Same as NEWT 0541.

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.

What did it mean to be a woman during Old Testament times? In order to gain theological insight into the Bible’s portrayal of women, we examine key Old Testament passages against the background of ancient Israelite society. Contemporary issues surrounding the significance of these texts are discussed, including feminist interpretations. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501.

An introduction to the basic principles of biblical Hebrew with emphasis on morphology, phonology and syntax.

The continuation of OLDT 0611 Hebrew Grammar I, including some reading of selected portions of the Hebrew Old Testament. Prerequisite: OLDT 0611.

A literary, interpretive and theological study of the book of Daniel with special focus on the apocalyptic genre, the sociohistorical milieu of the apocalyptic movement, the employment of different reading strategies and guidelines for interpretation. Using specific examples, the ultimate goal is to provide tools and ideas for appropriating the message of Daniel to our postmodern human and ecclesiastical context. Students are encouraged to engage themselves in bridging the two worlds, the biblical world and the world of today by paying due attention to the timely and timeless aspects of the text. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

Gives an overview of the message of Isaiah in light of the historical and literary setting of the book and the experience of Israel. Special emphasis will be placed on the call of the prophet, the messianic passages, the concept of the remnant, the servant songs and the prophet’s teaching on social justice. The message of the book will be studied with the goal of making the teachings of Isaiah applicable to the life of the church today. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

A study of the Book of Genesis with special emphasis on the narrative of Hebrew literature, the unfolding of the divine promise of redemption, as well as a chapter-by-chapter examination of the text and its key exegetical issues. Attention will be given to the theological emphases of the book and its relevance in the contemporary world. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

A literary and theological study of the books of 1 & 2 Samuel accomplished through a close reading of the text with examination of key exegetical issues. Samuel not only provides a historical record of the transition from the time of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy, it also displays the breadth and depth of the creativity and artistry of Hebrew Biblical narrative as a literary genre. Through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David, theology concerning our relationships with God and others will be examined. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

An exegetical and thematic study of selected texts from the Book of Jeremiah. Attention will be devoted to reading through historical and cultural contexts, through critical lenses (such as trauma/disaster, postcolonial, and feminist approaches), and in incorporating global voices, past and present. The primary goal of the course will be to provide the student with a foundation for further study and application within the church. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

An introduction to the Psalms and its theology. The main theological themes of the Psalms and the different Psalm types will be studied. Consideration will be given to the Psalms’ historical and cultural contexts. The relevance of the Psalms to Christian faith and the life of the church will be examined. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

What is God’s message to his people in Exile? How does he reveal himself to a people whose lives have been changed forever because of their rebellion against God? Focuses on the message given to the prophet Ezekiel in a time of national and personal crisis. Key passages and themes will be studied in order to understand the overall message and revelation of God in the book. Emphasis will be placed on the book’s relevance and the applicability of its theology for the church. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

A study of the book of Job with a special focus on its literary features, theological message and contemporary relevance. Different reading strategies proposed to deal with the apparent tensions inherent in the work will be examined. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

Provides an in-depth overview of the key topics, themes, and theological emphases of the book of Deuteronomy. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of interpreting individual passages in light of the narrative setting of Deuteronomy, the genre of the individual passage, and relevant background material from both the Old Testament and the Ancient Near East. The overarching goal, however, will be to see how Deuteronomy was shaped to function as Scripture for its early readers and to see how it can function relevantly as Christian Scripture for the church today. Recommended: BIBL 0501.

Narrative is a primary literary genre within the Hebrew Bible. This course will examine the creativity, artistry, and literary features characteristic of Hebrew narrative using texts like the book of Ruth and the Joseph story as case studies. Students will gain an understanding of how theology is communicated through the content and composition of Hebrew narrative and an appreciation of the relevance of narrative to contemporary Christian life and teaching/preaching ministry. Knowledge of Biblical Hebrew is beneficial but not essential. Prerequisite: BIBL 0501. Recommended: OLDT 0511.

Examination of specific topics in the Old Testament.

Through the in-depth study of selected passages of Biblical Hebrew Narrative, students will learn various foundational methods essential for OT exegesis. While geared toward teaching and preaching, the course also provides the student with a solid foundation for further advanced academic study. Prerequisites: BIBL 0501 and OLDT 0612.

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.