Aims

By the end of this course, the student should be prepared to make a reading of texts in the Pentateuch and the historical books of the OT on a basis of a general knowledge of this literature.

Main themes

To achieve this, the course introduces current research and debates over the composition history of the Pentateuch and the deuteronomistic history, including outlines of Chronist work. The course also provides a brief survey on the main literary genres of this literature and reflection on their interest for history and theology. Finally, the course involves reading some important OT texts, using the present exegetical methods and pointing out certain axes of theological and anthropological interest. A part of this course consists in practical reading exercises of texts.

Content and teaching methods

Content:
- Historical introduction for the different biblical corpuses;
- Reading of texts chosen for their impact as interpreting clues for major themes of the OT (e.g. Gen 2-4 ; Gen 12 et Ex 19-24 ; 1 Sam 8 ; 16-18 ; 2 Sam 11-12, etc).
Method :
- Exposition by the teacher of the historical introductions and some readings of biblical texts;
- Individual and collective work for some other readings of texts
- Exegetical method used: narrative analysis and theological interpretation.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : Introduction to the Bible (modules Old Testament and initiation with the instruments of work)
Support: file of texts: historical introduction to the corpora approached; articles in connection with the texts seen with the course.