts of the Old Testament
- The diverse literary genres within the Old Testament, including Hebrew narrative, poetry and rhetoric
- Exegesis and interpretation of texts from the Pentateuch, Prophets, Writings and Apocrypha
- Old Testament theology and theological issues in the Old Testament
- Ethical issues arising from the study of the Old Testament
Residential School
This subject contains a optional 2 day residential school.
The residential school for this introductory subject provides an orientation to the subject matter, methodology, library resources, and research tools pertaining to the study of the Old Testament.
Activities include lectures, library orientation and group work.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.