Introducing the Hebrew Bible

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:

Undergraduate

1. Describe the historical and social worlds of the Hebrew Bible.
2. Effectively use the tools for biblical interpretation (dictionaries, commentaries, journals, monographs, and primary sources).
3. Develop an awareness of, and appreciation for, the history of Hebrew Bible research and a variety of current interpretive approaches.
4. Demonstrate theological and hermeneutical applications of the Hebrew Bible within our current context.

Postgraduate

1. Describe the historical and social worlds of the Hebrew Bible.
2. Effectively use the tools for biblical interpretation (dictionaries, commentaries, journals, monographs and primary sources).
3. Develop an awareness of, and appreciation for, the history of Hebrew Bible research and a variety of current interpretive approaches.
4. Demonstrate theological and hermeneutical applications of the Hebrew Bible within our current context.
5. Undertake postgraduate-level research into the Hebrew Bible and demonstrate this by writing an exegetical paper using appropriate methods and skills.

Undergraduate

• Essay (1,500 words) (40%)
• Exegesis (1,500 words) (40%)
• Critical review – online (1,000 words) (20%)

Postgraduate

• Essay (3,000 words) (45%)
• Exegesis (3,000 words) (45%)
• Critical review – online (1,000 words) (10%)

• Arnold, B., Introduction to the Old Testament. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
• Bach, A. (ed.). Women in the Hebrew Bible: A Reader. New York: Routledge, 1999.
• Birch, B. (et al), A Theological Introduction to the Old Testament. Nashville: Abingdon, 1999.
• Carr, D.M., An Introduction to the Old Testament: Sacred Texts and Imperial Contexts of the Hebrew Bible. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2010.
• Collins, J.J., Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004.
• David, E.F., Opening Israel’s Scriptures. New York: Oxford University Press, 2019.
• Goldingay, J. An Introduction to the Old Testament. Downer’s Grove: IVP, 2015.
• Gorman, M.J., Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody: Hendrickson, rev. edn, 2009.
• Morrow, W.S., An Introduction to Biblical Law. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2017.
• Smith-Christopher, D., The Old Testament: Our Call to Faith & Justice. Notre Dame: Ave Maria Press, 2005.
• Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 4^th edn 2009.

Set texts recommended for purchase: Nil