Spring 2011/Houston
OT567
Dearman
OT567
Jeremiah (English Text). J. Andrew Dearman
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide an
overview of the historical context and the theological issues of the book of
Jeremiah, as well as an opportunity for careful exegetical examination of
representative passages. Lectures
will treat the historical background of the prophetŐs ministry, the themes of
his message, the literary forms of their expression, and the shaping of the
Jeremianic corpus in the exilic period.
SIGNIFICANCE
FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The book of Jeremiah addresses a variety of issues and
themes intrinsic to ministry such as the experience of GodŐs call and absence,
the analysis of corporate and individual failure before God, and the divine
promise of a transformed future.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES: Students who
successfully complete this course will have demonstrated: (1) a fundamental
knowledge of the literary forms and thematic content of the book of Jeremiah;
(2) an acquaintance with the historical and social location of IsraelŐs
prophetic literature, with an emphasis on the late seventh century BCE; (3)
competence in interpreting passages from the book of Jeremiah in light of a
range of appropriate approaches; (4) an ability to reflect upon and evaluate
the theological issues raised by the book of Jeremiah and to discern their
implications for Christian faith and practice; (5) an awareness of how we may
learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage point better to read,
use, and obey this portion of Scripture.
COURSE
FORMAT: The class will meet once a week (3.5 hours) for 10 weeks during the
quarter. Class sessions will be a
combination of lecture, discussion, and student presentations.
REQUIRED
READING:
Jeremiah
in English translation (TNIV; NRSV)
Allen,
Leslie C., Jeremiah: A Commentary
(OTL; Westminster John Knox, 2008).
ISBN: 978-0664222239; $59.95.
A
selection of articles and instructor-authored handouts.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
Leclerc,
Thomas L. Introduction to the Prophets:
Their Stories, Sayings, and Scrolls (Paulist Press, 2007); ISBN
978-0809144921; $27.95.
OŐBrien,
Julia M. Challenging Prophetic Metaphor:
Theology and Ideology in the Prophets (Westminster John Knox, 2009); ISBN
978-0664229641; $24.95.
ASSIGNMENTS
AND ASSESSMENTS:
1. Class attendance and weekly preparation
of class readings and exercises. (20%).
2. Two exegetical papers, approximately
3,000 words each. Each paper will
respond to a series of questions posed by the instructor, which will be based
on the course learning objectives and interaction with required reading. (40%
each paper).
PREREQUISITES: None
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: Meets OT book study
(OTBK) for MA programs.
This
ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.