SPRING 2013
COURSE TITLE: Introduction to the Old Testament
COURSE NUMBER: THST 100
SECTION TIMES/DAYS: TR 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.
INSTRUCTOR: Jina Kang
COURSE DESCRIPTION/PRINCIPLE TOPICS:
This course is an introductory course to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). The driving question
throughout the semester will be: Who is saying what to whom and why? The course will
emphasize the literary content and historical setting of the biblical text. Students are encouraged
to explore questions regarding the ideological, political and social concerns represented in the
biblical text. Particular religious orientation or prior familiarity with the biblical text is not
expected in this course.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Having successfully completed this course, students will:
1. Acquire basic familiarity with the content of the Hebrew Bible,
2. Recognize literary genres of the Hebrew Bible,
3. Recognize key historical junctures pertinent to the study of the Hebrew Bible, and
4. Develop basic skills in critical analysis of the biblical text
PREREQUISITES/RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND:
None.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
1. Bible – New Revised Standard Version
2. John J. Collins. A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2007.
3. Additional readings will be provided via Blackboard.
COURSE WORK/EXPECTATIONS:
1. Class attendance and participation is required
2. Quizzes and course portfolio
3. Midterm exam (prompt provided in advance)
4. Final group project (paper and presentation)