Introducing the Hebrew Bible

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

1. Describe the historical and social worlds of the Old Testament / Hebrew Bible.
2. Demonstrate a working familiarity with a range of exegetical approaches to the Hebrew Bible.
3. Effectively use the tools for biblical interpretation: dictionaries, commentaries, journals, monographs, along with primary sources.
4. Support theological applications of the Hebrew Bible to 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.

• One 2,500 word essay (45%)
• One 2,500 word exegesis (45%)
• 1,000 words of online participation, critically responding to set readings (10%)

Set texts recommended for purchase are highlighted in blue

• Arnold, B., Introduction to the Old Testament. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014.
• 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.
• Childs, B.S., Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979.
• Collins, J.J., Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004.
• Gorman, M.J., Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers. Peabody: Hendrickson, rev. edn, 2009.
• Rogerson, J., Atlas of the Bible. London: Macdonald, 1985.
• 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.