Summer 2006/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: June 19-30
OT504
P. Scalise

OT504: WRITINGS. Pamela J. Scalise.


DESCRIPTION: A study of the third section of the Hebrew Scriptures, in English translation, including Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Ruth, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and 1-2 Chronicles. Attention will be given to the shape of the books, their content, literary forms, and theological concerns.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will have demonstrated (1) a fundamental knowledge of the content and structure of these books; (2) an acquaintance with a range of cultural and historical matters that may inform our understanding, as well as an awareness of the issues involved in assessing their contribution; (3) basic skills in interpreting texts, including the ability to use scholarly resources both critically and constructively; (4) an ability to reflect theologically upon the central themes of the Writings, including worship, wisdom, fulfilled and unfulfilled prophecy, and response to exile; and (5) an appreciation of how we may learn from historically and culturally diverse vantage points better to read, use, and obey this portion of Scripture.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The Writings books address God's word to the everyday needs and ultimate concerns of God's people.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily in four-hour sessions for two weeks for lecture, discussion and other learning activities.

REQUIRED READING:

The biblical books Ruth, 1-2 Chronicles, Lamentations, Psalms, Daniel, Esther, Ezra-Nehemiah, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, in a recent English translation (e.g., NRSV, NIV).

Anderson, Bernhard W. Out of the Depths. 3rd revised & expanded ed. Westminster John Knox, 2000.

Brown William P. Character in Crisis. Eerdmans, 1996.

Murphy, Roland E. The Tree of life: An Exploration of Biblical Wisdom Literature (with Millennium Supplement). Eerdmans, 2002.

Throntveit, Mark. Ezra-Nehemiah. Interpretation. Westminster John Knox, 1992.

Seow, C. L. Daniel. Westminster Bible Companion. Westminster John Knox, 2003.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Bush, F. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary. Word, 1996.

Childs, B. S. Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture. Fortress, 1979..

Davies, P. R. Daniel. OT Guides. JSOT Press, 1995.

de Claisse-Walford, Nancy. Reading from the Beginning. Mercer University Press, 1997.

Goldingay, J. E. Daniel. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, 1989.

Miller, Patrick D. They Cried to the Lord. Fortress, 1994.

LaSor, W. S., Hubbard, D. A., and Bush, F. W. Old Testament Survey. 2nd ed. Eerdmans, 1996.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Reading in preparation for class and participation in class activities (20%). For the first and second days of class, read the books of Ruth and 1 & 2 Chronicles.

  2. A paper that includes researched interpretation and theological exposition of a Psalm (2500-3000 words) (30%). Due August 7, 2006.

  3. A midterm exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due June 25, 2006.

  4. A final exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due July 10, 2006.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "C" (OTC).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes (take-home).