Spring 2015/Fuller Online

OT567

Lee

 

OT567: ESTHER (ENGLISH TEXT) (4 Units: 160 Hours). Kyong-Jin Lee.

 

DESCRIPTION: This is an online course of the Book of Esther. It is a contextual and interpretive study of the Diaspora story. 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.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete this course will have demonstrated that they: (1) have a basic grasp of the contents of the Biblical text under study; (2) can use interpretive approaches that explore both the literary features of the book of Esther and the historical and cultural contexts in which it came into being; (3) can assess hermeneutical issues arising from the diverse contexts of contemporary readers; (4) can relate the Old Testament as Scripture to Christian theology, mission, and discipleship; and (5) have used this knowledge and these abilities to interpret some key Biblical texts pertaining to the course.

 

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: Approximately 1,000 pages required.

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible.

Bush, Frederic W. Ruth-Esther. (Word Biblical Commentary). Word Books, 1996. ISBN: 978-0849902086, Pub. Price $49.99 [300 pages].

Levenson, Jon D. Esther. Westminster John Knox, 1997. ISBN: 978-0664228873, Pub. Price $30.00 [130 pages].

Reading material posted on Moodle [570 pp.]. 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.

 

RECOMMENDED READING: See the course syllabus.

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Weekly study of the instructor’s lecture notes, completion of weekly assigned reading material (100-130 pages), and submission of a weekly response paper (300 words) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1-3.] [80 hours reading; 20 hours writing].

  2. Weekly posting of answers, comments, and reflections on the instructor and other participants’ questions and writings (300-350 words) (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1-4.] [20 hours posting and responding].

  3. Midterm examination. The take-home exam will test the student’s knowledge of the course material and ability to engage it in a critical discussion. It will contain brief essay questions dealing with the historical, theological, and interpretive issues relevant to the material discussed in the first half of the course (2000-2500 words) (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1-4.] [20 hours preparation and writing].

  4. A final exegesis paper that requires a focused discussion on a specific theme, motif, and/or issue relevant to the biblical passage of the student’s selection (2500-3000 words) (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 2-5.] [20 hours preparation and writing].

 

PREREQUISITES: None.

 

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

 

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.