This unit will examine the literary forms, traditions (oral and written), narratives, and theologies of the Pentateuch or Torah. In particular the unit will consider the Creation narratives in Genesis 1-11, the Joseph narratives in Genesis, Law in Deuteronomy, and the Holiness Code in Leviticus. Key passages will be selected to illustrate themes and structure. Attention will also be given to the possible thematic unity and narrative integrity of the Pentateuch.

Prerequisites:

• second level: BS101 and BS102 or equivalent
• third level: two Biblical Studies units at second level

Requirements:
3 hours per week

Assessment:

• second level
  • one 1,500 word assignment - 30%
  • one 2,000 word essay - 40%
  • one 1 hour written examination - 30%
    
    
• third level
  • one 1,500 word assignment - 25%
  • one 3,000 word essay - 45%
  • one 1 hour written examination - 30%

Text:
The New Revised Standard Version will be used in lectures.
Students should also have access to the New Jerusalem Bible.

Bibliography:

• Alexander, T. Desmond, and David W. Baker, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2003.
• Blenkinsopp, Joseph. The Pentateuch: An Introduction to the First Five Books of the Bible. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
• Campbell, Anthony F., and Mark A. O’Brien. Rethinking the Pentateuch: Prolegomena to the Theology of Ancient Israel. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2005.
• Milgrom, Jacob. Leviticus 17–22: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible, vol. 3A. New York: Doubleday, 2000.
• Rendtorff, Rolf. The Covenant Formula: An Exegetical and Theological Investigation. Translated by Margaret Kohl. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1998.
• Rofé, Alexander. Introduction to the Composition of the Pentateuch. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic, 1999.
• Ska, Jean L. “Our Fathers Have Told Us”: Introduction to the Analysis of Hebrew Narratives. Subsidia Biblica no. 13. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 2000.
• Weinfeld, Moshe. Deuteronomy 1–11: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. Anchor Bible, vol. 5. New York: Doubleday, 1991.
• Westermann, Claus. Genesis 1–11: A Commentary. Translated by John J. Sullivan. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1984.