Old Testament & Semitics
| Chair | Thomas J. Finley, Ph.D. |
| Professors | Curtis, Finley, Rigsby |
Objectives
The department aims to acquaint students with the life, customs and thought of the Hebrews and their neighbors in the biblical and related periods; and to give students an accurate foundation in Hebrew grammar, syntax and exegesis, so that their expositions of the English Bible will reflect this sound basis of interpretation. The department purposes not to be exhaustive, but rather directive in the matter of further independent study from the original languages.
TTOT 603 - Elements of Hebrew I (3)
Basic grammar with translation and written exercises. A non-credit lab will be required for all students. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (B.E., N.T. and O.T. emphasis) students.
TTOT 604 - Elements of Hebrew II (3)
Additional grammar and syntax with emphasis on reading and translation in selected biblical texts. A non-credit lab will be required for all students. Required of M.Div. and M.A. (B.E., N.T. and O.T. emphasis) students. Prerequisite: TTOT 603.
TTOT 704 - Old Testament Prophecy (2)
The character, extent and personalities of Old Testament prophecy, with a treatment of principles of prophetic interpretation. Elective.*
TTOT 705 - Exegesis in Genesis and Selected Passages (3)
Readings and exegesis from the Hebrew text of Genesis and selected passages with discussion of text criticism, background issues (historical and compositional) and exegetical methodology. Special attention given to the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary methodologies for the interpretation of the biblical text. Prerequisite: TTOT 604. Required of M.Div., M.A. (O.T. emphasis) students.
TTOT 706 - Advanced Hebrew Grammar (2)
A study of the details of Hebrew grammar and syntax along with readings in the Hebrew text. Prerequisite: TTOT 705. Elective.*
TTOT 707 - Old Testament Poetry (2)
The nature, scope and principles of Hebrew poetry in the Old Testament. Comparisons with the poetry of the ancient Near East. Elective.*
TTOT 708 - Advanced Hebrew Reading (2)
Selected passages of Hebrew text with emphasis on reading and translation. May be repeated with different content. Prerequisite: TTOT 705. Elective.*
TTOT 709 - Reading of Selected Psalms from the Hebrew Text (2)
TTOT 710 - Reading of Selected Psalms from the Hebrew Text (2)
Particular emphasis upon the devotional and practical values. Prerequisite: TTOT 604. Elective.*
TTOT 715 - Studies in the History and Culture of Israel (2)
Historical and cultural examination of a period in Israel's history (Exodus and Conquest, Judges, United Monarchy, Divided Monarchy, Judah to the Fall of Jerusalem, Post-Exilic), using available biblical and extra-biblical materials. May be repeated with different content. Prerequisite: TTBE 519. Elective.*
TTOT 717 - The Old Testament in its Near Eastern Context (2)
Examination of the archeology, history and literature of the Ancient Near East as these subjects relate to interpretive issues in the Old Testament. Required of M.A. (O.T. emphasis). Elective.*
TTOT 718 - Archaeology of Palestine (2)
The history of excavation, the history and geography of the land and the bearing upon the Old Testament. Elective.*
TTOT 720 - Studies in Old Testament Introduction (2)
Text, canon and examination of the foundations and conclusions of modern historical-critical methods. Special introduction of selected Old Testament books to illustrate these topics of general introduction. Elective.*
TTOT 725 - Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (2)
Consideration of the non-canonical literature from the period between the Testaments. Emphasis on the development of Jewish thought during the centuries before the advent of Christianity. Elective.*
TTOT 730 - The Dead Sea Scrolls (2)
A survey of the discoveries, the origin of the Qumram Community, its belief and practices and the relationship of the finds to Old and New Testament studies. Elective.*
TTOT 731 - Biblical Aramaic (3)
A study of the grammar with emphasis on comparisons with Hebrew; translating the Aramaic of Daniel and Ezra. Prerequisite: TTOT 705. Elective.*
TTOT 732 - Seminar in Hebrew Exegesis (2-4)
A consideration of selected Old Testament passages with emphasis on historical background and detailed exegesis from the Hebrew text. May be repeated with different content. Prerequisite: TTOT 705. Elective.*
TTOT 791 - Old Testament Seminar (1-4)
Supervised research of designated areas of concentration in Old Testament literature, history, interpretation or theology. May be repeated for credit with different content. Elective.*
TTOT 807 - Old Testament Textual Criticism (2)
A study of the Massoretic notes, the parallel passages and the versions with explanation of the variations. Prerequisite: TTOT 705. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.*
TTOT 809 - Advanced Exegetical Studies (2-4)
Application of exegetical methodology to selected passages from the Hebrew text of the Old Testament. Special attention given to the ancient versions and to current scholarship as it relates to text, language, history and interpretive issues. May be repeated with different content. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.*
TTOT 811 - Seminar in Semitic Languages (2-4)
Introductory grammatical studies in Ugaritic, Arabic, Akkadian, Syriac or Modern Hebrew; readings in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic inscriptions; or other advanced Semitic studies. May be repeated with different content.* Prerequisite: TTOT 705 and departmental permission. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.
TTOT 812 - Readings in the Septuagint (2)
A survey of the origin, nature and value of the Greek Old Testament with a reading of selected portions and comparison with the Hebrew text. Investigation of the methods of the translators. Prerequisite: TTOT 705, TTNT 502 and departmental permission. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.*
TTOT 880 - Old Testament Seminar (2-4)
Detailed research in some phase of the Old Testament field, such as specific topics in history and introduction or archaeology of selected geographical areas. May be repeated with different content.* Prerequisite: TTOT 705 and departmental permission. Elective for Th.M. students; others by departmental permission.
TTOT 891 - Research Seminar (3)
TTOT 892 - Research Seminar (2)
Discussion and application of the central areas of Old Testament research and related fields of study. Instruction in research, including the identification of a problem, the steps undertaken to resolve a problem, and writing the results. Required of the first semester of the Th.M. (O.T.) program. Fee: $50, (TTNT 891). A second semester may be taken to continue research in the area of interest. *
* Electives are offered by rotation and on request.