DESCRIPTION:

This is a course on reading strategy and the dynamics of reading. Drawing from selected First-person texts of the Old Testament representing a variety of biblical genres (poetry, narrative, prophecy, apocalyptic/vision report), it seeks to demonstrate the employment of inter-disciplinary interpretive tools in uncovering the internal profile of Hebrew personalities (Isaiah, Daniel, and God as a character). The role of "gender-culture-context-situatedness" in the "empirics" of reading is an integral part in the discussions.

By the end of the course, students should have gained competencies in (1) working out reading strategies for respective interpretive goals; and (2) appropriating Old Testament character studies to the post-modern human and ecclesiastical life. While many still maintain that dimensions of the inner life of characters (such as feelings, conflicting emotions, hopes and fears) are virtually absent in the Hebrew Bible, it is hoped that a strong internal profile will emerge for each personality studied. Engaging texts from a faith-oriented perspective, these internal portrayals may have a significant impact on students, particularly on those who are called to the helping vocations--pastors, mentors, Christian workers, and counsellors, etc.

The class will meet four hours daily for two weeks for lectures, group discussions & short presentations.

A modern translation of Isaiah, Daniel, and other selected passages (e.g., NIV, NRSV).

Pastoral Psychology 51/2 (2000).

Course Reader, which includes articles and selected book chapters by the following authors: Schuyler Brown, Peter L. Callero, Eric S. Christianson, Philip R. Davies, N. K. Denzin, Robert A. Di Vito, Danna Nolan Fewell, Terence E. Fretheim, John Goldingay, J. Gerald Janzen, D. Andrew Kille, J. Kenneth Kuntz, Francis Landy, Barbara M. Leung Lai, Terry C. Muck, Wayne Rollins, Christopher R. Seitz; Mark S. Smith, Aubrey R. Johnson, B. L. Woodward.

Aune, David E. and John McCarthy, eds. The Whole and the Divided Self: The Bible and Theological Anthropology. Crossroad, 1997.

Brown, Schuyler. Text and Psyche: Experiencing Scripture Today. Continuum, 1998.

Ellens, J. Harold and Wayne Rollins, eds. Psychology and the Bible: A New Way to Read the Scriptures. 4 vols. Praeger (Greenwood), 2005.

Halperin, David J. Seeking Ezekiel: Text and Psychology. Pennsylvania State Univ. Press, 1993.

Kille, D. Andrew. Psychological Biblical Criticism. Augsburg Fortress, 2001.

Kitzberger, Ingrid Rosa, ed. Autobiographical Biblical Criticism: Between Text & Self. Deo, 2002.

Rollins, Wayne G. Soul and Psyche: The Bible in Psychological Perspective. Fortress, 1999.

For the first day of class: Read the Book of Isaiah and Daniel, noting the Isaian and Danielic "I" voice in the context of each appearance. (1) Preparation for class by completing daily reading assignments, attendance, and knowledgeable participation in class discussions and presentations (30%). (2) Two written 5-7 page assignments (20%): one on "reader-response," due August 4 (Thurs.) and one on "reading strategy," due August 10 (Wed.). (3 )A 15-20 page paper or an appropriation/application project (50%). Due September 9 (Fri.).