Spring 2014/Pasadena
OT500
Goldingay
OT500: WRITINGS AS INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT (4 Units). John Goldingay.
DESCRIPTION: The course introduces study of the Old Testament as the Word of God, a work of literature, a work emerging out of Israel’s history, and a work that needs to be studied critically to grasp its significance. It focuses on the third section of the Jewish canon, the Writings: Psalms, Job, Proverbs, the Scrolls (Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Esther), Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete the course will have demonstrated that they (1) have grasped the outline of Israel’s history as portrayed in the Old and New Testaments and in light of modern study; (2) understand thenature and process of the Old Testament’s composition, especially as illustrated by Chronicles, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Daniel; (3) understand the nature of worship, prayer, and wisdom as illustrated by the Writings and its relationship with ancient Near Eastern equivalents; (4) know how to interpret Old Testament narrative, as illustrated by the Writings; (5) have looked at aspects of the Writings from angles other than those of the male, white, Western world; (6) have reflected on the significance of the Writings for Christian theology, mission, and discipleship.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets weekly for one three-hour class; students also take part in an hour’s online discussion each week. Classes combine lecture and plenary discussion, with some dramatized reading, creative writing, and listening to recorded material. Classes require about four hours of homework weekly, including study of the biblical text and other specified reading, which is then the basis for the online discussion. Recordings of the class are posted on Moodle and on iTunes.
REQUIRED READING:
Either the CEB, NRSV, or TNIV translation of the Old Testament.
Arnold, B. T., and H. G. M. Williamson, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books. InterVarsity Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0830817825, Pub. Price $60.00.
Longman, Tremper, and Peter Enns, eds. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830817832, Pub. Price $60.00
Syllabus and Course Notes, posted on Moodle.
RECOMMENDED READING: Recommended reading will be listed in the course syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Attendance at classes, preparation homework, participation in online discussion (pass/fail).
Test on history and geography (10%).
Two papers, each 2500-3000 words (each 45%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “c” (OTC) and meets OT Seminary Core Requirement (SCR) in professional MA programs.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.