Summer 2005/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: August 1-12
OT562
Lai
OT562: FIRST-PERSON TEXTS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT (English Text). Barbara M. Leung
Lai.
DESCRIPTION:
- This is a course on reading strategy and the dynamics of reading.
Drawing from selected First-person texts of the Old Testament representing a
variety of biblical genres (poetry, narrative, prophecy, apocalyptic/vision
report), it seeks to demonstrate the employment of inter-disciplinary
interpretive tools in uncovering the internal profile of Hebrew personalities
(Isaiah, Daniel, and God as a character). The role of
"gender-culture-context-situatedness" in the "empirics" of reading is an
integral part in the discussions.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- By the end of the course, students should have gained competencies
in (1) working out reading strategies for respective interpretive goals; and
(2) appropriating Old Testament character studies to the post-modern human and
ecclesiastical life. While many still maintain that dimensions of the inner
life of characters (such as feelings, conflicting emotions, hopes and fears)
are virtually absent in the Hebrew Bible, it is hoped that a strong
internal profile will emerge for each personality studied. Engaging texts from
a faith-oriented perspective, these internal portrayals may have a significant
impact on students, particularly on those who are called to the helping
vocations--pastors, mentors, Christian workers, and counsellors, etc.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet four hours daily for two weeks for lectures,
group discussions & short presentations.
REQUIRED READING:
- A modern translation of Isaiah, Daniel, and other selected passages
(e.g., NIV, NRSV).
- Pastoral Psychology 51/2 (2000).
- Course Reader, which includes articles and selected book chapters by the
following authors: Schuyler Brown, Peter L. Callero, Eric S. Christianson,
Philip R. Davies, N. K. Denzin, Robert A. Di Vito, Danna Nolan Fewell, Terence
E. Fretheim, John Goldingay, J. Gerald Janzen, D. Andrew Kille, J. Kenneth
Kuntz, Francis Landy, Barbara M. Leung Lai, Terry C. Muck, Wayne Rollins,
Christopher R. Seitz; Mark S. Smith, Aubrey R. Johnson, B. L. Woodward.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Aune, David E. and John McCarthy, eds. The Whole and the Divided
Self: The Bible and Theological Anthropology. Crossroad, 1997.
- Brown, Schuyler. Text and Psyche: Experiencing Scripture Today.
Continuum, 1998.
- Ellens, J. Harold and Wayne Rollins, eds. Psychology and the Bible: A
New Way to Read the Scriptures. 4 vols. Praeger (Greenwood), 2005.
- Halperin, David J. Seeking Ezekiel: Text and Psychology.
Pennsylvania State Univ. Press, 1993.
- Kille, D. Andrew. Psychological Biblical Criticism. Augsburg
Fortress, 2001.
- Kitzberger, Ingrid Rosa, ed. Autobiographical Biblical Criticism:
Between Text & Self. Deo, 2002.
- Rollins, Wayne G. Soul and Psyche: The Bible in Psychological
Perspective. Fortress, 1999.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- For the first day of class: Read the Book of Isaiah and
Daniel, noting the Isaian and Danielic "I" voice in the context of each
appearance. (1) Preparation for class by completing daily reading assignments,
attendance, and knowledgeable participation in class discussions and
presentations (30%). (2) Two written 5-7 page assignments (20%): one on
"reader-response," due August 4 (Thurs.) and one on "reading strategy,"
due August 10 (Wed.). (3 )A 15-20 page paper or an
appropriation/application project (50%). Due September 9
(Fri.).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.