Summer 2008/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: June 23-July 3
OT517
P. Scalise
OT517: RUTH AND ESTHER (English Text). Pamela J. Scalise.
DESCRIPTION: A study of the books of Ruth and Esther, including their literary
form and structure, theological content, historical background, and
significance in the canon of Scripture, and supplemented by a survey of the
role and status of women in pre- and post-exilic Israel and in Old Testament
theology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete the course successfully will (1) have
increased their knowledge and understanding of the books of Ruth and Esther;
(2) have developed ability in interpreting these books through reading and
critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other methods; (3)
have gained skill in reading these books theologically in view of their
contexts; (4) be able to see more clearly the nature of the Bible as both
human word and holy Scripture.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Knowledge of biblical content and theology and the
development of exegetical skills are continuing responsibilities of every
Christian minister.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for four hours daily for two weeks for
lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- The biblical books of Ruth and Esther, the "Additions to Esther" in
the Apocrypha, plus selected Old Testament passages, in a recent English
translation.
- Lapsley, Jacqueline E. Whispering the Word. Westminster John Knox,
2005.
- Levenson, Jon D. Esther: A Commentary. Old Testament Library.
Westminster John Knox, 1997.
- Perdue, Leo G., Joseph Blenkinsopp, John J. Collins, and Carol Meyers.
Families in Ancient Israel. Westminster John Knox, 1997.
- Sakenfeld, Katherine Doob. Ruth: A Biblical Commentary for Teaching and
Preaching. Interpretation. Westminster John Knox, 1999.
- Course reader and materials on reserve with articles and chapters in books
by authors such as Bernhard Anderson, Phyllis Bird, Julie L.C. Chu, Harold
Fisch, Tikvah Frymer-Kensky, Musimbi Kanyoro, Carol Meyers, Itumeleng Mosala,
and Phyllis Trible.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bechtel, Carol M. Esther. Interpretation. Westminster John
Knox, 2002.
- Beckwith, R. The Old Testament Canon of the New Testament Church.
Eerdmans, 1985.
- Bush, Frederick. Ruth/Esther. Word Biblical Commentary 9. Word,
1996.
- Darr, Katheryn Pfisterer. Far More Precious than Jewels. Westminster
John Knox, 1991.
- Fox, Michael. Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther. 2nd ed.
Eerdmans, 2001.
- Hubbard, Robert. Ruth. NICOT. Eerdmans, 1988.
ASSIGNMENTS: For the first day of class: Read Ruth 1 & 2,
Sakenfeld, Ruth, pp. 1-50, and "The Family in Early Israel" by Carol
Meyers, pp. 1-47 in Perdue et al., Families in Ancient Israel.
(1) Preparation for class by completing the reading assignments and
reports and participation in class discussions (30%). (2) A 6-page take-home
exam on aspects of women's roles in ancient Israel and in the Old Testament.
Due 8 a.m. on Monday, June 30 (25%). (3) A 4-page essay reflecting on Ruth and
Esther in the canon (15%). (4) A 15-page paper: (a) research-based
interpretation of selected passages; (b) précis of a ministry
application of the selected passages (e.g., sermons, character studies, Bible
study lessons, songs) (30%). Assignments #3 and #4 are due July 21, 2008 in the
SOT Academic Programs Office, Payton Hall.
PREREQUISITES: OT501 or OT502 or OT504.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MA program requirements for Old
Testament book study (OTBK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (4/08)