Spring 2017/Fuller Online

OT560

Hayes

OT560: WOMEN IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: TEXT AND CONTEXT (4 Units: 160 hours). E. R. Hayes.

DESCRIPTION: This class is a study of the stories of selected women in the Old Testament, including women in the Pentateuch (Eve, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah and Miriam), the Historical Books (Hannah), and the Writings (Ruth and Esther). Includes examination of literary form and structure, theological content, historical background and significance in the canon of Scripture. Additional investigation into the role and status of women in pre- and post-exilic Israel and in Old Testament Theology.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated that they (1) have read the assigned texts containing women’s stories carefully and are familiar with its contents and themes; (2) can interpret the passages in their own right and in their socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; (3) have identified central issues in the critical study of the selected texts; (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, with an emphasis on critical reflection on the role of gender for transformational discipleship, mission, and ministry.

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.

Assigned passages, including the books of Ruth and Esther and the ‘Additions to Esther’ in either NRSV, TNIV, or CEB. [100 pp. assigned]

Levenson, J. Esther: A Commentary. The Old Testament Library. Westminster John Knox Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0664228873, Pub. Price $35.00 [136 pp.]

Perdue, Leo G. Families in Ancient Israel. Family, Religion, and Culture. Westminster John Knox Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0664255671, Pub. Price $30.00 [100 pp.]

Petersen, John. Reading Women's Stories: Female Characters in the Hebrew Bible. Fortress, 2004. ISBN: 978-0800636197, Pub. Price $23.00 [200 pp. assigned]

Wolde, E. J. van. Ruth and Naomi. Smyth and Helwys, 1998. ISBN: 978-1573122535, Pub. Price $17.00 [158 pp.]

Selections from eReserves Reader, including sections from ‘Dinah’s Lament’ (J.A. Schroder); ‘Moses Women’ (S. A. Tuchman and S. E. Rappaport); ‘Genesis: texts@contexts’ (A. Brenner); ‘Helpmates, Harlots, and Heroes’ (A.O. Bellis); ‘God and the Rhetoric of Sexuality’, (Tribble); ‘From Deborah to Esther: Sexual Politics in the Hebrew Bible’ (L. R. Klein); ‘Writing the Wrongs’ (J. I. Thompson), etc. [350 pp. assigned]

RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus.

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. Two essays on questions from the assigned readings and video lectures. One of these will be a scholarly paper that analyzes gender using the tools learned in the class in order to demonstrate critically reflective praxis for transformational discipleship, mission, and ministry [1000 words] (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-#7] [20 hours] (Signature Assignment; C5)
6. A ten-fifteen page research essay on interpretation of a selected passage. [2.500-3,500 words] (40%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2-#6] [30 hours] (Signature Assignment).

PREREQUISITES: BI500 (or NE502) and OT500. Auditors are expected to complete all assignments.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Biblical studies elective. Option to meet the C5 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.