Courses

An introduction to the basic principles of Hebrew phonology and morphology. 3 hours.

A study of Hebrew morphology and syntax, with an introduction to lexical tools and methods of lexical analysis. Includes translation of the Book of Jonah, with lexical analysis of key words and syntactical analysis of selected forms, phrases, and clauses. Prerequisite: OT5101 Elements of Hebrew I. 3 hours.

An introduction to the exegesis of Hebrew narrative, including an introduction to textual criticism, as well as a review of Hebrew morphology and syntax in conjunction with translation of the Book of Ruth. The course will also include a survey of the historical, cultural, literary, and theological backgrounds of the Old Testament and an introduction to various forms of Old Testament criticism. Prerequisite: OT5102 Elements of Hebrew II or a satisfactory score on the advanced standing exam. 3 hours.

An introduction to the exegesis of Hebrew poetry focusing on the Book of Psalms. The course will also include an introduction to background and interpretive issues in prophetic, wisdom, apocalyptic, and legal literature. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I or a satisfactory score on the advanced standing exam. 3 hours.

An investigation of the origins, development, and impact of various critical approaches to the Old Testament, with a view to understanding and responding to them. Special attention is given to how modern criticism affects exegesis, interpretation, and theology. This elective is highly recommended for students intending to pursue doctoral studies in Old Testament. 3 hours.

A seminar addressing special issues in Old Testament criticism of the Torah and Former Prophets. Prerequisite: OT5205 Introduction to Old Testament Criticism. 3 hours.

A seminar addressing special issues in Old Testament criticism of the Latter Prophets and Writings. Prerequisite: OT5205 Introduction to Old Testament Criticism. 2 hours.

An examination of current issues in Old Testament studies that engages the student in a critical dialogue with contemporary approaches to the sacred texts, culture, history, and religion(s) of ancient Israel. This course is open to MA students. 3 hours.

An inductive and deductive study of biblical Hebrew from the perspective of its historical development within the Semitic family of languages. Enrollment requires consent of professor. 3 hours.

An advanced study of Hebrew grammar and syntax as an essential phase of Old Testament exegesis. The major steps in grammatical and syntactical analysis are explored and then applied to specific passages. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

Studies in selected portions of the Old Testament to improve the student’s ability to read Hebrew, emphasizing morphology, vocabulary, and syntactical recognition. Prerequisite: OT5102 Elements of Hebrew II. 2 or 3 hours.

A study of the history of the Hebrew text and versions of the Old Testament, with a view to developing ability in doing textual criticism. Students gain practice in solving textual problems and in relating textual criticism to exegesis. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

An introduction to the Greek translation of the Old Testament, with attention to its value for textual and lexical studies. Selected Old Testament passages are studied in relation to their use in the New Testament. May also be credited in the Department of New Testament Studies. Prerequisites: OT5102 Elements of Hebrew II and NT5102 Elements of Greek. 3 hours.

A study of the basic principles of phonology, morphology, and syntax of biblical Aramaic. Translation and analysis of the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel are accompanied by discussion of the relevance of Aramaic studies to Old and New Testament research. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

An introduction to Ugaritic grammar, with reading and analysis of selected poetic texts that have special bearing on the literature and thought of Old Testament Israel. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

Translation and analysis of Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician, and other Northwest Semitic inscriptions, with emphasis on their contribution to Old Testament studies. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of targumic Aramaic, with selected readings from the major Aramaic Targums. Attention is given to targumic translation techniques and the relevance of targumic studies to Old and New Testament research. Prerequisite: OT5325 Biblical Aramaic. 3 hours.

An introduction to the grammar and syntax of classical Syriac, with readings from both biblical and extrabiblical Syriac texts. Particular attention is given to the value of a working knowledge of Syriac for Old and New Testament studies. Prerequisite: OT5325 Biblical Aramaic. 3 hours.

Practice in reading various Syriac texts, with particular attention given to the Syriac Peshitta. Emphasis is on developing a working knowledge of Syriac and an understanding of its application to biblical studies. Prerequisite: OT5345 Introduction to Syriac. 3 hours.

A study of the basic principles of phonology, morphology, and syntax for the Sahidic dialect of the Coptic language. The course will provide experience in translation and analysis of selected Coptic texts, introduction to the major scholarly tools available for Coptic research, and discussion of the relevance of Coptic studies for biblical and theological research. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

An introduction to the grammar of Akkadian, with reading from texts relevant to the study of the Old Testament. Prerequisite: OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction I. 3 hours.

A course devoted to the reading and analysis of selected Akkadian legal and mythological texts. The significance of Akkadian literature for the study of the Old Testament will be emphasized. Prerequisite: OT5360 Introduction to Akkadian. 2 hours.

An exegetical study of the Book of Genesis in its cultural and historical setting, with attention to its critical problems, theological content, literary features, and modern exposition. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of the Book of Exodus in its cultural and historical setting, with attention to its literary features and contributions to theology. Attention also is given to preparation for preaching and teaching and to enhancing facility in reading Hebrew. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of the Book of Leviticus with attention to the fundamental theological issues in the book and on preparation for teaching and preaching the book. 3 hours.

An exegesis of the Book of Deuteronomy, with attention to argument, critical problems, and application. 3 hours.

