Winter 2007/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.
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:
- Brenner, Athalya, ed. Ruth and Esther. Sheffield: Sheffield
Academic Press, 1999.
- Brown, William P. Character in Crisis: A Fresh Approach to the Wisdom
Literature of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996.
- Crenshaw, James L. A Whirlpool of Torment: Israelite Traditions of God
as an Oppressive Presence. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984.
- 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.
- Other books and articles to be selected from a Selected Bibliography and
library reserve.
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.
- Rendtorff, R. The Old Testament: An Introduction. Philadelphia:
Fortress, 1991.
- 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.