Preview to BOT 500 Old Testament Foundations

Cincinnati Christian University

Fall Semester 2008, Class meets Mondays, 3:20-6:00 pm in Presidents Hall, room 251

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Mark Ziese, Tel: (513) 2448190; Email:

1.0 Required Reading

Arnold, B. T. and Beyer, B. E., Encountering the Old Testament: A Christian Survey. 2nd edition. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008. (Hereafter EOT)

Longman, Tremper, III, Immanuel in Our Place: Seeing Christ in Israel’s Worship. Phillipsburg: P&R, 2001.

Yancey, Philip, The Bible Jesus Read. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999.

2.0 Course Description

This course is designed to lay a foundation for seminary work by familiarizing the learner with the text and study of the Old Testament. To accomplish this goal, each learner will be exposed to: (1) the geographical and socio-historical context from which the Old Testament emerges; (2) the content, literary flow, and theological structure of the Old Testament; (3) the scholarship that seeks to understand the Old Testament. It is hoped that such a study will provide a framework for future work while generating excitement and respect for these sacred texts. This course is a prerequisite to all other BOT courses in the seminary and is regarded as a not-for-credit experience within the MA in Biblical Studies program.

3.0 Course Objectives

The student who satisfactorily completes this course should (1) understand the historical, literary, theological nature of Old Testament texts; (2) demonstrate basic principles for interpreting these texts; (3) describe significant characters, ideas, and events that outline the flow of the Old Testament; (4) recognize themes that unify the Old and New Testaments; (5) engage some of the major questions of Old Testament study and scholarship.

4.0 Major Learning Experiences and Course Procedures. To receive a satisfactory mark for this course, each learner will . . .

4.1 Participate through classroom discussion.

4.2 Read all assigned texts and submit a emailed report of reading. The three texts listed above will be read in their entirety. In addition to these, select biblical texts will also be assigned and will appear in the week-by-week schedule. The reading report of biblical texts will be submitted no later than the time of the final exam. It shall appear as a self-estimated and reported statement of completion, e.g. “I, Mark Ziese, completed 85% of the biblical reading assignment.”

4.2.1 For the two books to be reviewed, Longman, and Yancey, a simple self-reported statement of completion must be offered at the bottom of the review, e.g. "I have read 100% of the assigned reading from the Longman text."

4.3 A response to all Study Questions found at the end of each chapter of the EOT textbook is expected. These must be typed and submitted on paper in class on the day the assigned chapter appears in the schedule. Each submission will be assigned a grade on the basis of completeness, thoughtfulness, and clarity.

4.4 The Longman, and Yancey texts will be formally reviewed in two reports.

4.4.1 The first report will review the presentation of Longman. This review should be

approximately 1,800 words in length (about 6 pages) and should have two parts, clearly labeled. The first part will consist of content description and summary. (Note: be sure to include comments indicating the author's purpose for writing and method [or strategy] for accomplishing that purpose. Try to be as objective as possible.) The second part will consist of a personal response to the purpose and method of the volume (Note: let subjective evaluations flow freely here. However, be sure to back up all claims with examples.) Remember to offer a signed self reported statement of completion at the end of the review. This work will be typed according to seminary standards [questions? see the "mini-manual of style" available on the website of the library ( submitted on paper in class on the day it is due.

4.4.2 The second report will review the presentation of Yancey and follow the pattern outlined above.

4.5 A mid term exam and a final exam must be completed. These exams are meant to test the learner's ability to remember and apply course materials. Information from the EOT textbook and from classroom discussions will be the basis for these exams (note: give attention to the material in boxes in the EOT text. Thinking about objectives, key terms, people, and places, and summary statements is a good way to read and reflect upon each chapter). The exams will be closed-book.

4.6 Hence, final grade assignments will be calculated as follows: Biblical reading, 15%; Longman report,10%; Yancey report, 10%; Responses to Study Questions, 35%; Mid term exam, 15%; final exam, 15%.

5.0 Schedule

Distributed in class.

6.0 Disclaimer and other Yucky Stuff

Recognize that this preview presents the course as envisioned at the beginning of the semester. The instructor reserves the right to make changes as needs dictate. Reasonable effort will be made, however, to announce such changes.

Recognize also that all late work may be subject to penalty.

For all other academic policy matters, refer to the Student Handbook at