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Semester 1

Old Testament Texts (DIVI10064)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Permission of the Course Organiser.

Course Summary

Detailed study of selected passages from the Old Testament in English translation. This year, the course is focussing on the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, which depict the political turmoil as ancient Israel implemented a monarchy for the first time. Complex individual characters are set against a background of royal power, competing ideologies, and an ambiguous deity.

Course Description

Academic Description: This course deepens students' understanding of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament (HB/OT) through the close study of a selected text in translation. The text chosen for study changes from year to year; examples of past studies include the book of Job, with its profound probing of the issues surrounding unmerited suffering, and the book of Joshua, a central text for understanding the political theology of the HB/OT as well as providing focal point for discussions of theological violence. The historical, literary, theological, and ethical aspects of the text are open to investigation, extending also to relevant cognate literature and the history of interpretation. This year, the course is focussing on the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, which depict the political turmoil as ancient Israel implemented a monarchy for the first time. Complex individual characters are set against a background of royal power, competing ideologies, and an ambiguous deity. Syllabus/Outline Content: The course sets the chosen text in its religious and literary context. Key passages are identified for close scrutiny, and the course progresses through these in order to trace the development of thought through the text. Related themes are studied in tandem with the texts to gain a sense of the contribution the texts make to wider discussions, and vice versa. Sessions are devoted to structured exploration of the history of interpretation, typically towards the end of the course when students have gained familiarity with the text and its interpretative challenges for themselves. Key issues will include: the uncontrollable deity of the 'ark narrative'; Samuel's warnings against corrupt monarchic power; the tragic demise of king Saul; the security of God's covenantal promises; political propaganda and royal intrigue in David's court; the archaeological evidence for the kingdom; the text's (mis?)treatment of women and minorities. Student Learning Experience Information: The course has weekly meetings with sessions in two-hour blocks. All sessions are seminar based and active participation is expected. The seminars may include, for example, lecture-style sections, textual analysis, thematic discussion, debate, and examination of visual artefacts. Students will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes through participation in discussion, a substantial interpretative essay investigating a particular passage or problem from the set text, and the final examination.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 60%, Coursework 40%, Practical Exam 0% 40% - Essay (2000 words) 60% - Final Exam (in person exam)

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