Biblical Studies Old Testament

This is the first half of a two-semester course intended to enable students to engage in critical (that is, analytical) reading, thinking, writing, and speaking about the contents of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the history and religion of Israel. The first semester course focuses on Genesis-1 Kings 11 and the sources that make up this material. The purpose is for students to discover the original cultural setting insofar as this is possible (historical-critical method). In addition, class participants will have the opportunity to evaluate newer approaches to biblical interpretation, especially African American and feminist/womanist biblical interpretation.

This is the second half of a two-semester course intended to introduce students to a critical (that is, analytical) way of reading, thinking, writing, and speaking about the contents of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the history and religion of Israel. The second semester course focuses on the historical period beginning with the divided kingdom and the prophetic and wisdom literature of the HB/OT. The purpose is to understand the material in its original cultural setting insofar as this is possible (historical-critical method). In addition, newer approaches to biblical interpretation will be considered. Special attention will be paid to African American and feminist/womanist biblical interpretation.

This is the first half of a full year introduction to Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar. Students will master the writing system, basic grammar, and essential vocabulary necessary for reading the prose sections of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) in Hebrew. This is an online class taught with a combination of video-taped lectures and three virtual F2F sessions each week at lunch on M-W-F from 12-1 using Zoom video-conference videoconference software, during which time students go over homework and practice pronunciation.

This is the second half of a full year introduction to Biblical Hebrew Language and Grammar. Using Logos software, students will read the books of Jonah, Ruth, and as much of the first twelve chapters of Genesis as we can get through. They fill out Excel spreadsheets, one worksheet each for verbs, nouns, and other parts of speech, to consolidate their knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, then in class pronounce and translate the material, answering questions about unusual forms.

This course introduces students to the alphabets, overall structure of the languages, basic vocabulary of Hebrew and Greek, and how to use Logos software to decipher biblical Hebrew and Greek texts so that they may understand the more technical commentaries. Depending on the ability and diligence of the students, which varies from class to class, the class may read several chapters of Genesis together as well as the prologue to the Gospel of John and other NT texts chosen by the students. This class does not substitute for a full year long course in Hebrew and Greek, but it does provide minimal tools for students who would like to be able to understand what the commentators are talking about when they begin to use Hebrew and Greek terms..

This course is unique in its nature and structure. It is a team-taught course on a timely topic, women in the two sacred texts. Students will compare and contrast theological debate amongst feminists, womanists, and general theologians. The students discern how the stories of the women in the two sacred text connect with contemporary issues in the lives of men and women. They discover ways of communicating the messages coming from these stories in faith communities today. This course is also considered the cornerstone of the field of interreligious studies and dialogue.

This course is designed to give the student who is familiar with the content of the books of the Old Testament the opportunity for advanced study of the Old Testament. This is not an Old Testament Survey. Rather, the course is an analytical study of the Old Testament and its themes and the theology that can be derived from these. The goal is to obtain a better understanding of the whole of the Old Testament, particularly of the God of the Old Testament and His working through history and the nation of Israel, in order to better understand the fulfillment of the Old Testament in Jesus Christ.

The coursework focuses on building the specific analytical and management skills needed by those assuming leadership roles as executive staff or board members in a variety of nonprofit fields. All the courses feature a global perspective for relevance in today's world of interconnected economies and communication.