DESCRIPTION: This course is an overview of the third major division of the Hebrew Bible known as the Writings (Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles). Attention will be given to historical, literary, and theological concerns in relation to these biblical texts and in relation to Christian life and ministry today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) knowledge and understanding of the various books that comprise the Writings; (2) understanding of the diverse literary features of these books; (3) understanding of the historical and cultural situations of the books; (4) ability in interpreting and engaging with very different biblical texts; (5) insight into the nature of the Bible both as human word and holy Scripture; (6) appreciation of new ways of reading Scripture, particularly in a postmodern world; (7) enthusiasm for reading the Bible; (8) ability to use the Bible in a variety of ways in their ministries; (9) movement towards a deeper obedience to Scripture in their own lives.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The section of the Hebrew Bible known as the Writings contains a rich diversity of literature that witnesses to the presence and seeming absence of God in a wide range of contexts, both for individuals and for communities. Engagement with this material and its varied portrayals of God, humanity, and the world facilitates engagement with diverse experiences of God's presence and seeming absence for individuals and communities in today's world.

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

REQUIRED READING:

The books of the Writings: Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles (NRSV or TNIV preferred).

Brown, William P. Character in Crisis: A Fresh Approach to the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.

Brueggemann, Walter. The Psalms and the Life of Faith. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.

Course Reader.

Collins, John J. Introduction to the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2004.

Ingram, Doug. Ecclesiastes: A Peculiarly Postmodern Piece. Cambridge: Grove Books, 2004.

Jones, Gwilym H. 1 & 2 Chronicles. Old Testament Guides. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1993.

Lucas, Ernest C. Daniel. Apollos Old Testament Commentary. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2002.

Lyke, Larry L. I Will Espouse You Forever: The Song of Songs and the Theology of Love in the Hebrew Bible. Nashville: Abingdon, 2007.

O'Connor, Kathleen M. Lamentations and the Tears of the World. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 2002.

Sakenfeld, Katharine Doob. Just Wives? Stories of Power & Survival in the Old Testament Today. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003

1. Preparation for class and participation in class activities (20%)

2. A take-home, open-book exam; due September 5 (30%)

3. A paper of approximately 5000 words on some aspect of the Writings in which the text is interpreted and applied to a ministry context today; due September *19 (50%) (*due date subject to change; submission may be by email only)