A study of introductory issues in the books of the Old Testament, such as questions of authorship, dating, literary structure. An overview of the content and context of each book will also have an important focus.  Attention will be given to problem areas and matters of higher criticism such as the Documentary Hypothesis.  Time will also be given to discussing the various problems raised by higher criticism and the reply given to these questions by conservative scholarship.  More recent developments in narratology, and the discussion of canonical texts will also be considered. Theological interpretation, in the light of these questions, will be emphasized.