Course Title: Advanced Course in Reading the Old Testament
Teachers: Patrick Long, lecturer at the Catholic University of the Vendée, ICES, and Deputy Headmaster at Chavagnes International College; Ferdi McDermott, Headmaster of Chavagnes International College and professor in English literature at the Catholic University of the Vendée, ICES.
Institution: USA Heritage Academy
Course Duration: 30 Weeks
Target Audience: Advanced high school students (aged 16+)
Course Level: Advanced
Course Description:
This 30-week advanced Religious Studies course is based on Reading the Old Testament: An Introduction by Fr. Lawrence Boadt and is designed to provide a deep, scholarly understanding of the Old Testament. The course integrates textual study with historical, archaeological, and theological insights, supplemented by documentaries and online resources. Assignments will include reading, discussions, essays, and multimedia engagement to develop a well-rounded perspective on the Old Testament.
Course Structure and Assessment:
- Weekly Reading Assignments: Selections from Fr. Boadt’s text.
- Documentary Viewings: Curated selections from YouTube and other online platforms.
- Written Assignments: Analytical essays, reflection papers, and research projects.
- Quizzes & Exams: Periodic assessments to reinforce key concepts.
- Discussion Forums: Engaging students in theological and historical debates.
- Final Project: A research paper or multimedia presentation on an Old Testament theme.
Course Schedule
Unit 1: Introduction to the Old Testament (Weeks 1-3)
Week 1: Understanding the Old Testament
- Introduction to the Bible and Divine Revelation
- Canon and Deutero-Canonical Books
- Documentary: How the Bible Came to Be (YouTube)
- Assignment: Short essay on the nature of divine revelation
Week 2: The People and Lands of the Old Testament
- Geography of the Near East
- Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Semitic Peoples
- Documentary: The Ancient Near East: Cradle of Civilization
- Assignment: Map activity on biblical geography
Week 3: Archaeology and the Old Testament
- The role of archaeology in biblical studies
- Major excavations and discoveries
- Documentary: Biblical Archaeology – What Have We Discovered?
- Assignment: Research a major biblical archaeological discovery
Unit 2: Literary and Theological Foundations (Weeks 4-7)
Week 4: Literary Tools for Old Testament Study
- Textual Criticism and Tradition History
- The Bible as Literature
- Assignment: Analyze a biblical passage using literary criticism
Week 5: The Pentateuch and the Documentary Hypothesis
- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
- Documentary: The Mystery of the Five Books of Moses
- Assignment: Essay on the implications of source criticism
Week 6: Genesis 1-11: Creation, Fall, and Flood
- The Yahwist and Priestly Creation Stories
- The Flood and Epic of Gilgamesh
- Assignment: Compare biblical and Mesopotamian flood myths
Week 7: The Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
- Promise and Covenant
- Documentary: Who Were the Biblical Patriarchs?
- Assignment: Theological reflection on the Abrahamic covenant
Unit 3: Exodus and the Formation of Israel (Weeks 8-12)
Week 8: The Exodus from Egypt
- Pharaoh Akhenaten and Monotheism
- Documentary: The Exodus: Myth or History?
- Assignment: Research paper on the historical Exodus debate
Week 9: The Covenant at Sinai
- The Ten Commandments and Ancient Law Codes
- Documentary: The Code of Hammurabi vs. Biblical Law
- Assignment: Compare and contrast biblical and Mesopotamian laws
Week 10: The Book of Numbers and Wilderness Wanderings
- Theological themes of testing and faith
- Assignment: Reflection on leadership in Numbers
Week 11: Deuteronomy and the Theology of Law
- The Shema and Jewish Identity
- Documentary: Understanding the Torah’s Influence
- Assignment: Essay on the importance of Deuteronomy
Week 12: The Conquest of Canaan: Joshua and Judges
- Theories on the Israelite Settlement
- Documentary: Archaeology and the Walls of Jericho
- Assignment: Research alternative theories on the conquest of Canaan
Unit 4: Israel’s Monarchy and Prophets (Weeks 13-20)
Weeks 13-14: The United Monarchy: Saul, David, and Solomon
Weeks 15-16: The Divided Kingdom and Prophetic Voices
Weeks 17-18: The Babylonian Exile and Its Impact
Weeks 19-20: Restoration and Apocalyptic Literature (Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah)
Unit 5: The Wisdom Literature and Beyond (Weeks 21-26)
Weeks 21-22: The Psalms and Worship in Israel
Weeks 23-24: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job: Wisdom’s Challenges
Weeks 25-26: The Maccabean Period and Hellenistic Influence
Unit 6: Summary and Final Projects (Weeks 27-30)
Week 27: Theological Themes of the Old Testament
Week 28: The Old Testament in Christian Tradition
Week 29: Student Presentations on Major Themes
Week 30: Final Exam and Reflection
Grading Breakdown
- Weekly Assignments: 30%
- Quizzes & Exams: 30%
- Discussion Participation: 20%
- Final Project: 20%
This course will challenge students to engage deeply with the Old Testament’s historical, literary, and theological dimensions, preparing them for further biblical or theological studies at an advanced level.
USA Heritage Academy 