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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will (1) better know and understand the OT Writings books; (2) develop ability in interpreting the Bible through reading and critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary and other methods; (3) become more skilled in reading the Bible theologically in view of their contexts; (4) see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (5) read the Bible as formative for Christian discipleship.

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 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 NRSV or TNIV.

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

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

Clifford, Richard. The Wisdom Literature. Nashville: Abingdon, 1998.

Throntveit, Mark. Ezra-Nehemiah. Interpretation. Westminster John Knox, 1992 (& iPreach database).

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

Articles and chapters by authors such as Phyllis Trible, Julie Chu, and Itumeleng Mosala (available in full-text databases through the Fuller Seminary library.

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.

1. Reading in preparation for class and participation in class activities (20%).
   For the first day of class, read the book of Ruth and J. Chu, "Returning Home: The Inspiration of the Role Redifferentiation in the the Book of Ruth for Taiwanese Women," in Semeia 78, 1997. (Available online through the Fuller library in the ATLA full-text database.) For the second day of class, read 1 & 2 Chronicles and L. Allen, "Introduction" to "1 and 2 Chronicles in New Interpreters Bible, Vol. 3. (Available online through the Fuller library, iPreach database.)

2. Every day submit a list of reading you have completed and a brief question or comment about what you have learned from the reading.

3. A paper that includes researched interpretation and theological exposition of a Psalm (2500-3000 words) (30%). Due August 10, 2009.

4. A midterm exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due June 29, 2009.

5. A final exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due July 20, 2009.