DESCRIPTION: A study of the third section of the Hebrew Scriptures, in English translation, including Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Ruth, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and 1-2 Chronicles. Attention will be given to the shape of the books, their content, literary forms, and theological concerns.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content and structure of these books; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical matters that may inform our understanding, as well as an awareness of the issues involved in assessing their contribution; (3) basic skills in interpreting texts, including the ability to use scholarly resources both critically and constructively; (4) an ability to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the Writings, including worship, wisdom, fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy, and response to exile; and (5) an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The Writings books address God's word to the everyday needs and ultimate concerns of God's people.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily in four-hour sessions for two weeks for lecture, discussion and other learning activities.

REQUIRED READING:

The biblical books Ruth, 1-2 Chronicles, Lamentations, Psalms, Daniel, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, in a recent English translation (e.g., NRSV, NIV).

Anderson, Bernhard W. Out of the Depths. 3rd revised & expanded ed. Westminster John Knox, 2000.

Brown William P. Character in Crisis. Eerdmans, 1996.

Murphy, Roland E. The Tree of life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature (with Millennium Supplement). Eerdmans, 2002.

Throntveit, Mark. Ezra-Nehemiah. Interpretation. Westminster John Knox, 1992.

Seow, C. L. Daniel. Westminster Bible Companion. Westminster John Knox, 2003.

Bush, F. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary. Word, 1996.

Childs, B. S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Fortress, 1979..

Davies, P. R. Daniel. OT Guides. JSOT Press, 1995.

de Claisse-Walford, Nancy. Reading from the Beginning. Mercer University Press, 1997.

Goldingay, J. E. Daniel. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1989.

Miller, Patrick D. They Cried to the Lord. Fortress, 1994.

LaSor, W. S., Hubbard, D. A., and Bush, F. W. Old Testament Survey. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 1996.

1. Reading in preparation for class and participation in class activities (20%). For the first and second days of class, read the books of Ruth and 1 & 2 Chronicles.

2. A paper that includes researched interpretation and theological exposition of a Psalm (2500-3000 words) (30%). Due August 7, 2006.

3. A midterm exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due June 25, 2006.

4. A final exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due July 10, 2006.