Unit Outline: Old Testament

(OT)

This unit outline contains important details for the unit Old Testament. For additional information
about units not included in this outline, please see the Christ College Unit Guide available on
NOVA in the Student Resources sidebar.

https://www.actheology.edu.au/unit/OT

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LECTURER
Jonathan Graham (Unit Coordinator)

OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACTS AT CHRIST COLLEGE

Daniel Wood (Registrar)
Email: registrar@christcollege.edu.au

Kate Selden (Librarian)

Email: library@christcollege.edu.au

Samantha Ho (Administrator)
Email: admin@christcollege.edu.au

UNIT DELIVERY
Contact hours: 50 per certificate unit

A unit of the certificate is expected to take a student 50 hours to complete. This includes all reading
and assignment preparation but is exclusive of hours undertaken in fieldwork. Remember that this
is for the average student; some may find they are spending less time, while others find they spend
more. We have found some students spend over the 50 hours because they enjoy it and want to
spend more time engaging with the material. Take care of the expectations that you have of
yourself and others.

Contact hours breakup

● Listening to OT Course Audio (10 hours)

● Reading Unit Outline, Unit Material & Set Readings (21 hours)
● 1 reading reflections (600 words total) preparation and writing (4 hours / 25%)
● 1 short answer question (500 words) preparation and writing (4 hours / 25%)
● 1 long answer essay (1000 words) preparation and writing (10 hours / 50%)

PURPOSE
The core subject of Old Testament outlines the different genres found in the Old Testament and
includes a study of special topics within the theology of the Old Testament.

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UNIT CONTENT
1.1.1 Literary and Historic Overview

1.1.1.a The Old Testament Canon

1.1.1.b The Metanarrative of the Bible

1.1.1.c The Genres

1.1.1.d The Significance of Jesus

1.1.2 Old Testament Overview

1.1.2.a The Torah (Law)

1.1.2.b The Prophets: The Former Prophets

1.1.2.c The Latter Prophets and Book of the Twelve

1.1.2.d The Writings

1.1.2.e Summary

1.1.3 Genesis 1–12

1.1.3.a Chapter 1: One God, one creation

1.1.3.b Chapter 2: An intimate creation

1.1.3.c Chapter 3: Rebellion

1.1.3.d Chapter 4: The spread of sin

1.1.3.e Chapter 5: The family tree

1.1.3.f Chapter 6–9: The flood

1.1.3.g Chapter 10-11: Babel

1.1.3.h Chapter 12: Abraham

SET READINGS
As part of the Old Testament Unit, students are required to complete set readings of primary
literature related to the topic.

● 1 Samuel

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 ASSESSMENTS
There is ONE reading reflection, ONE short question assessments, and ONE essay question for this unit.

Reading Reflections
1. Reading Reflections Task

For each section  of the readings, write 100 words reflecting something you have discovered or a
question you have raised [600 words total]. Make sure you reference any Bible Passages and direct
quotes.
Due Term 1, Week 6, Friday 5th March

Worth 25% of overall unit marks.

Assessment Submission Details

Your reading reflection assessment item is to be submitted as a pdf document via the NOVA website.
(See further details below).

Short Answer Assessment

2. Short Answer Question

You are required to write a 500 word short answer to ONE of the questions below.

1. Describe how Genesis 3 portrays the impact of human rebellion against God.
Include what the reader knows suggesting that mankind's terrible position is not
irreversible?

OR

2. Explain to what extent the narrative of the flood in Genesis 6-9 represents a
second chance and a new beginning for mankind.

OR

3. Describe the various elements of "the cycle" in the Book of Judges. Explain what
you think this phenomenon contributes to our understanding of the central message of
this book.

OR

4. Describe and explain what the calling of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3 teaches us about
the sovereignty of God.

OR

5. Is there a message of hope in the Book of Lamentations? Explain your answer.

Due Term 1, Week 7, Friday 12th March

Worth 25% of overall unit marks.

 Assessment Submission Details

Your short answer assessment item is to be submitted as a pdf document via the NOVA website. (See
further details below).

Essay
3. New Testament Major Essay

You are required to write a 1000 word essay on one of the following questions:

Essay Assessments (50%)

You are required to write a 1000 word essay on one of the questions below.

1. Compare and describe the prophetic messages of Amos and Hosea as they
diagnose what was wrong with the Northern Kingdom of Israel prior to the Assyrian
invasion.
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OR
2. Describe and explain how the Old Testament prophets interpret the meaning of the
exile to Babylon.

Assessment Submission Details

These OT essay tasks are to be submitted via the portal for this unit on NOVA in PDF
format. (See further details below).
 MARKING CRITERIA FOR YOUR ASSESSMENTS
Marking Criteria for your Short Answer Assessments

Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction

Communication. Poor communication Basic Good Skillful Elegant communication including

Quality of including poor communication communication communication written expression with no errors in
communication written expression including basic including written including written punctuation and/or grammar.
including written and a failure to written expression expression with few expression with no Referencing conventions with no
expression and observe the basics though some errors if any errors in errors in punctuation errors.
observation of of referencing in punctuation punctuation and/or and/or grammar.
referencing conventions. and/or grammar. A grammar. A general Referencing
conventions. basic observation observation conventions with no
30% referencing referencing errors.
conventions with conventions with
some minor errors. few errors.

