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CRS820Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Current Trends In Old Testament

This course explores current trends in Old Testament scholarship. It investigates modern critical biblical scholarship with a specific emphasis on the Old Testament. The course delves into methodologies, the nature and attributes of God, creation, humanity, covenants, endowments, sin, worship, priesthood, and sacrifice. It also examines different approaches to biblical criticism, including author-centered, text-centered, and reader-centered perspectives, equipping students with tools for interpreting and applying the Bible in contemporary African contexts.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Old TestamentBiblical CriticismTheologyExegesisHermeneutics

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Old Testament Theology

2

Biblical Interpretation

3

Modern Biblical Criticism

4

Covenant Theology

5

Sacrificial System

6

Nature of God

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of the Old Testament

Understanding of theological concepts

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Theologian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Religious Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Pastor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Biblical Scholar

Apply your skills in this growing field

Missionary

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious OrganizationsEducational InstitutionsMissionary WorkTheological Research

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Creator and Creation

2h

Unit 1: Methodologies and Currents in Old Testament Theology

2 study hours
  • •Read the introduction to Old Testament Theology.
  • •Define Old Testament Theology.
  • •Identify barriers to studying Old Testament Theology.
Week
2

Module 1: Creator and Creation

2h

Unit 2: God (Nature and Attributes)

2 study hours
  • •Study the nature of God as presented in the Old Testament.
  • •Examine the names and attributes of God.
  • •Reflect on metaphors used to describe God.
Week
3

Module 1: Creator and Creation

2h

Unit 3: Creation (Origin and Providence)

2 study hours
  • •Explore creation accounts in the Pentateuch.
  • •Analyze creation themes in prophetic literature.
  • •Consider creation in wisdom literature.
Week
4

Module 1: Creator and Creation

2h

Unit 4: Humanity (Nature and Purpose)

2 study hours
  • •Examine humanity's nature as a creature.
  • •Discuss humanity as a thinking, ethical, and free being.
  • •Reflect on humanity as the image of God.
Week
5

Module 1: Creator and Creation

2h

Unit 5: Covenants

2 study hours
  • •Define covenants in the Old Testament.
  • •Study the covenants with Adam, Noah, and Abraham.
  • •Analyze the Sinai and Davidic covenants.
Week
6

Module 2: Endowments, Abuse and Recovery

2h

Unit 1: The Gift of Land

2 study hours
  • •Understand the concept of land as a gift from God.
  • •Explore regulations about land use.
  • •Reflect on the loss and recovery of land.
Week
7

Module 2: Endowments, Abuse and Recovery

2h

Unit 2: Sin and Evil

2 study hours
  • •Define sin and evil in the Old Testament.
  • •Explore the origin and consequences of sin and evil.
  • •Consider hermeneutical implications.
Week
8

Module 2: Endowments, Abuse and Recovery

2h

Unit 3: Worship

2 study hours
  • •Study the Old Testament law and worship.
  • •Examine precepts for worship.
  • •Analyze the nature of worship in historical books.
Week
9

Module 2: Endowments, Abuse and Recovery

2h

Unit 4: Priesthood

2 study hours
  • •Define priesthood in the Old Testament.
  • •Explore patriarchal and Aaronic priesthood.
  • •Analyze the legitimating of priestly status.
Week
10

Module 2: Endowments, Abuse and Recovery

2h

Unit 5: Sacrifice

2 study hours
  • •Study the history of sacrifice in the Old Testament.
  • •Examine different types of sacrifices.
  • •Analyze the aims of sacrificial acts.
Week
11

Module 3: Modern Biblical Criticism

2h

Unit 1: Introduction – Definition and Need for Biblical Criticism

2 study hours
  • •Define Biblical Criticism.
  • •Understand the need for Biblical Criticism.
  • •Explore the tools for doing Biblical Criticism.
Week
12

Module 3: Modern Biblical Criticism

2h

Unit 2: Theology and Biblical Criticism

2 study hours
  • •Understand the relationship between theology and biblical criticism.
  • •Examine examples from Christian history.
  • •Appreciate the importance of diversity in interpretation.
Week
13

Module 3: Modern Biblical Criticism

2h

Unit 3: Gains and Losses of Modern Biblical Criticism

2 study hours
  • •Evaluate the gains and losses of modern biblical criticism.
  • •Analyze the impact of criticism on understanding the Bible.
  • •Discuss the limitations of criticism.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review key methodologies and currents in Old Testament Theology from Module 1, Units 1-5.

2

Create concept maps linking the nature and attributes of God (Unit 2) to creation and humanity (Units 3-4).

3

Practice applying different biblical criticism approaches (author-centered, text-centered, reader-centered) to selected Old Testament passages.

4

Focus on understanding the historical context and cultural background of each Old Testament book.

5

Prepare summaries of key arguments and figures in the history of Old Testament scholarship (Module 3, Unit 2).

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas where you struggled.

7

Allocate specific study time for each module, prioritizing areas of weakness.

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