The continuation of OLDT 0711. A study of selected prophetic, poetic and wisdom passages stressing exegetical method, hermeneutics and contemporary application in preaching and teaching. Prerequisites: BIBL 0501, OLDT 0711.

Designed to provide the student with a general introduction to the historical, sociological and religious world in which the Old Testament was produced. It also discusses the discipline of Old Testament theology and major theological themes of the Old Testament. Offered in Mandarin.

This course consists of two sections. The first section is an introduction to the study of the book of Exodus from three perspectives: author, text, and reader. It serves to provide students a preliminary knowledge of the study of Exodus and develop their methodology on interpreting the texts. The second section is an introduction to the research process and the skills of academic writing. The process of research and writing serves as the structure and platform for teaching and learning. Students are expected to apply research skills on the issues of Exodus. At the end, students can benefit from both exploring the study of Exodus and advancing the writing skills. Offered in Mandarin.

This course consists of two sections. The first section is an introduction of the study of the book of Joshua from three perspectives: author, text, and reader. It serves to provide students a preliminary knowledge of the study of Joshua and develop their methodology on the interpretation of the texts. The second section is an introduction of the Old Testament exegesis. Students are expected to apply exegetical skills on the texts of Joshua and integrate the results of exegetical studies and develop the ability to interpret and preach on the texts of Joshua. Offered in Mandarin.

Introduction to the theology and message of the Psalms through the study of the specific genres. In addition to the study of representative Psalms, the course focuses on the interpretation of the imprecatory Psalms and Messianic Psalms. Recommended prerequisite: OLDT CM02. Offered in Mandarin.

An overview of the message of Isaiah with special emphases on the call of the prophet, the messianic passages, the concept of the remnant, the prophet’s teaching on social justice, the servant passages and the question of the authorship of chapters 40 to 66. Recommended prerequisite: OLDT CM02. Offered in Mandarin.

The redaction history of Proverbs suggests that this book was not just a royal instruction manual or a databank of wisdom sayings from monarchical Israel. Individual proverbs have been reorganized to express different perspectives and fresh motifs in response to the challenge of a new cultural era. This course will focus on the theology of Proverbs and its place in the Kethuvim, with special attention to its structural and literary form and the application of its teaching to contemporary human and ecclesiastical life. Recommended prerequisite: OLDT CM02. Offered in Mandarin.

Explores the section of the Latter Prophets known as “The Book of the Twelve.” It considers the relationship of Hosea-Malachi and the problem of their ordering, as well as the reception history of these texts in the church and synagogue. Offered in Mandarin.

An introduction to the basic principles of Biblical Hebrew with emphasis on morphology, phonology and syntax including same reading of selected portions of the Hebrew Old Testament. Offered in Mandarin.

Continuation of Hebrew Grammar I. Prerequisite: OLDT CM22. Offered in Mandarin.

An overview of the message of Genesis with special emphases on the creation account; the six genealogies; the five extended narratives of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph; the literary structure of the book; the research on authorship and redaction history; and the paradigm shift in Pentateuchal criticism. Recommended prerequisite: OLDT CM02. Offered in Mandarin.

Overview of the message of Deuteronomy with special emphasis on the review of wilderness wandering, the ten words of covenant at Horeb, the anticipation of entry into Canaan, the twenty paragraphs of Torah case studies, the literary structure of the book, the research on authorship and redaction history. Recommended prerequisite: OLDT CM02. Offered in Mandarin.

This course consists of two sections. The first section is an introduction of the study of 1 and 2 Samuel (1 and 2 Samuel hereafter Samuel) from three perspectives: author, text, and reader. It serves to provide students a preliminary knowledge of the study of Samuel and develop their methodology on interpretation of the texts. The second section is an introduction of the Old Testament exegesis. Students are expected to apply exegetical skills on the texts of Samuel and integrate the results of exegetical studies and develop the ability to interpret and preach on the texts of Samuel. Recommended prerequisite: OLDT CM02. Offered in Mandarin.

A general introduction to the historical, sociological, and theological context in which the Hebrew Scriptures came into existence, this course will provide the student with an understanding of the major emphases of the texts. In addition, the student will be introduced to themes of community life and praxis in the Hebrew Scriptures that find parallels in historical Indigenous worldviews of creation and Creator. The course will use community understandings, models and paradigms as a basis for comparison.

Directed Reading and Research (DRR) courses allow students to study in a specific area of interest not addressed by the scheduled course offerings. Permission required.

See the Thesis Handbook for details.