Construction of There is no clear Ideas and An attempt at An argument is An argument is present and a clear
Argument 35% structure to the conclusions are constructing an present and the attempt is made to engage with both
material presented. presented rather argument is present strengths and the strengths and weaknesses of
than argued for. but lacking in weaknesses of alternate arguments.
consistency. alternate viewpoints It may extend to the argument being
are clearly insightful and both the strengths and
represented. weaknesses of alternate arguments
are carefully engaged with to some
degree.
Interaction with Fails to engage with Demonstrates Demonstrates Takes note of Considers the arguments underlying
primary literature significant primary awareness of some awareness of alternate alternate interpretations in explaining
35% texts and/or fails to of the relevant relevant primary interpretations in the relevance of key texts and forms
correctly represent primary texts texts and attempts explaining the conclusions.
the ideas in primary to explain the relevance of key It may extend to critically evaluating
literature. relevance of the texts the arguments underlying alternate
passages in light of interpretations of relevant texts and
biblical context. forming clear conclusions to some
degree.
Marking Criteria for your Essay

Fail Pass Credit Distinction High Distinction

Intro 5% There is no clear Introduces the Introduces the topic Introduces the Accurately introduces the topic and adequately
introduction. topic with with some accuracy topic with some lays out the argument of the essay. It may
limited but lacks clarity, accuracy and extend to introducing the topic clearly and
accuracy, clarity precision and clear gives some concisely and explicitly outlining the argument of
and direction. direction. indication of the essay to some degree.
direction
Interaction with Fails to engage Demonstrates Demonstrates Takes note of Considers the arguments underlying alternate
primary literature with significant awareness of awareness of alternate interpretations in explaining the relevance of key
30% primary texts some of the relevant primary interpretations in texts and forms conclusions.
and/or fails to relevant texts and attempts explaining the It may extend to critically evaluating the
correctly primary texts to explain the relevance of key arguments underlying alternate interpretations of
represent the relevance of the texts relevant texts and forming clear conclusions to
ideas in primary passages in light of some degree.
literature. biblical context.

Engagement with Does not Shows a limited Demonstrates a Demonstrates a Considers the line of argument leading to
secondary engage with knowledge of clear but basic clear awareness alternate viewpoints in the secondary literature,
literature 15% secondary the relevant knowledge of the of alternate presenting the various arguments clearly from a
literature and/or topic from topic drawn from viewpoints in the range of quality sources.
fails to correctly secondary 4-6 sources. secondary It may extend to critically evaluating alternate
represent the sources and literature and viewpoints and presenting clear conclusions,
ideas contained presents key presents a range drawing on a wide range of high quality sources
in secondary ideas using 2-4 of views clearly to some degree.
literature. sources. using 4-6
sources.
Construction of There is no clear Ideas and An attempt at An argument is An argument is present and a clear attempt is
Argument 35% structure to the conclusions are constructing an present and the made to engage with both the strengths and
material presented argument is strengths and weaknesses of alternate arguments.
presented. rather than present but lacking weaknesses of It may extend to the argument being insightful
argued for. in consistency. alternate and both the strengths and weaknesses of
viewpoints are alternate arguments are carefully engaged with
clearly to some degree.
represented.
Conclusion 5% There is no clear Attempts to Attempts to sum up Clear conclusion Clear conclusion that sums up the argument
conclusion, or sum up the the main points, that sums up the concisely
conclusion does main points, but with some main points It may extend to an insightful conclusion that
not summarise lacks consistency. adequately and sums up the argument clearly and concisely to
the main points consistency. consistently. some degree.
of the essay.
Written Written Written Written expression Written Written expression and language is clear and
Expression and expression and expression and and language is expression and concise; referencing conventions and formatting
presentation 10% language is poor language is mostly clear; language is clear; requirements are followed clearly and carefully
with inadequate inconsistent; referencing of referencing with hardly any errors
or no referencing of secondary sources conventions and It may extend to the written expression and
referencing and secondary is adequate but formatting language enhancing the topic; referencing
no adherence to sources is inconsistent; requirements conventions and formatting requirements are
inconsistent formatting have been

formatting and at times requirements have followed with only followed clearly and carefully with no errors to
requirements. inadequate; not been followed a few errors. some degree.
formatting carefully
requirements
have not been
followed.

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ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION DETAILS
Your assessment (unless otherwise indicated) are to be submitted via the portal for this unit on
NOVA in PDF format. You must include the “Assignment Cover Sheet” as the first page of the file
(see the Sidebar “Student Resources – Assessments” on NOVA for the cover sheet).

You must include the date of submission and add your name to the statement about academic
misconduct.

Place a title on the file with the following format: your ACT student number, unit code and
assignment description: e.g. 20207863 OT Major Essay.pdf. Please do not use a generic title such
as “Essay final version” etc. (Make sure you have saved your assignment as a PDF).

