Critical Introduction to the Old Testament
- Arts
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 144 pages
- 16 units
This course provides a critical introduction to the Old Testament, designed for postgraduate diploma students in theology and anyone interested in biblical studies. It explores introductory issues, including the historical and geographical background, structure, literary forms, and interpretation methods of the Old Testament. The course critically examines the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, addressing pertinent theological questions within an African context, particularly focusing on Nigeria. It aims to broaden understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 208 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs)
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CRS713, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
- UNIT 1 HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE OLD TESTAMENTPage xviii
- UNIT 2: OLD TESTAMENT CANON AND TEXTPage 10
- UNIT 3 LITERARY FORMS IN THE OLD TESTAMENTPage 17
- UNIT 4: INTERPRETATION OF THE OLD TESTAMENTPage 23
- UNIT 5 CRITICAL APPROACHES IN OLD TESTAMENT STUDYPage 31
- UNIT 6 CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE PENTATEUCH IPage 38
- UNIT 7: CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE PENTATEUCH IIPage 45
- UNIT 8 CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE FORMER PROPHETSPage 53
- UNIT 9: CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LATTER PROPHETS IPage 61
- UNIT 10: CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LATTER PROPHETS IIPage 69
- UNIT 11: CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LATTER PROPHETS IIIPage 77
- UNIT 12: CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE WRITINGS I – WORSHIP BOOKSPage 85
- UNIT 13 CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE WRITINGS II – WORSHIP BOOK CONTINUEDPage 93
- UNIT 14 CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO HISTORICAL BOOKSPage 100
- UNIT 15 CRITICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE WRITINGS IV – WISDOM LITERATUREPage 107
- UNIT 16: SOME THEOLOGICAL ISSUES IN THE OLD TESTAMENTPage 116
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CRS713 · UNIT 1 HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
This development contributed to the rise of Judaism. During the Persian Era Cyrus permitted Jews to return to Palestine (Isa. 45:1-6). The Temple was rebuilt (538-516 B.C). Nehemiah rebuilt protecting walls in 444 B.C. while Ezra led in spiritual reforms.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the historical and geographical setting of the Old Testament.
- Describe the structure (Canon and text) of the Old Testament.
- State the different literary forms found in the Old Testament.
- Discuss the history and principles for the interpretation of the Old Testament.
- Describe, analyze, and evaluate the contemporary critical approaches to the study of the Old Testament.
- Highlight the critical issues in the introductory study of the various books of the Old Testament.
- Identify and discuss some pertinent theological questions regarding the Old Testament.
What it prepares you for
- Theologian
- Religious Educator
- Pastor
- Chaplain
- Biblical Scholar
- Religious Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Community Development
- Social Services
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 1: Introductory Issues
Unit 2: Canon and Text of the Old Testament
Understanding the nuances of textual criticism requires familiarity with multiple ancient languages and manuscript traditions.
- Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 5: Critical Approaches in Old Testament Study
The JEDP hypothesis and its implications for Mosaic authorship require careful evaluation of conflicting scholarly viewpoints.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 65 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introductory Issues
Unit 1: History and Geography of the Old Testament · 5 hours
Read the introduction to the course and understand the objectives.. Study the historical context of the Old Testament.. Identify key geographical locations and their significance..
- Week 2Module 1: Introductory Issues
Unit 2: Canon and Text of the Old Testament · 5 hours
Examine the development of the Old Testament canon.. Understand the different texts and versions of the Old Testament.. Compare the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament..
- Week 3Module 1: Introductory Issues
Unit 3: Literary Forms in the Old Testament · 5 hours
Identify the various literary forms in the Old Testament.. Analyze the unique features of Hebrew poetry.. Understand the nature of Old Testament narratives..
- Week 4Module 1: Introductory Issues
Unit 4: Interpretation of the Old Testament · 5 hours
Learn the basics of Bible interpretation.. Study the history of Bible interpretation.. Understand the literal interpretation of the Old Testament..
- Week 5Module 1: Introductory Issues
Unit 5: Critical Approaches in Old Testament Study · 5 hours
Define biblical criticism and its rationale.. Explore textual criticism of the Old Testament.. Understand source, form, and historical criticism..
- Week 6Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 6: Critical Introduction to the Law I · 5 hours
Study the general introduction to the Pentateuch.. Critically analyze the book of Genesis.. Understand the themes and messages of Genesis..
- Week 7Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 7: Critical Introduction to the Law II · 5 hours
Continue critical analysis of the book of Exodus.. Explore the themes and theology of Exodus.. Study the critical introduction to Leviticus..
- Week 8Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 8: Critical Introduction to the Former Prophets · 5 hours
Study the critical introduction to Numbers.. Understand the large numbers and lessons in Numbers.. Explore the critical introduction to Deuteronomy..
- Week 9Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 9: Critical Introduction to the Later Prophets I · 5 hours
Study the general introduction to the Major Prophets.. Critically analyze the book of Isaiah.. Understand the prophecies and themes of Isaiah..
- Week 10Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 10: Critical Introduction to the Later Prophets II · 5 hours
Continue critical analysis of the book of Jeremiah.. Explore the prophecies and themes of Jeremiah.. Study the critical introduction to Ezekiel..
- Week 11Module 2: The Law and The Prophets
Unit 11: Critical Introduction to the Later Prophets III · 5 hours
Continue critical analysis of the book of Ezekiel.. Explore the prophecies and themes of Ezekiel.. Study the critical introduction to Daniel..
- Week 12Module 3: The Writings
Unit 12: Critical Introduction to the Writings I – Worship Books · 5 hours
Study the general introduction to the Writings.. Critically analyze the book of Psalms.. Understand the themes and messages of Psalms..
- Week 13Module 3: The Writings
Unit 13: Critical Introduction to the Writings II – Worship Books Continued · 5 hours
Continue critical analysis of the book of Psalms.. Explore the themes and messages of Psalms.. Study the critical introduction to the other worship books..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all study units and focus on key concepts and objectives.
- Pay close attention to the historical and geographical context of the Old Testament.
- Practice interpreting different literary forms found in the Old Testament.
- Familiarize yourself with the critical approaches and their application to specific books.
- Prepare answers to potential essay questions based on the learning outcomes.
- Create concept maps linking major themes and events across different books of the Old Testament.
- Allocate sufficient time to revise tutor-marked assignments and incorporate feedback.
- Form study groups to discuss challenging topics and share insights.
- Practice time management during mock exams to simulate the final examination environment.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CRS713 about?
This course provides a critical introduction to the Old Testament, designed for postgraduate diploma students in theology and anyone interested in biblical studies. It explores introductory issues, including the historical and geographical background, structure, literary forms, and interpretation methods of the Old Testament. The course critically examines the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings, addressing pertinent theological questions within an African context, particularly focusing on Nigeria. It aims to broaden understanding and appreciation of the Old Testament.
How many units does CRS713 have?
CRS713, Critical Introduction to the Old Testament, has 16 units across 1 module, over 144 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CRS713?
CRS713 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Arts.
Is CRS713 hard?
CRS713 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does CRS713 take to study?
About 208 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.
How is CRS713 assessed?
CRS713 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Final Examination.
What can I do with CRS713?
Theologian, Religious Educator, Pastor, Chaplain and Biblical Scholar.