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)