Fall 2016/Fuller Online

OT517

Hayes

OT517: OLD TESTAMENT BOOK STUDY: EZEKIEL (ENGLISH TEXT) (4 Units: 160 hours). E. R. Hayes.

DESCRIPTION: This class is a study of the content and literary qualities of Ezekiel in light of its historical background and developing theology. Consideration will be given to understanding the biblical text on its own terms and to reading and interpreting it for contemporary audiences. Additionally, attention will be given to critical tools, methodology, language, genre, the effect of culture, the person of the interpreter and the movement from interpretation to proclamation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated that they (1) have read the book carefully and are familiar with its contents and themes; (2) can interpret passages within it in their own right and in their socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; (3) have identified central issues in the critical study of it; (4) can articulate its primary theological and ethical concerns; (5) can use English-based tools for interpreting it; (6) can recognize hermeneutical issues arising from the diverse contexts of contemporary readers; and (7) can interpret it faithfully and creatively in the context of their congregation, of the contemporary world and of their own lives.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1,050 pp. of required reading.

Ezekiel in a modern English version using either NRSV, TNIV, or CEB. [100 pp. assigned]

Gowan, Donald. Theology of the Prophetic Books.  Westminster John Knox, 1998. ISBN: 9780664256890, Pub. Price $30.00 [264 pp.]

Joyce, Paul. Ezekiel: A Commentary. T&T Clark, 2009. ISBN: 9780567483614, Pub. Price $55.00 ($38.50 online price) [293 pp.]

Renz, Thomas. The Rhetorical Function of the Book of Ezekiel. Brill, 2002. ISBN: 9780391041622, Pub. Price $79.00 [260 pp.]

Course reader and encyclopedia sections as assigned including: Rom-Shiloni, Dalit; Wong, Ka Leung [95 pp.]

RECOMMENDED READING: A complete list of recommended reading will be included with the syllabus.

De Jonge, Henk Jan and Johannes Tromp. The Book of Ezekiel and Its Influence. Ashgate, 2007. ISBN: 978-0754655831, Pub. Price $124.95 ($112.00 online price).

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Preparation for class by reading and reflecting on the required reading [1,050 pp. total]. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1- #3, #6] [70 hours]
2. Class activities including short video lectures, visual presentations, and listening to selected musical scores. [20 hours].
3. 250-word weekly forum posts (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-#4, #6] [10 hours].
4. 250-word weekly forum responses (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-#4] [10 hours].
5. Four short essays on questions from the assigned readings and video lectures. [500 words] (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-#7] [20 hours]
6. A ten-fifteen page research essay on interpretation of a selected passage in Ezekiel. [2.500-3,500 words] (40%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2-#6] [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: BI500 or NE502; OT500 or OT501 or OT502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Counts as a biblical elective for the 120 MDiv, 80 MAT, and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Meets the OTBK requirement for the MAT Program (Winter 2010).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.