DESCRIPTION: A contextual and interpretive study of the Book of Esther. A close reading of the Biblical book will familiarize the student with the themes, motifs, and historical context in which this book was composed. Development of exegetical skills will arise from a focused discussion on the theological, historical, and literary characteristics of the book. The class will explore the book's role in the Church's ongoing theological reflection.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: To acquire basic interpretive skills and techniques in order to generate a spiritual and nuanced understanding of the text. Knowledge of the society, culture, and historical background of the Biblical world are essential in unlocking the multilayered meaning embedded in the text and in articulating an informed theological reflection.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing the course will have demonstrated

1. acquisition of basic literary and historical tools to enable him/her to read the Bible critically;

2. knowledge of the social, cultural, and religious contexts in which the text developed;

3. ability to identify the central themes and motifs in ancient Israel's religious thought and to apply this insight to the exploration of the Biblical text's relevance to contemporary situations;

4. familiarity with a variety of interpretive approaches attested in readings produced by critical scholarship and the Church.

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible.

Bush, Frederic W. Ruth-Esther. (Word Biblical Commentary). Dallas: Word Books, 1996. ISBN: 9780849902086. $49.99.

Levenson, Jon D. Esther. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1997. ISBN: 9780664228873. $30.00.

Reading material posted on Moodle. See the following sampling:

Berlin, Adele. "The Book of Esther and Ancient Storytelling." Journal of Biblical Literature 120/1 (2001): 3-14.

Klein, Lillian. "Honor and Shame in Esther." In A Feminist Companion to Esther, Judith and Susanna. Ed. Athalya Brenner. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1995. 149-75.

Levenson, Jon D. "The Scroll of Esther in Ecumenical Perspective." Journal of Ecumenical Studies 13/3 (1976): 440-52.

McGeough, Kevin M. "Esther the Hero: Going Beyond `Wisdom' in Heroic Narratives." Catholic Biblical Quarterly 70/1 (2008): 44-65.

Sweeney, Marvin. "Absence of G-d and Human Responsibility in the Book of Esther." In Reading the Hebrew Bible for a New millennium: Form, Concept and Theological Perspective. Volume 2: Exegetical and Theoretical Studies, 264-75. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2000.

Talmon, Shemaryahu. "`Wisdom' in the Book of Esther." Vetus Testamentum 13/4 (1963): 419-55.

Yamauchi, Edwin M. "The Archaeological Background of Esther: Archaeological Backgrounds of the Exilic and Postexilic Era, pt 2." Bibliotheca Sacra 137 (1980): 99-117.

1. Attendance and participation (20%)

2. Presentation (10%)

3. Midterm exam (20%)

4. Exegesis paper (10-12 pages; 30%)

5. Final exam (20%)