Winter 2017/ Fuller Online

OT517

Lee

OT517: OLD TESTAMENT BOOK STUDY: ESTHER (4 Units: 160 hours). Kyong-Jin Lee.

DESCRIPTION: This is a course on 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: 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: approximately 1000 pages total

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible.

Bush, Frederic W. Ruth-Esther. (Word Biblical Commentary). Word Books, 1996 (reprint 2015). ISBN: 978-0310522102, Pub. Price $49.99 [300 pages].

Levenson, Jon D. Esther. Westminster John Knox, 1997. ISBN: 978-0664228873, Pub. Price $35.00 [130 pages].

Reading material posted on Moodle. See the following sampling:

Berger, Yitzhak. “Esther and Benjaminite Royalty: A Study in Inner-Biblical Allusion.”Journal of Biblical Literature,129/4 (2010): 625-644.

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.

Morgenstern, Mira. “Esther: The Politics of Metaphor.” In Conceiving a Nation: The Development of Political Discourse in the Hebrew Bible. University Park: Penn State Press, 2010.

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. Harrisburg: Trinity Press International, 2000. 264–75

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 # 1-6.] [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 # 1-7.] [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 (1500-2000 words). (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1-4.] [20 hours preparation and writing].
4. Final exegesis paper. A study of a text of about ten to thirty verses, chosen with the agreement of the professor. A focused discussion on a specific theme, motif, and/or issue relevant to the biblical passage (1500-2000 words). (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1-7.] [20 hours preparation and writing].

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.