HIS 113 - History of the Old Testament

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course provides a survey of the Old Testament, focusing on its major books, figures and religious developments of the Hebrews. Students explore the texts within their literary styles, as well as their religious and historical contexts. The course aims to provide a deeper understanding of the foundational elements of Hebrew scripture.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Explain the fundamental principles of hermeneutics and literary criticism and their importance for modern, scientific and historical investigations.
Describe the basic arrangement of the Hebrew scriptures.
Explain the essence of Hebrew and Jewish theologies.
Report on the evolution of Jewish thought.
List the most important historical moments from 1250 B.C.E. until 90 C.E.
Assess the validity, bias and relevance of primary and secondary sources to construct well-supported historical arguments.

Listed Topics

Hermeneutics, exegesis and literary criticism
The myths of the cosmogony and the patriarchs
The Pentateuch
Prophets: proto-prophets, classical prophets, preexilic and postexilic
Wisdom literature
Pseudepigrapha, deuterocanonical and apocalyptic literature

Reference Materials
Current textbook, scholarly readings, films, maps and electronic resources as assigned

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Information Literacy

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 04/15/2025
Last Reviewed: 04/15/2025

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