Pentateuch
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 115 pages
- 16 units
This course introduces the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, exploring their historical context, authorship theories, and theological significance. It examines the development of Pentateuchal criticism and compares its content with other ancient Near Eastern literature. The course covers Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, emphasizing their messages and contemporary relevance in socio-religious settings. Students will analyze key themes such as creation, covenant, law, and redemption.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 169 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS212, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS212 · UNIT 2: THE DEVELOPMENT OF PENTATEUCHAL CRITICISM
That the Israelite history is firmly rooted in addressing the destiny of humanity cannot be contested. It is however the Pentateuch that helps us to understand better God’s purpose for Israel especially in relation to the redemption of mankind. The Pentateuch begins with the creation of human, the subsequent fall and the attendant consequences and the process of restoration.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the meaning and goal of the Pentateuch
- Explain the process of the composition of the Pentateuch
- Compare and contrast the content of the Pentateuch with other literature in the ancient Near East
- Appreciate the relevance of the Pentateuch in contemporary socio-religious set-up
- Discuss the importance of the Pentateuch in Israelite history and religion
What it prepares you for
- Religious Educator
- Theologian
- Biblical Scholar
- Religious Leader
- Historian
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Research Institutes
- Historical Preservation
- Theological Seminaries
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: General Introduction
Unit 2: The Development of Pentateuchal Criticism
Understanding the different critical methods requires grasping complex concepts and terminology in biblical scholarship.
- Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 5: The Book of Leviticus
The intricate details of sacrificial laws and rituals demand careful attention and can be challenging to grasp.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 80 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: General Introduction
Unit 1: What is the Pentateuch? · 5 hours
Read Unit 1: Defining the Pentateuch, its books, and its role in understanding Israelite religion and history.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 2Module 1: General Introduction
Unit 2: The Development of Pentateuchal Criticism · 5 hours
Read Unit 2: Understanding Biblical criticism and its application to the Pentateuch.. Study the rationale behind Pentateuchal criticism and its historical development.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 3Module 1: General Introduction
Unit 3: The Authorship of the Pentateuch · 5 hours
Read Unit 3: Examining the arguments for and against Mosaic authorship.. Discuss the complexities involved in determining the author of the Pentateuch.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 4Module 1: General Introduction
Unit 4: The Documentary Hypothesis of the Pentateuch · 5 hours
Read Unit 4: Understanding the documentary hypothesis and its sources (J, E, P, D).. Explain the weaknesses of the documentary hypothesis.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 5Module 1: General Introduction
Unit 5: Old Testament Canon And Text · 5 hours
Read Unit 5: Understanding the meaning of Canon and its application to the Old Testament.. Study the evolution of the Old Testament Canon and its various texts.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 6Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 1: The Book of Genesis · 5 hours
Read Unit 1: Understanding the literary types found in Genesis.. Identify other documents similar to Genesis in the ancient Near East.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 7Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 2: The Creation story in Genesis · 5 hours
Read Unit 2: Understanding the creation accounts in Genesis.. Distinguish the creation of humanity from other aspects of creation.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 8Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 3: The Book of Exodus · 5 hours
Read Unit 3: Understanding the Exodus event and its significance in Israelite history.. Study the role of Moses in the development of Israelite religion.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 9Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 4: Key Themes and Concepts in Exodus · 5 hours
Read Unit 4: Understanding the origin of key concepts in Israelite religion inherent in Exodus.. Study concepts like Passover and covenant.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 10Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 5: The Book of Leviticus · 5 hours
Read Unit 5: Understanding Priesthood in Leviticus.. Study Sacrificial Offerings in Leviticus.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 11Module 2: Books Of The Pentateuch I
Unit 6: The Levitical Offerings/Festivals in Leviticus · 5 hours
Read Unit 6: Understanding the different feasts and festivals in ancient Israel.. Study the significance of the feasts and festivals.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 12Module 3: Books Of The Pentateuch Ii
Unit 1: The Book of Numbers · 5 hours
Read Unit 1: Understanding the literary genres in Numbers.. Study the Theology/Message of Numbers.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
Unit 2: Important Themes in Numbers · 5 hours
Read Unit 2: Understanding the Census Figures in Numbers.. Study the Nazarite Vows.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
- Week 13Module 3: Books Of The Pentateuch Ii
Unit 3: The Book of Deuteronomy · 5 hours
Read Unit 3: Understanding the Composition of Deuteronomy.. Study the Message and Theology of Deuteronomy.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
Unit 4: Theological Themes in Deuteronomy · 5 hours
Read Unit 4: Understanding the Theological Themes in Deuteronomy.. Study the Gift of land.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
Unit 5: Contemporary Relevance of The Message of the Pentateuch · 5 hours
Read Unit 5: Understanding the Relevance of the Pentateuch in Contemporary socio-religious set-up.. Study the Decalogue as Blueprint for a Peaceful and prosperous society.. Complete Self-Assessment Exercise.. Attempt Tutor-Marked Assignment (TMA) questions..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of Pentateuchal criticism development (Unit 2).
- Compare/contrast JEDP sources using a table (Unit 4).
- Outline key events in Exodus and their theological significance (Units 3-4).
- Summarize the main laws and festivals in Leviticus (Units 5-6).
- Analyze the contemporary relevance of each book's message (Units 1-5 of each module).
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS212 about?
This course introduces the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, exploring their historical context, authorship theories, and theological significance. It examines the development of Pentateuchal criticism and compares its content with other ancient Near Eastern literature. The course covers Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, emphasizing their messages and contemporary relevance in socio-religious settings. Students will analyze key themes such as creation, covenant, law, and redemption.
How many units does CRS212 have?
CRS212, Pentateuch, has 16 units across 3 modules, over 115 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS212?
CRS212 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is CRS212 hard?
CRS212 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS212 take to study?
About 169 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.
How is CRS212 assessed?
CRS212 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CRS212?
Religious Educator, Theologian, Biblical Scholar, Religious Leader and Historian.