If you have received an extension, provide the extension number and the date to which the
extension has been granted.

Once your assignment has been submitted, NOVA will indicate that submission has been
successful.

EXTENSION REQUESTS
Extensions will only be granted for medical or compassionate reasons.

Application for extensions must be made via the registrar Daniel Wood
(registrar@christcollege.edu.au) prior to the due date.

Unless an extension has been applied for and granted in accordance with the ACT Late Penalty
Policy, where a student submits an assessment past its due date, the assessment marks will be
reduced at the rate of 3% of the total possible marks for the assessment item per calendar day, up
to 14 days late. For take home exams, the exam marks will be reduced at the rate of 6% of the
total possible marks for the exam per calendar day, up to 7 days late.

If an assessment is submitted after 14 days late, a mark of zero will be awarded for the
assessment upon submission of the completed assessment. If a take-home exam is submitted

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after 7 days late, a mark of zero will be awarded for the exam upon submission of the completed
exam.

Only in exceptional circumstances will work be accepted after the final day of classes for the
semester. See the “ACT Late Penalty Policy” (see the Sidebar “ACT Policies” on NOVA).

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SUGGESTED TOPIC CALENDAR [INCLUDES ASSESSMENT DUE DATES]

Week Suggested Study Guide Material to Cover Suggested Set Readings Assessment Deadlines
1.1 A Fleeting Glance
4 1 Samuel 1:1-7:2

5 2.1 Pentateuch and Former Prophets

1 Samuel 7:3-11:15

6 3.1 Prophets, Books of the Twelve and the

Writings Reading Reflections due
at the end of Week 6
1 Samuel 12-21
Friday, 5th March

Short Answer Prep

7
Short Answer due at the end of
Week 7
Friday, 12th March

8 Essay Prep
1 Samuel 22-28

9 1 Samuel 29-31
Essay Due at the end of
Week 9
Friday, 26th March

EXTRA READING
We encourage you towards further research for each of your assessment tasks, but other than that
there is no extra required reading.

If you do wish to extend your learning we recommend you consider dipping into relevant topics of
one of these texts:

Alexander, D. and P. Alexander, The Lion Handbook to the Bible (3rd ed.; Oxford: Lion, 1999).

Arnold, B. and B. Beyer, Encountering the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999).

Drane, J., Introducing the Old Testament (Oxford: Lion, 2011).

Hartley, J. E., Genesis (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2000).

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 Scullion, J. J., Genesis (Collegeville, MN: Liturgical, 1992).

Turner, L. A., Genesis (Sheffield: SAP, 2000).

Brueggemann, W., Deuteronomy (Nashville: Abingdon, 2001).

Cairns, I., Deuteronomy: Word and Presence (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992).

Harman, A., Deuteronomy: The Commands of a Covenant God (Fearn: Christian Focus, 2001).

SUGGESTED ARTICLES FOR THE OT ESSAY TASKS

Question One - articles to consider

Article 1: Sabo, D (2008) Classical Prophets: Differing Images of God and Israel in Amos and
Hosea

www.geocities.ws/debsabo/Prophets_session_4.doc

Article 2: Prophetical Books: Amos and Hosea (Lecture 33) - Baptist General Convention of
Texas

http://www.ministryserver.com/dsmtext/ottext33.htm

Article 3: Grimsrud, Ted The Prophetic Faith: Amos 5:14-24; Hosea 11:1-9

http://peacetheology.net/the-bible-on-peace/14-the-prophetic-faith%E2%80%94amos-514-24-
hose a-111-9/

Article 4: Coats, George W, Book of Amos

http://www.mb-soft.com/believe/txs/amos.htm

Article 5: Houdman, M., Book of Hosea

http://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Hosea.html

Article 6: Belinfante, Anne-Marie, Hosea & Amos: Prophets to the North

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/texts/Bible/Prophets/Latter_Prophets/The_12_Minor_Prophets/H
osea_and_Amos.shtml

Article 7: Pollard, A., Amos and Hosea:Two Perspectives on the Last Days of Israel

http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/churchman/113-01_070.pdf

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Question Two - articles to consider

Article 1: United Church of God - Canada, The Downfall of Judah—Exile to Babylon

http://www.ucg.ca/booklets/bible-and-archaeology-part-2/downfall-judah-exile-babylon

Article 2: Cocherell, B.L., Cyrus: God’s Anointed Shepherd

http://www.bible-prophecy.net/articles/a2pws.htm

Article 3: Coffman, J.B. (1999), Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible: Jeremiah 29

http://www.studylight.org/com/bcc/view.cgi?book=jer&chapter=029

Article 4: Quartz Hill School of Theology, ANE History - Judah in Exile

http://www.theology.edu/lec23.htm

Article 5: Bible Study Tools, Other Pre-Exilian Prophetic Books

http://www.biblestudytools.com/resources/guide-to-bible-study/other-pre-exilian-prophetic-books.ht
ml

Article 6: Malick, D. (2004), An Introduction to the Book of Ezekiel,

https://bible.org/article/introduction-book-ezekiel