Spring 2014/Fuller Online
OT502
Smoak
OT502: THE HEBREW PROPHETS (4 Units). Jeremy Smoak.
DESCRIPTION: This course will consist of two parts: (1) an overview of the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings), with a focus upon their thematic significance within the narrative history of Israel from the conquest to the exile, and (2) an examination of the Latter Prophets (Isaiah-Malachi), with an emphasis upon their historical background, social setting, thematic content, and literary development. The course will also examine the different modern approaches to the Hebrew Prophets and how these approaches inform the church’s understanding of these texts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to (1) identify the major theological and social themes of the Hebrew Prophets; (2) articulate the different modern approaches to the Hebrew Prophets, including questions concerning their literary development and historical and social settings; (3) differentiate between the various types of literature found in the prophetic section of the Old Testament canon; (4) articulate a basic understanding of the narrative history of Israel from the conquest to the exile; (5) demonstrate an enhanced ability to work with academic resources related to the interpretation of biblical literature; and (6) articulate the diverse theological and cultural traditions represented in biblical prophetic literature.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. 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:
NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible
Brueggemann, Walter. The Prophetic Imagination. Fortress, Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0800632878, Pub. Price $19.00 [151 pp.].
Fontaine, Carol, A Response to ‘Hosea’” in A Feminist Companion to the Latter Prophets, ed. A. Brenner.
Sheffield Academic, 1995. [e-Reserves; pages 60-69 assigned].
Gowan, Donald E. Theology of the Prophetic Books: The Death and Resurrection of Israel. Westminster John Knox, 1998. ISBN 978-0664256890, Pub. Price $30.00 [264 pp.].
Leclerc, Thomas L. Introduction to the Prophets: Their Stories, Sayings and Scrolls. Paulist Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0809144921, Pub. Price $29.95 [432 pp.].
Sakenfeld, Katherine, “Gomer: Who Betrayed Whom?” in Just Wives? Westminster John
Knox, 1989. [e-Reserves; pages 91-116 assigned].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Achtemeier, E., Preaching from the Minor Prophets: Texts and Sermon Suggestions. Eerdmans, 1998. ISBN: 978-0802843708, Pub. Price $16.00 [156 pp.].
Brenner, A., ed. A Feminist Companion to the Latter Prophets. Sheffield Academic Press, 1995. ISBN: 978-1850755159, Pub. Price $50.00 [384 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
One exegetical paper of 10–12 pages in length (25%).
Midterm exam (20%).
Two close reading assignments (30%; 15% each).
Online forum discussion participation (25%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament “B” (OTB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.