Course Description
Summer 2020
The Rev. Brian Hughes; Online; (619) 709-4385; [email protected]
I. Course description This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the theological witness of the Old Testament to the Triune God. It explores the books of the canonical OT with special attention to the relationship of the OT to Jesus Christ. Our interaction with the OT is intended not only to increase your knowledge, but also encourage spiritual growth and skill in using the OT in ministry.
II.Required course texts Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton. A Survey of the Old Testament. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.
III.Course designThis course will survey the thirty-nine books of canonical Old Testament as they are presented to us in the canonical order of our English bibles. After a brief overview of the Old Testament and other introductory issues, the class will discuss each of the books, outlining content, structure, and theology. In this we will be guided by readings from our textbook. Weekly instruction will be delivered through lectures posted online. In order to facilitate greater integration and community, the class will meet via an online platform roughly every other over the course of the semester. These will either be on Tuesday afternoon (4pm Pacific).
IV.Course grade Most weeks students will respond to one question proposed at the end of each chapter of the textbook assigned that week (they choose which question to answer). Two projects will be assigned throughout the semester to trace larger themes through sections of the Old Testament. One paper will interact with prominent Old Testament scholars and their views of the theological interpretation of the Old Testament. A final paper will allow the students to articulate a theological approach to the Old Testament with special attention to one particular passage.
Final grade will be calculated as follows:
1.Weekly questions – 20%
2.Projects – 20%
3.Review of Theological Interpretation – 30%
4.Final Paper – 30%