THL304 The Pentateuch (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
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.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: THL304
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
THL105 and (THL202 or THL209 )
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to demonstrate familiarity with critical scholarship regarding the composition of the Pentateuch
- be able to demonstrate knowledge of the distinguishing characteristics of and relationships between the Priestly, Deuteronomistic, and Yahwist/Elohist sources
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of the structure and compositional features of each book of the Pentateuch
- be able to read the text of the Pentateuch as a whole
- be able to demonstrate an in detail understanding of at least five Pentateuchal narratives
- be able to demonstrate interpretive skills in the reading of Old Testament narratives
- be able to discuss issues raised by archaeology and historiography in relation to the Pentateuch
- be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- history of critical Pentateuchal scholarship - proposed written and oral sources of the Pentateuch - distinctive theologies of Genesis and Deuteronomy - the priestly code and its functions in Israelite history - the relationship between the Pentateuch and the remainder of the Old Testament - rhetorical and compositional features of each book in the Pentateuch - interpreting biblical narrative wholistically - exegetical methods: form, rhetorical, narrative, linguistic and historical-contextual - archaeology and historiography in the study of the Pentateuch - covenantal membership and ethnicity - symbol, metaphor and meaning in the Pentateuch
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 5 day residential school.
This residential school provides students with the opportunity of engaging with the subject matter in an intensive manner in a group setting. Activitives include lectures, tutorial presentations, and library research.
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.