Bible Old Testament (BOT)

BOT 501 Introductory Biblical Hebrew I - 3 Units

Introduces biblical Hebrew, focusing on morphology, phonology, syntax, and high-frequency vocabulary, with attention to accurate pronunciation, reading aloud, and the use of Hebrew as a foundational tool for interpreting the Old Testament.

BOT 502 Introductory Biblical Hebrew II - 3 Units

Continues the study of introductory biblical Hebrew with further investigation of morphology, syntax, and weak verbs, emphasizing reading competence and the use of Hebrew for interpreting the Old Testament.

BOT 510 Topics: Old Testament Texts - 3 Units

Focused study of a specific Old Testament book or corpus using a contemporary translation. Emphasizes literary structure, theological themes, historical context, and contemporary application. Course focus varies by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus.

BOT 520 Exposition:Pentateuch and History - 3 Units

Introduces the content, structure, and theology of the Pentateuch and Old Testament Historical Books through close reading of the Bible in contemporary translation. Texts are situated within Israel's historical development and the ancient Near Eastern context, emphasizing narrative flow, major theological themes, and canonical relationships. Attention is given to interpretive issues, historical background, and theological significance for Christian faith and ministry. Students trace God's redemptive purposes through representative passages from Genesis through Esther and apply these writings to teaching, preaching, and contemporary Christian life.

BOT 540 Topics: Old Testament Theology - 3 Units

An in-depth theological study of a major theme (or closely related group of themes) traced across the Old Testament. Students engage biblical texts in contemporary translations, evaluate scholarly perspectives, and develop coherent theological reflection attentive to canonical shape and contemporary contexts. Prerequisite: BIB 505.

BOT 550 Exposition: Prophets and Poetry - 3 Units

Examines the message, theology, and literary forms of Old Testament prophetic and poetic books through close reading of the English Bible. Emphasizes historical context, Hebrew poetry in translation, wisdom traditions, and canonical theology in order to interpret prophetic proclamation and poetic expression for teaching and ministry.

BOT 601 Hebrew Exegesis - 3 Units

Builds on prior biblical Hebrew study through close reading of selected Old Testament texts, emphasizing syntax, discourse, semantics, and literary structure. Students apply advanced grammatical and lexical analysis to extended Hebrew passages and develop exegetical competence through sustained engagement with prose and poetry. The course cultivates the ability to move from detailed textual observation to theological synthesis and responsible interpretation for teaching, preaching, or scholarly work.

BOT 620 Advanced Exposition: Pentateuch - 3 Units

Develops advanced exegetical competence in the Pentateuch through sustained analysis of selected Hebrew narrative and legal texts. Engages literary, historical, theological, and methodological issues central to Genesis through Deuteronomy while refining skills in translation, textual analysis, and theological interpretation. Applies corpus-specific interpretive methods to complex passages and evaluates ongoing scholarly debates concerning authorship, composition, and theological coherence. Emphasizes responsible communication of the enduring significance of the Pentateuch for academic, ecclesial, and contemporary contexts. Prerequisite: BOT 601.

BOT 651 Advanced Exposition: Prophets - 3 Units

Develops advanced exegetical competence in the Hebrew text of the Former and Latter Prophets. Examines narrative and poetic genres, literary structures, historical contexts, and theological themes across prophetic literature. Applies established exegetical methods to selected texts from Joshua through Kings, Isaiah through Ezekiel, the Twelve, and Daniel, with attention to interpretive challenges and contemporary theological significance. Prerequisite: BOT 601.

BOT 655 Advanced Exposition: Wisdom Literature - 3 Units

Develops advanced exegetical competence in the Hebrew text of the wisdom and poetic books with emphasis on exegetical method and theological interpretation. Analyzes poetic structure, wisdom themes, and literary features in selected texts from Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and related writings, applying linguistic, historical, and literary tools for responsible exposition.

BOT 800 Topics in Old Testament - 1-3 Units

Provides an opportunity for students to engage critically with emerging issues, debates, and developments within a specific academic discipline. Students explore contemporary topics that shape the Church's witness, theological reflection, and vocational practice in today's world. Emphasis is placed on integrating biblical and theological perspectives with scholarly inquiry, fostering spiritual formation, and cultivating leadership rooted in humility and social responsibility.

BOT 810 Topics: Advanced Old Testament Texts - 1-3 Units

Advanced exegetical study of a selected Old Testament book or corpus in the original language. Emphasizes grammatical-syntactical analysis, textual issues, theological interpretation, and contemporary significance. Course focus varies by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: BOT 601 or doctoral standing.

BOT 840 Topics: Advanced Old Testament Theology - 1-3 Units

Advanced theological study of a selected theme, doctrine, or theological trajectory within the Old Testament. Emphasizes canonical development, historical nterpretation, and constructive theological reflection. Course focus varies by semester. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: BOT 601 or doctoral standing.

BOT 850 Topics: Advanced Old Testament Hebrew - 1-3 Units

Advanced study of Old Testament Hebrew with emphasis on linguistic analysis, lexicography, and interpretive method beond introductory exegesis. Students engage advanced grammatical, syntactical, and discourse features of the Hebrew Old Testament while developing skills in lexical research and critical interaction with scholarly debates. Attention is given to the theological and interpretive implications of Hebrew language analysis. Specific textual focus may vary by offering. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: BOT 601 or doctoral standing.

BOT 860 Topics: Advanced Old Testament Cogneates - 1-3 Units

Advanced study of a cognate language relevant to Old Testament scholarship with emphasis on linguistic analysis, philology, and interpretive method. Students engage primary texts in their original language, developing skills in grammar, lexicography, comparative Semitics, and historical-cultural contextualization. Attention is given to the relationship between the cognate language and Biblical Hebrew and to the theological and interpretive implications of comparative language study. Specific language and textual focus vary by offering. Repeatable for credit with different focus. Prerequisite: BOT 601 or doctoral standing.