Winter 2020/Pasadena

OT544

Crouch

OT544: PROPHETIC RESPONSES TO TRAUMA (4 Units: 160 hours). Carly L. Crouch.

DESCRIPTION: This course will examine the diverse ways in which the prophetic literature of the Hebrew Bible responds to trauma, attending especially to issues raised by the Babylonian exile. The course will identify some of the theological, psychological and practical concerns raised by this experience and examine the various ways in which the biblical texts respond to these concerns. Special attention will be paid to the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Lamentations, as well as parts of the book of Isaiah and the book of Psalms, exploring how these texts represent ancient responses to trauma relevant to the modern world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated that they (1) have carefully read the biblical literature studied in the course and are familiar with its contents and themes; (2) can describe how perspectives from trauma theory offer new ways to approach this literature; (3) can interpret passages within it in their socio-historical, literary, and canonical contexts; (4) can compare some of the situations described in this literature to modern situations; and (5) can interpret it faithfully and creatively in the context of their congregation, of the contemporary world and of their own lives.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will introduce students to content and interpretation of the OT in its historical and contemporary context, which is consistent with the SOT PLO “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries” (MDiv, MAT, MATM), and MAICS Area of Interest Class PLO “Students will have demonstrated capacities to pursue vocations that engage the mission of God globally.”

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom, for lecture and discussion.

REQUIRED READING: 950 total pages required.

NRSV, TNIV, or CEB Bible. [150 pages assigned]

Boase, Elizabeth, and Christopher G Frechette, eds. Bible through the Lens of Trauma. Atlanta: SBL, 2017. ISBN: 9781628371451, Pub. Price $33.95. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [150 pp. assigned].

Course reader [650 pp., including Bailey, Becker, Bowen, Claassens, Frymer-Kensky, Holt, Janzen, Lee, Leveen, O'Connor, Renken, Smith-Christopher, etc.]

RECOMMENDED READING:

As indicated on Canvas.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Attendance in class (Pass/Fail) [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #1-5.] [40 hours].
  2. 950 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5. [58 hours].
  3. Completion of ten 250-word reflective essays (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-5]. [10 hours].
  4. Two 1,500-word working papers, written in light of the assigned reading and the classes (40%). [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #1-5]. [24 hours]
  5. One 3,500-4,000-word research paper, written in light of the assigned reading and the classes (50%). [This assignment relates to learning outcomes #1-5] [28 hours]

PREREQUISITES: OT500 and BI500 (or NE502).

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Biblical elective in the 120 MDiv, 80 MAT, and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.