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:
- 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.
- A paper that includes researched interpretation and theological exposition
of a Psalm (2500-3000 words) (30%). Due August 7, 2006.
- A midterm exam (take-home, open book) (25%). Due June 25, 2006.
- 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).