Unit information: Genesis 1-11: God, Humanity and Hope (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2012/13

Unit name	Genesis 1-11: God, Humanity and Hope (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS30114
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Reverend Dr. Lucas
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	THRS11038 Getting into the Old Testament
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will set Genesis 1-11 within the context of the Hebrew Bible and of ancient near-eastern literature and thought. It will then explore and assess different approaches to the text, such as canonical criticism, feminist and liberationist interpretations, reader-response criticism, scientific issues, with a view to developing insights which speak to contemporary issues.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The unit aims to

1. enable students to understand this text in both its ancient near-eastern and canonical context;
2. acquaint students with different contemporary hermeneutical approaches to this text, especially those which seek to relate it to current issues of social, moral and intellectual debate;
3. demonstrate the richness of theological insight to be found in this text

On completion of the unit students should:

1. be aware of the richness of theological insight to be found in this Old Testament text;
2. be able to assess the contributions of different hermeneutical approaches to this text;
3. have developed the ability to use this material in a sensitive way to provide theological insights for today.

Teaching Information

The unit will consist of 8 lectures and 2 seminars. The seminars will examine the application of particular hermeneutical approaches to specific passages.

The unit will consist of 10 contact hours, equating to 2 contact hours per week for 5 weeks.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be through preparation for classes and participation in class discussions and seminars.

Summative assessment will be through an essay of 3,000 words which exegetes a chosen passage or applies a theological insight from a specific passage to a contemporary issue.

Reading and References

1. Brueggemann, W., Genesis (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982)
2. Clines, D.J.A., The Theme of the Pentateuch. 2nd ed. (Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1997)
3. Lucas, E., Can we believe Genesis today? (Leicester: IVP, 2005)
4. Rogerson, J., Genesis 1-11 (Sheffield: JSOT, 1991)
5. Trible, P., God and the Rhetoric of Sexuality (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1978)
6. Wenham, G., Genesis 1-15 (Dallas, Texas: Word Books, 1987).