200 Division - Old Testament Studies

These courses are intended to acquaint students with the content and teaching of the Old Testament Scriptures, and to introduce the tools necessary to do accurate exegetical work in the Old Testament. Attention is given to problems of Old Testament history, theology, and criticism. Emphasis is placed on the value of the Old Testament for teaching and preaching and for understanding the New Testament.

HEBREW LANGUAGE

201 Biblical Hebrew I 
An introduction to biblical Hebrew language and grammar with focus on morphology and syntax. Coursework includes vocabulary acquisition, and translation from Hebrew to English. Reading aloud the Hebrew text is stressed. 4 hours

202 Biblical Hebrew II
Continues from course 201, completing the survey of morphology and basic syntax. Vocabulary acquisition and translation work in the Hebrew text are continued. Prerequisite: 201. 2 hours

203 Hebrew Syntax & Exegetical Methods
Extended selections in biblical Hebrew are studied with two goals in mind: (1) to strengthen grammatical foundations through a proper appreciation of syntax, and (2) to acquire a sound exegetical method in the study of the Masoretic text. The course deals with issues and methodology pertaining to the analysis and use of textual evidence, lexical data, morphology, syntax, and discourse structure in the process of interpretation. Vocabulary acquisition is continued and translational skills are further developed. Writing assignments dealing with analysis of the Hebrew text are an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: 202. 4 hours

204 Practice of Hebrew Exegesis 
A course that requires the student to practice Hebrew exegesis through the preparation of an Old Testament exegetical paper. This course will also include translation work in Nehemiah and literary research pertaining to structuralism in Hebrew narrative. Prerequisite: 203. 2 hours

205 Seminar in Semitic Literature
Further study of the cognates of Biblical Hebrew that will deal with reading and analysis of texts and comparative work with the Biblical text. Language (Aramaic or Ugaritic) and texts will vary in successive offerings. Prerequisite: 203. 2 hours

206 Aramaic
Introduction to the language and grammar of Aramaic. This course will build on the knowledge of Biblical Hebrew and will be accompanied by the reading of biblical and extrabiblical Aramaictexts. Prerequisite: 202. 2 hours

207 Ugaritic 
Study of the Ugaritic language and its poetry. The course will deal with grammar and reading texts that make correlations with biblical Hebrew. An overview of the history, culture, and religion of Ugarit will be included. Prerequisite: 202. 2 hours

SPECIAL TOPICS IN OT STUDIES

213 Old Testament Backgrounds 
An orientation to the world of the Old Testament in which the cultural and political world of the Ancient Near East is surveyed from the perspective of its contribution to understanding the Old Testament. Includes a survey of important geographical and archaeological considerations. Prerequisite: 103-104. 2 hours

214 Topics in Old Testament Theology
Selected topics pertaining to the doctrinal content of the Old Testament are pursued, with sensitivity for the progress of revelation in the Bible, and special regard for the New Testament as well as comparative material from the Ancient Near East. The focus may vary from year to year. Doctrines such as of God, Creation, Man, Holiness, Sin, Redemption, Covenant, Justification, the Eschaton, the Kingdom of God, etc., would be addressed. A research paper is part of the requirements. Prerequisite: 103-104. 2-3 hours

216 Old Testament Seminar
Topics dealing with Old Testament content, history, introduction, or theology are chosen from year to year. The seminar will include discussion and presentation of advanced research in which students also participate. A formal paper is required of each student. Prerequisites: 103-104, 203. 2 hours

217 Independent Study in Old Testament 
Independent research on some aspect of Old Testament studies not specifically treated in required or elective courses. Credit is allowed proportionate to the amount of work but is not to exceed four semester hours in any one area of study. Research must evidence interaction with the Hebrew text. Enrollment is limited to advanced students upon consent of the professor. Prerequisite: 103-104, 203. 1-4 hours

219 History and Theology of Messianism 
This course is designed to study the concept of the Messiah from two perspectives. The first is the perspective of the Bible itself, tracing the development of the idea of Messiah within the canon and its application to the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The second is the perspective of Messiah as seen from within Judaism and Samaritanism, beginning with the rabbinic views and proceeding to individuals who have been regarded as messiah in ancient and modern times. Prerequisite: 101. 3 hours

OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS 

221-225 Exegesis in the OT 
Particular books or portions of the OT are studied from the Hebrew text. Prerequisite: 203. 1-4 hours

251 Thesis
The student writes a scholarly thesis on a topic related to some area of Old Testament studies. The thesis advisor must approve the thesis topic. Prerequisite: 593. 2 hours