Spring 2006/Pasadena
OT504
Jacobs
OT504: WRITINGS. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION: This course is a survey of the third major division of the Hebrew
Bible known as the Writings (Ketubim)--Psalm, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song
of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Chronicles. Its focus includes the historical, literary, and theological
perspectives of selected texts.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students to (1)
better know and understand the books that comprise the Writings; (2)
understand more about the literary features of these texts; (3) better
understand the historical and cultural situations of the books;
(4) develop ability in interpreting the texts; (5) see more clearly the
nature of the Bible as both human word and holy Scripture; (6) appreciate new
ways of reading Scripture; (7) have more enthusiasm for reading the Bible; (8)
use the Bible better in their ministries; (9) move towards a deeper obedience
to Scripture in their own lives.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This survey encourages critical engagement with issues
of human wisdom, spirituality, and suffering in light of God's involvement in
the world (individual and community experiences). It also facilitates
reflection on the complexity of the text's perspectives on these and other
issues.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions of
lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, William P. Character in Crisis: A Fresh Approach to the
Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
- Estes, Daniel J. Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Grand
Rapids: Baker Academics, 2005.
- Matthews, Victor H., and Don C. Benjamin. Old Testament Parallels: Laws
and Stories from the Ancient Near East. New York: Paulist Press, 1991.
- Murphy, Roland E. The Tree of Life: An Explanation of Biblical Wisdom
Literature. Grand Rapids, Eerdmans, 1996.
- Pleins, J. David. The Psalms: Songs of Tragedy, Hope, and Justice.
Maryknoll: Orbis, 1993.
- Rendtorff, R. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Philadelphia:
Fortress, 1991.
- Various articles to be selected from a Selected
Bibliography.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Camp, Claudia. Wisdom and the Feminine in the Book of
Proverbs. Sheffield: Almond, 1985.
- Kraus, H.-J. Theology of the Psalms. Trans. Hilton C. Oswald.
Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989.
- Rad, Gerhard von. Wisdom in Israel. Valley Forge: Trinity Press,
1972.
- Reid, Stephen Breck. Listening In: A Multicultural Reading of the
Psalms. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997.
- Sarna, Nahum M. On the Book of Psalms: Exploring the Prayers of Ancient
Israel. New York: Schocken Books, 1993.
ASSIGNMENTS: Weekly preparation and attendance are required parts of the
course (10%). In addition to these, the final grade will be based on two (7-10
pages) critical papers (30%), a midterm (30%), and a final exam (30%).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "C"
(OTC).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.