An interpretive, literary, and theological study of the Book of Judges and selected portions of 1 and 2 Samuel. The course will include an introduction to Old Testament narrative literature, addressing issues of hermeneutics, theology, and application. 3 hours.

A literary, exegetical, and theological study of the Book of Ecclesiastes. The course will address issues of hermeneutics, theology, and application. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of selected portions of the Book of Proverbs in its cultural and historical setting, with attention to its critical problems, theological content, literary features, and modern exposition. 2 hours.

An exegetical study of selected portions of the Book of Isaiah, with attention to exegetical-theological method and homiletical application. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of selected Minor Prophets, with emphasis on principles of interpreting prophetic literature, exegetical-theological method, and homiletical application. 3 hours.

An exegetical study of the Book of Song of Songs (Song of Solomon), with special focus on the historical-cultural-literary interpretation of the book as well as contemporary application and modern exposition. The exegesis will emphasize its literary features and the contribution of the literary genre of ancient Near Eastern love literature to understanding the book and dealing with interpretive problems. The course also will address introductory, critical, and hermeneutical issues unique to this book. 3 hours.

A literary, exegetical, and theological study of the Book of Job. The course also will address issues of hermeneutics, theology, and application. 3 hours.

A survey of the physical, historical, and cultural world of the Old Testament, with special attention to its influence on Israel and the Bible and to its value in a modern understanding and communication of the Old Testament. 2 hours.

A seminar addressing special issues related to Old Testament backgrounds. Prerequisite: OT5605 Old Testament Backgrounds. 2 hours.

A study of the history of Israel in the context of the ancient Near Eastern world. May also be credited in the Department of Bible Exposition. 2 hours.

A study of the religion of Israel in Old Testament times in both a descriptive and normative sense against the background of the historical, cultural, and religious world of which it was a part. May also be credited in the Department of Bible Exposition. 3 hours.

This course focuses on Old Testament contributions for understanding the Epistle to the Hebrews. Attention is given to exegetical and biblical-theological studies of major passages and themes in the book, such as sanctification, covenants, sonship, and sacrifice. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in OT5103 Hebrew Exegesis and Old Testament Introduction II. 3 hours.

A study of the nature and history of the biblical theology movement, a survey of major contributors to the study of Old Testament biblical theology, and a proposal for doing biblical theology according to proper exegetical, hermeneutical, and theological method. May also be credited in the Department of Theological Studies. 3 hours.

A study of divine names, titles, roles, attributes, and acts/self-revelation, with a view to their relevance for Christian theology, worship, and ethics. The course also will compare and contrast Israelite monotheism with ancient Near Eastern polytheism in an effort to help the student appreciate the unique revelatory nature of Israel’s religion. 3 hours.

A textual, exegetical, hermeneutical, and theological study of selected quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament. May also be credited in the Department of New Testament Studies or the Department of Bible Exposition. Prerequisites: OT5102 Elements of Hebrew II and NT5102 Elements of Greek II. 3 hours.

An exegetical, hermeneutical, and theological study of the major biblical covenants in their relationship to the historical unfolding of the history of salvation (Heilsgeschichte). Special attention will be placed on understanding the biblical covenants in light of ancient Near Eastern treaties and on their historical inauguration and eschatological fulfillment. 3 hours.

An exegetical, hermeneutical, and theological study of the law of God. Special attention will focus on historical-cultural, literary, exegetical, hermeneutical, and theological issues, such as the relation of the Mosaic Law to Mesopotamian law codes, the relation of the Decalogue to the case laws, the relation of the Law to the covenants and promise, continuity and discontinuity in the relation of the Old Covenant law to the New Covenant, and the relevance of the Law in the Christian life. The course also will compare and evaluate the various models of the role/relevance of the Mosaic Law in the Christian life, as presented in various schools of dispensational and Reformed theology. 3 hours.

An exegetical and biblical-theological study of the theme of sacral war in the Old Testament and its development in biblical history. It brings together the major biblical themes of election, covenant, deliverance, retribution, religious holiness, and land. Special attention is given to the comparison of the biblical concept to other sacral war traditions, ancient and modern. 3 hours.

Independent research on some aspect of Old Testament studies not specifically treated in other courses. Credit is allowed proportionate to the amount of work but not to exceed four credit hours in any one subject. Limited to advanced students and subject to consent of the professor. 1–4 hours.

Independent research and writing of a thesis on an approved topic under the supervision of two faculty advisors. Students will have one calendar year to complete the thesis. If the thesis is not completed by the end of a year, students will be registered in OT5903. Enrollment requires consent of the department. 2 or 3 hours.

The thesis continuation course is required of all students writing a thesis who are beyond one year in the thesis process. Students must register for this course each fall, spring, and summer until completion of the thesis. Thesis continuation is permitted for a maximum of one additional term (for a 2-hour thesis, including summer) or two additional terms (for a 3-hour thesis, including summer). 1 hour.

This course is designed for students who choose to participate in special conferences, training, or programs that are more formal in nature and require student participation other than a standard independent study. Approved special topics will provide expertise or training not specifically covered in the seminary curriculum. Credit is allowed proportionate to the required amount of work but is not to exceed four credit hours on any one topic. Enrollment requires consent of the department. 1–4 hours.