Fall 2008/Pasadena
OT502
Smoak

OT502: THE HEBREW PROPHETS. Jeremy D. Smoak.


DESCRIPTION: This course will consist of two parts: (1) an overview of the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings), with a focus upon their thematic significance within the narrative history of Israel from the conquest to the exile, and (2) an examination of the Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi), with an emphasis upon their historical background, social setting, thematic content, and literary development. The course will also examine the different modern approaches to the Hebrew Prophets and how these approaches inform the church's understanding of these texts.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the course a student should be able to


RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The biblical prophetic literature forms a rich testimony to the interaction between God and his people during the biblical period. This course will study how an understanding of this interaction may shed light on contemporary church issues and perspectives.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. The format of this course will be a combination of lectures, small group exercises, and class discussions. Students will be expected to work closely with other students as part of the learning process for this course. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the readings assigned for each class session.

REQUIRED READING:
New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Blenkinsopp, Joseph. A History of Prophecy in Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1996.

Matthews, Victor H. The Social World of the Hebrew Prophets. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2001.

Schniedewind, William M., How the Bible Became a Book: The Textualization of Ancient Israel. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004.

Tate, Marvin. From Promise to Exile: The Former Prophets. Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 1999.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Achtemeier, E., Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

Brenner, A., ed. A Feminist Companion to Judges; A Feminist Companion to Samuel and Kings, and A Feminist Companion to the Latter Prophets. Sheffield Academic Press, 1993, 1994, and 1995.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Weekly preparation, class attendance and participation in small group activities will be a required component of the course (10%). (2) Exegetical paper of 12-15 pages in length (30%). (3) Midterm exam (30%). (4) Final exam (30%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "B" (OTB).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (9/08)