ACOM / Study / Units / B8110C Introduction to the Old Testament

B8110C Introduction to the Old Testament

This unit introduces students to the critical study of the Old Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes.
Register Key Dates
Unit Overview

Qualification

Graduate

Unit Availability

Trimester 3 2026, Trimester 2 2027

Study Mode

No Facilitation, Online Facilitation

Placement

N/A

Tuition

Graduate BTM Fee

Prerequisite

N/A

Corequisite

N/A

Notes

N/A

Schedule
Availability Facilitation Type Time Dates
Trimester 2 2027 Online Facilitation 2:30pm – 5:30pm (AEST) Tuesday 1 June
Tuesday 15 June
Tuesday 29 June
Tuesday 13 July
Tuesday 27 July

Unit Details

This unit introduces students to the critical study of the Old Testament, its literary forms, historical and cultural contexts and theological themes.

This unit will emphasise the historical and social contexts in which the sections, books and passages were originally spoken or written, taking seriously the way in which God chose to inspire Scripture. This study will involve recognising how different kinds of writing (genres) have different sorts of goal and different means by which they reach those goals, and also how the circumstances of Ancient Israel impacted the first meaning of the texts.

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

  1. Analyse the major narratives, themes and structures of the books of the Old Testament.
  2. Assess the significance of the main historical, social and cultural factors that provided the context of the composition of the Old Testament.
  3. Integrate significant secondary literature into a formal critical essay on the text of the Old Testament.
  4. Utilise skills of historical-critical exegesis in the interpretation of Old Testament texts.
  5. Apply insights from their study to Christian life and ministry within a range of contexts.
  1. Fundamentals: Some Preparation and Background for Studying the Old Testament
  2. Pentateuch: Original Meaning
  3. Pentateuch: Contemporary Significance
  4. Historical Literature: Original Meaning
  5. Historical Literature: Contemporary Significance
  6. Prophets: Original Meaning
  7. Prophets: Contemporary Significance
  8. Wisdom Literature
  9. Psalms
  10. Epilogue: Concluding Overview
  1. Critical Reading Review (20%)
    Word Limit: 1200
    Due: Week 4
  2. Audio Post Presentation (35%)
    13-15 minutes
    Due: Week 8
  3. Exegetical Essay (45%)
    Word Limit: 2700
    Due: Week 12
  • Walton, John, H. and Andrew E. Hill. Old Testament Today: A Journey from Ancient Context to Contemporary Relevance. 2nd ed. Zondervan, 2014.
    (Available through ACOM online library)

Unit Details

Key Dates

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