DESCRIPTION: The course involves reading the whole of Isaiah, section by
section, and gaining a grasp of the contents and nature of each of the sections
(chs, 1-12; 13-23; 24-27; 28-33; 34-39; 40-55; 56-66). It also studies about
ten verses in Hebrew from each section and offers students practice in
analyzing passages with a view to preaching on them and seeking to discern how
they speak to the church today. It considers major themes and motifs that run
through the book, the nature of the unity of the book as a whole, and its
significance for Christian faith and life.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course
successfully will have gained a grasp of the book called Isaiah as a whole,
developed their skill in reading Hebrew and in analyzing and exegeting
particular texts, become enthusiastic about the way Hebrew helps them to
understand the text, and considered how Isaiah relates to Christian faith and
life.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will help people gain skill in interpreting
Scripture and seeing how Isaiah relates to the church and the world.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. One class
is given to section-by-section and thematic study, combining lecture and
plenary discussion with work in groups of four or five. The other is given to
study of individual passages in Hebrew. Classes require substantial preparation
on the part of students, on average one hour of preparation for each class
hour, including study of the biblical text and other specified reading. The
course emphasizes collaborative learning, and students need to be willing to be
committed to working together with other students.
REQUIRED READING: Students do not need to possess any books except the
following: