Spring 2009/Pasadena
OT506
López

OT506: EXEGESIS DEL ANTIGUO TESTAMENTO: AMOS [OT Exegesis: Amos]. Moisés López.


DESCRIPTION: The primary concern of this course (taught in Spanish) is to develop exegetical skill through the study of the Hebrew text of the book of Amos. We will also study the historical, social and cultural background of the book. We will analyze the forms and function of the prophetic oracles within the literary and theological context of the Minor Prophets. We will apply various interpretive tools to help us discern the message of the prophet Amos for the church today.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a knowledge of biblical Hebrew consistent with divisional standards for master's programs; (2) an ability to use exegetical procedures for interpreting OT texts; (3) an ability to read the text of Amos as literature, but also as words from God; (4) an understanding of the possible historical, social and cultural background of the book; (5) an ability to read this section of the Scriptures from distinctive perspectives, such as liberation, feminist, and Latino, among others.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The "art" of biblical interpretation is fundamental for sound preaching and teaching in ecclesiastical and educational settings. In addition, a better understanding of the message of the book of Amos can enhance the student's ability to interpret today's context with its challenges to religion and justice.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions that will include reading Hebrew texts from the book of Amos, discussion of prepared exegetical translations, and lectures.

REQUIRED READING:

Abrego de Lacy, J. M. Los libros proféticos. IEB 4. Estella: Editorial Verbo Divino, 2003.

Botta, Alejandro F. Los doce profetas menores. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006.

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.

Padilla, Washington. Amos y Abdías. CBH. Miami: Editorial Caribe, 1993.

Sicre, José L. Con los pobres de la tierra: La justicia social en los profetas de Israel. Madrid: Ediciones Cristiandad, 1984.

Weems, Renita J. Amor maltratado: Matrimonio, sexo y violencia en los profetas hebreos. Bilbao: Editorial Desclée De Brouwer, 1997.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Andersen, F. I., and D. N. Freedman. Amos. AB 24A. Doubleday, 1989.

Brueggemann, Walter. The Prophetic Imagination. Fortress Press, 2001.

Carroll R., Daniel M. Context for Amos: Prophetic Poetics in Latin American Perspective. JSOT, 1992.

Garret, Duane A. Amos: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text. Baylor University Press, 2008.

Paul, S. A. Commentary on the Book of Amos. Hermeneia 27. Fortress, 1991.

Premnath, D. N. Eighth Century Prophets: A Social Analysis. Chalice Press, 2003.

Redditt, Paul L. Introduction to the Prophets. Eerdmans, 2008.

Sweeney, M. A. The Twelve Prophets. Vol. 1. Liturgical Press, 2000.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Students are expected to be present at all class sessions. (2) Before each class session students will have (a) completed all assigned readings, (b) translated the biblical passages to be exegeted, (c) prepared an exegetical handout that reflects their grammatical analysis of the passage (30%). (3) Exegetical paper on a specific Hebrew section of the book of Amos. The paper will also need to include a theological and ethical reflection for today's ministry (10-12 double-spaced pages plus translation) (40%). (4) Midterm (30%).

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or equivalent. Spanish.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "c" (OTCE) and MA program requirements for Old Testament book study (OTBK).

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (3/09)